<prompt> Human: So I am deeply conflicted about whether I should rent or buy here in the Chicago area. My financial situation: Single 37 yo guy with 2 dogs work in Dupage Co near I-355I-88 make 84k have 15k liquid, 50k taxable short term bonds, 220k taxable index funds, 120k retirement 401krothIRA. Excellent credit 807 FICO.I had been living with my ailing parent who passed away in Jan. I inherited 13 of the house along with my 2 brothers. The house is too big and has too high property taxes and utilities for me to keep and consider buying out my brothers. I dont need that much space 2100 ft2 5bed2.5BA. It is just me and 2 poodles. The house is not in good shape cosmetically but I dont believe it has any serious problems. It needs new flooring, painting, remodels in kitchen and bathrooms never has been since built in 69 tuck pointing, doors and woodwork... Zillow and Redfin say 430k or so I am assuming it sells around 350k given the interior condition. The two dogs make renting more complicated. They are small and reasonably well behaved 30 and 15. Also I have very little rental history. If it wasnt for the dogs it would be a no brainier, Id rent. I could definitely afford a small house in the 250k range not a condo nor anything with an association. However, I am very hesitant to buy in Illinois. The situation with the government and particularly property taxes has me very worried that I will be taxed out of my home as the govt shows no inclination of reforming or doing what is right for the people and have made a mess fiscally with no solution. Property taxes are already 3year in many areas. I am also worried that the govt dysfunction will further hurt the housing market and economy. My job is pretty secure and stable but if anything every happened to it I would both want and need to leave the area. I am a Chemist and most of the other employers in this area pay poorly and use staffing agencies to not give benefits Abbvie, Baxter, Pepsi.... Also, I have grown to hate this area due to the government even though I lived here all my life. However, I love my job and have family in the area and would never voluntarily give up my job. I probably would never find another well paying position in my profession especially in this area.  <response>: The only place in the Chicago area Id consider buying is Chicago itself, because you can easily rent out a condo for more than your costs due to the rent market in the city, and Cook County real estate taxes arent nearly as bad as other areas of northern Illinois. Obviously, this would make your commute terrible, so I wouldnt recommend it in your case.Id rent after selling your inherited property. I am personally trying to leave Illinois in about 3 years, and Ill rent out my condo when I leave. 