Questions on Chicago? (middle-class, ski resorts, apartment)

[rklesla]

We visit almost every year and want to live there soon. I just have a few questions, are their any good ski resorts nearby and do they get consistent cold/snow long enough to enjoy it?

I assume cars are not needed to do the everyday things, but how do you haul groceries back home?

Is there an area outside the city but within the rail to park your car for when you need it to travel way outside the city?

What is a annual household income for us if we have 2 kids, want a decent neighborhood, prolly middle-class, and have alittle extra spending money for eating out, museums every 3 months or so, and travelling.

What are property taxes there per $100k?

Thanks,
Klesla

[NSH]

I can answer the ski "resort" question. The closest best skiing is in Traverse City and Cadillac MI about 5 hours north, don't expect to find a resort atmosphere though. Lodging is geared toward hunters and snow mobilers. Wisconsin has some hills but they are overused, made of mostly fake snow and ice up fast.
So the answer is technically, no. But you do have access to all the best ski resorts via ohare or midway airport

[Manigault]

That's a lot of questions! On skiing, what's wrong with cross country? If you want downhill, a closer place is in Kalamazoo, MI but that's still two hours from the city. I'm glad you are prepared for cold weather.

A car is not always necessary but, on the other hand, to get groceries, many folks go every two weeks to the big box places like Costco. Remember to check for storage space when you are choosing a living place. Since there is no alternate side of the street parking in Chicago (as a general rule), you don't need to park your car outside the city. Just park it somewhere near your home and leave it there. You would have to move it only on the street cleaning days.

Necessary income for this area is the income you earn. Your income level will determine what type of housing you can afford but since this is a city, the attractions are convenient to just about all areas. However, income will determine if you own a condo, a free standing house or rent a walk-up apartment. Property taxes vary by location. In the suburbs you could expect to pay $1500 a year on a $100K house but I don't know if you could find a house for that amount.

[jdiddy]

Yes there are ski resorts w/in 2-3 hours drive, but let's be honest, you are moving to Chicago, not Denver. They are midwest hills reliant on snow machines. Fun for a day trip a couple of weekends in the winter, but not much more.

As for groceries, check out zipcar.com It's a car sharing service, after the signup fee, you pay 7-8 bucks to rent a car by the hour. Gas and insurance are included. They've got cars reserved all over the city, so its fairly convenient to pick one up.

If you live in the city and you use your car mainly for groceries and errands on the weekends, it makes much more sense to use zip car than own your own.