I haven’t talked much lately about our pending move. We obviously have not moved and we’re still in good Ole O-Town. Our house has officially been on the market for a year and we’ve had 6 showings this entire time. Everyone says the house is too small (over 1800 square feet plus a finished basement that adds another 900 square feet). 
Good thing we’re not too worried about it…
Mike is still working in Champaign and the position has posted as a permanent position that will close on Feb. 26. Mike’s last day in Champaign is Feb. 20 so he will be back in Effingham for at least a few weeks before we find out if he will have the Champaign job permanently.
If he does receive the Champaign job then we will be looking to move to the “suburbs” of Champaign. I’ve done some research and I think Mahomet or Savoy will be a good areas for us with a good school systems.
I’ve also researched real estate, preschools, and hospitals. There are many options for doctors and preschools, which excites me. It also looks like we will be able to afford a nice house with plenty of room for all of us. We’re lucky that the government will buy our house for the appraised value and move us when Mike receives a transfer.
Champaign seems like a good area for us to settle down and plant roots. It is the perfect “compromise” location — halfway between my hometown and Mike’s but in a more urban area with many more opportunities for all of us. My hope is that my mom will move with us and put her house on the market. (She agrees with this assessment most days, but then will randomly freak out about it… but that is the plan.) With the way real estate is moving in our area we will probably have her house here for awhile, but I think that will be good for the transition. I’ve specifically been looking at houses that have enough room for all of us or that we could add on a “nanny’s quarters” to for Mom. The ideal situation would be for Mom to have her own “pool house” or “cottage” in our backyard but that will depend on the building restrictions in the area.
My current job is portable so it won’t change with the move. My current pregnancy will impact when I return to brick and mortar employment. (If it works out, if there is one or two, etc.) There is a community college in Champaign, U of I is there, and numerous high schools. There has to be something for me to do!
If Mike does not receive the Champaign job then he will open up the job search again to other areas. Our hope is for a permanent promotion. If the Champaign job doesn’t work out, I’m pushing for Florida. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
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And a question — for any of you who happen to know the Champaign area… What area do you think has the best school system? Any advice for preschools in the area? What about activities to do with children? I’d love to take Bo to something like Gymboree but Champaign doesn’t have one.
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After your post on smoking–I wonder how that will effect your mother possibly living with you. Living with a smoker, I know that the smell travels through the heat/air system.
Gramma Kat
I used to live in Urbana, but I was too young to pay attention to the things you are interested in as a parent. It is a great place to grow up.
They might not have gymboree, but I am sure they have something similar. Have you tried searching for Kindermusik? I still know people in the area, I may be able to connect you to another mom or two.
I have to say I am jealous the government will buy your house for the appraised value, with the way the market is that is just awesome!!
I don’t have any advice about Champaign – I’m an Indiana girl myself – but I just have to say holy crap about your house. We have 1600 sq ft and that’s it. I would kill for a total 2700 sq ft!! LOL. Good luck selling though, I know the market isn’t really on your side right now.
Good luck with the house selling! Yuck!