Move to Rockland (Chicago, Rockford: high crime, find a job, school district)

[npj]

We are looking at moving from Oklahoma to Illinois. My husband is looking at a job in Rockford. I saw Rockford had high crime rate, so I have some concerns. Any specific suburb recommendations? We have 2 kids, ages 3 years and 15 months. We both make a good income, would likely be willing to spend up to $500k on a house. I work in healthcare so likely can find a job mostly anywhere. We would love to be close to playgrounds, or museums, or other fun or educational activities for kids. We would love to be involved in a community with other educated parents. We would like to live in a good school district or near a good Catholic school for the kids. My husband may also need to go to the financial district in Chicago at times. Let me know if any thoughts! Thanks in advance!

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by npj

We are looking at moving from Oklahoma to Illinois. My husband is looking at a job in Rockford. I saw Rockford had high crime rate, so I have some concerns. Any specific suburb recommendations? We have 2 kids, ages 3 years and 15 months. We both make a good income, would likely be willing to spend up to $500k on a house. I work in healthcare so likely can find a job mostly anywhere. We would love to be close to playgrounds, or museums, or other fun or educational activities for kids. We would love to be involved in a community with other educated parents. We would like to live in a good school district or near a good Catholic school for the kids. My husband may also need to go to the financial district in Chicago at times. Let me know if any thoughts! Thanks in advance!

In your other thread, I recommended looking at points due east of downtown Rockford. There are nice upscale properties there with healthy commercial activity as well.