When my friends moved to the suburbs, I decided to raise my kids in Chicago. Being an urban mom was the best choice.

The author raised her kids in Chicago.

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• I knew many people who moved away from Chicago to raise their kids, but I stayed.
• In Chicago, my kids had access to parks, museums, and multiple learning opportunities.
• Of course, I was afraid to let them roam the city on their own, but independence was important.

While raising my kids in Chicago, I saw a recurring pattern. A neighbor would welcome a second child, or a friend's oldest would be ready for middle school.