need advice on where to go in the chicago area (Evanston: real estate, apartment complexes)

[dbneely1983]

i am getting out of the military, i have a wife and two small children, we are both going to go to school. i am looking for some advice on where we can go that is affordable, has local colleges, family friendly neighborhoods, you know the perfect world. Who can get me the closest to that.

[chet everett]

Downstate cost of living is orders of magnitude more affordable.

Western Il in Macomb or SUI at Carbondale or Edwardsville as well as Eastern at Charleston all have specialists to help you get the most out of military benefits. You may be eligible for housing help too.

Depending on what your background is and how many credits you have already accumulated you face a lot of choices as to what you will study and how this effects both immeadiate employment and long term career.

http://www.collegezone.com/media/COM..._Chart_v3_.pdf

Thank you for your service!

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by dbneely1983

i am getting out of the military, i have a wife and two small children, we are both going to go to school. i am looking for some advice on where we can go that is affordable, has local colleges, family friendly neighborhoods, you know the perfect world. Who can get me the closest to that.

I would really suggest if you don't need to have a huge city right nearby (Chicago) that you look around Bloomington/Normal if you want colleges and nice places to either buy or rent where rents are cheap (under $1000 a mo for a nice townhome) and the area is basically all families and both towns have very nice schools for your kids. Check it out.

[Joel67]

When you joined the military, were you a citizen of Illinois for at least 6 months prior? If so, look into the Illinois Veteran's Grant for free tuition at in-state public colleges and universities (including community colleges).

Do you have any college and if so, how were your grades? How are your SAT/ACT scores? If you have good grades and scores, I'd shoot for something in or around Champaign and try to attend U of I, or transfer there after a year of community college.

[blonde_girl09]

I live in Cook county, and I can tell you that I agree with NYrules. If you don't need to live near Chicago, aim for other areas. By Chicago, taxes are high and the real estate is ridiculous. Plus, the weather in Chicago is horrible during the winter. (I plan to move south after I finish college.) Champaign or Urbana is nice, and U of I is right there. So is Parkland College, which offers a bunch of classes. Downtown Urbana has some nice restaurants and nightlife, and with the college near by, there's always something to do.

[ToriaT]

On the other hand, if you want or have to move near Chicago move close to the college of Dupage. Very good junior college. After two years, you can take the train in and finish up your degree at the University of Illinois, Chicago, or a handful of other schools in the Chicago area. Cost of living won't be cheap though. You could rent an apt. near there or get maybe a townhouse if you have some money. Family friendly and good schools. Try Wheaton or Glen Ellyn.

[TempesT68]

Depending on what you consider affordable, college of dupage is one of the best community colleges in the nation, and has many apartment complexes near it. If that's a little too pricey, joliet jr. college is a good school as well. You can pickup many affordable option in the plainfield area.

[chiboy7]

Evanston. ETHS and Chute middle school is award winning and there are many affordable houses. And since you are you are in the Evanston community, a very involved group of people who care about the city.