Nobody has mentioned ORD yet. It certainly has its downsides, like weather and property taxes, but there some amazingly good deals on houses 30-45 minutes north of the employee lot just off the tollway. Very possible to sit short call at home, or even on the golf course.

Schools are very local, so no broad brush answer on that.

One caution, there is a proposed constitutional amendment to introduce a graduated income tax, up to now it has been a flat rate with very few deductions.

ORD is not currently a junior base, but it has been in the past, and probably will be in the future. The airport and terminals are expanding. Construction delays are probable for the next couple of years.

Joe