Leaving LA

Recently displaced from the LA fires and am simply feeling tired of trying to live here. It’s my partner and I’s long term home and we’re sad at the thought of ever leaving. But- in light of everything going on, we want to explore other options. I don’t want to make this political at all, but the thought of buying here is increasingly unrealistic for a lot of reasons.

We’re early 30s with a newborn and two chill indoor dogs who simply would like a balcony to get some sun.

We briefly lived in Chicago and my wife loved it. Would be open to going back but I much prefer somewhere slightly warmer, at least. She needs somewhere with good Asian food, a good young mom crew/vibe, as in easy to make friends as a transplant, and easy access back to the LA area for work and family. And a well connected airport in general.

I like the outdoors much more and don’t mind rain or gloom at all, just not too frigid. I love to fly fish, hike, etc. I also definitely care about good food- all types- and a good airport, as we often travel.

We both work for ourselves remotely not that’s not a huge variable.

Also need good schools (private is fine) and healthcare for us and our baby.

Open to smaller college type of towns but nowhere too small/rural and all types of cities but nothing too conservative.

Used to living in HCOL areas - anything cheaper is obviously a great bonus.