Relocating to work in Des Plaines- city or suburb? (Chicago: renting, neighborhoods)

[sharilyn]

I am relocating from Michigan, and will be working in Des Plaines, steps from ORD. I am single, female, no kids. I want no more than a 30 minute commute. I will be renting budget of about $1300????

Should I look at areas east of the airpot like Rogers Park? Or west like Elk Grove Village, or go to a north burb like Palatine, Arlington Heights? I just see neighborhoods on the map, not sure what any are like. ANy other suggestions I am just cofused at this point.

[Chicago0304]

Single, I'd say city.. Can you take the metra and walk to work form there? When I was single I joined a club called Highlife adventures, it's a good way to meet people

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by sharilyn

I am relocating from Michigan, and will be working in Des Plaines, steps from ORD. I am single, female, no kids. I want no more than a 30 minute commute. I will be renting budget of about $1300????

Should I look at areas east of the airpot like Rogers Park? Or west like Elk Grove Village, or go to a north burb like Palatine, Arlington Heights? I just see neighborhoods on the map, not sure what any are like. ANy other suggestions I am just cofused at this point.

Rogers Park would be too far of a commute, I'd suggest Norwood Park or Jeff Park if you want to do the city thing. Schaumburg/ Palatine and Elmhurst arent bad options either

[reppin_the_847]

In the city I'd say maybe Jefferson Park, but if you want to be closer to the action possibly Bucktown/Wicker Park area to be close to 90/94, but to be in a hip neighborhood and near the nightlife and Lincoln Park/Gold Coast/River North as well. The commute times could stretch to over 30 minutes with traffic, however.

[MannheimMadman]

Jefferson Park is nice. You can hop on the blue line towards O Hare if you need to fly out for business, and you can go the other way to Bucktown, Wicker Park or River West for fun and socializing.

[chet everett]

How old are you? What sort of nightlife is important to you? How long a commute are you willing to tolerate day in and day out to have the resources of Chicago available after working hours?

In my mind the cut off between tolerating the hassles of Chicago happens about eight years or so out of college, though for people with a special affinity for the unique qualities of the better Chicago offerings ( be that professional sports, the arts, bars/ nightclubs) last much longer...

[knitgirl]

I agree with Chet 100%. Even in my 20's I wasn't that keen on going out to clubs, etc. I lived in the city because I worked there, but living right by nightlife isn't everyone's priority. I'd rather have a very easy daily commute and have to go further for my entertainment and social activities. OP, it would probably help if you'd tell us more about you.

[sharilyn]

Sorry been on an extended business trip. I am in my early 40's and single. I really do not want more than a 30 minute commute, I know Chicago area traffic is awful. Nightlife is not important I would rather have a really good mix of shops and restaurants nearby preferably to walk too. I like to be outside when possible reading or walking just to be outside. i am not a club type, more of teh hang out with a few close friends having dinner type I guess, lol.

[chet everett]

DesPlaines completely a massive overhaul of their core. Shifting from outdated mom & pop places to a more current mix of restaurants, shops, and even some entertainment. I really can't think of a more ideal fit for you...

Sure, it is not as hip as some place in Wicker Park, but it is also probably a ten minute drive from any employer in DesPlaines. You can shop, eat, hang out in safety and comfort. In nice weather you can easily bicycle there.


Good Luck!

[cubssoxfan]

Downtown Arlington Heights is also worth investigating. Taking the right roads(Avoiding Arlington Heights Rd & Tollway), you can be to O'hare in 20 minutes. Lots of restaurants, movie theater, live theater, shopping, groceries, Metra and close to an excellent library.