Hi, everyone!

This doesn't really have anything to do with our son, but I'm hoping you'll allow me to post anyway. It will affect him just as it will our whole family.
I need some advice from anyone living in/near New York City, Chicago, L.A., or Sioux Falls, SD. I know it's kind of a random list with Sioux Falls in the mix, but there it is. These are potential cities where my husband will get a job in the next six months. We are supposed to talk about it and then let his future employer know which we prefer. He will be working in the city and we are pretty sure it will be cheaper for us to live outside and have him commute.

Where should we look for housing? In other words, which surrounding towns would be best to look at? Or is the city really the better way to go? We would be there about five years before being transferred again, so buy or rent? What about opportunities (things to do) for kiddos, both with and without Ds? In our current town Josh's therapists have to travel from Phoenix and Tucson to see him. Therapies are non-existent where we live. Is it difficult to get therapies started for your babies in these areas? He's 8 months old. I've heard stories in other parts of the U.S. where families have to wait months before a therapist can come to them.

If there is anything else you can think of that I should know, please let me know.

Thank you so much!

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Debbie, mom of Lizzie (2 yrs) and Joshua (6 mos corrected age.-DS)

For you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139, v 13
And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three quarters percent guaranteed.--Dr. Seuss

I'm originally for CA and I know that in Southern CA especially in areas such as Orange county, they have great resources and tons to do. Traffic is horrible, but the weather is perfect. As with other cities like LA it would depend on where you live. Usually if there is more money the school systems are much better. San Diego, an hour south has a special Down syndrome clinic that is new.

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I live in San Bernardino County in Southern California and we are REALLY unimpressed with the school systems here!! California is having a terrible time financially and the education system is feeling the brunt of it!!!! I know your son is still tiny but if you are going to be here any length of time it is something to consider.
Good luck!!!
~Lauri

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Hi there! We live in the Chicago area in a town called Oak Park. We love it here and have had a really good experience in terms of getting services for Eden. Oak Park is well-known for its special education services as well (although we haven't yet used the school system so I can't vouch for it personally yet) and that is a big part of why we ended up buying here. In general I haven't heard great things about the schools in the city but don't know a lot about that. Oak Park is definitely more of an urban feel vs true suburban, though, so it is not for everyone. If you're looking to be more suburban...I hear great things about Naperville (which is easily accessible to Downtown by train for your husband) and also just read a post by Dylan's mom on this board saying she was happy with Dylan's school in Plainfield.

Chicago is a great city...lots of culture...tons of different ethnicities which makes all kinds of foods available...there are beaches (sure, it is on the lake and not the ocean but it is a very BIG lake LOL), music festivals and concerts, lots of museums, great zoos, lots of parks and nature preserves...

OK, I'll stop selling now. We'd love to have you here!

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Nathalie
Mom to Eden (DS) 4-13-08
Wife to Luciano (the best daddy in the world) since 10-8-2005
www.caringbridge.org/visit/edensalem