Reply to Relocating to DMV from Chicago, Desperately Looking for a Full-Time Daycare/Preschool

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Reply to "Relocating to DMV from Chicago, Desperately Looking for a Full-Time Daycare/Preschool"

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[quote=donewithchicago][quote=Anonymous]A $200 increase is really not that bad. [/quote]

I meant $200 a month. $2400 total. 
[quote=Anonymous]I haven't lived there in a decade but my immediate family is all still there and we go back regularly. I keep up with the local issues and I understand what you're saying. I'm not questioning your decision to leave there; I'm not clear what it is about DC that made you choose DC over Chicago.[/quote]

I get the impression that maybe you need to hear my reasons more for your sake than mine. So I'll oblige.

1. Regional stability
I've lived in the Chicagoland area for 14 years -- including 10 in Chicago proper. The city hasn't gotten better. It's gotten worse by many measures (more taxes, less affordable, more public school closures, park closures, mental health facility closures, crime rate increase.) I'm looking to move to an area of the country where quality of life measures have been stable over time or improved. I believe that the DMV fits that bill.

2. Good public schools
I'm not even going to begin to discuss the nightmare that is getting kids into good Chicago public schools. As a child my husband attended the top-ranked (in city and state) Andrew Jackson Language Academy. We live very very close to it and inquired about their application pool. There are 1,000 children who compete... for 60 slots. And this is not unusual. Even the neighborhood kids aren't guaranteed slots in top-ranked neighborhood schools. There is so much corruption, too, with suburban kids stealing slots at top-ranked city schools. I would like to skip all this and move to an area of the country where the public schools are good and easy to get into.

3. Less crime
This is self-explanatory.

4. Taxes that lead to better amenities
Right now Chicago is raising its taxes -- just to get out of debt. I am fine with being taxed if I see my dollars going to improved schools, parks, public transportation, etc. I'm not okay with being taxed to pay for the mistakes of shortsighted politicians.

I mean, I'm not sure what else I can say here. Chicago is more affordable than DC (although, with taxes on the rise, the COL is going up), and it has nicer people (Midwestern friendliness!) and a more vibrant culture. But these are not reasons to stay in a city that is deeply troubled. I've noticed and applaud Emanuel's efforts in bringing big businesses into Chicago, but this doesn't seem to be having an impact on the bottom line.
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