Relocating from Columbus, OH to the Chicago Burbs

[MikeBoom]

Though it still may not meet your time requirements, you've gotten some bad info on the commute time from Naperville. There are express trains running every 20 minutes in the morning and evening commuting hours that take 33-34 minutes from Naperville to Union Station. Because it's the busiest station in the Metra system, there are a lot of trains and you'll likely find that you have more flexibility. I'd suggest that you look at the train schedules if this might be a concern. Some of the closer towns have less service or are only serviced by the "local" trains, which make nearly every intermediate stop.

I live in a townhouse complex that's about a 2-3 minute walk from the station, so I've got a tremendously easy commute. If you're looking to rent, there are usually a couple of townhouses available here (the complex is Naperville Station) and Fifth Avenue Station, a renovated furniture factory with some very nice loft apartments is also directly adjacent to the station. You could find a place at Fifth Avenue Station within your budget, but townhouse rentals in our complex tend to run $2,500/month and up.

Also--and this is not to slam the other options along the BNSF corridor--Naperville has a very vibrant downtown, with good shopping and dozens of great restaurants within a five-minute walk of the Metra station. There are a fair number of entertainment options and it's become a weekend destination for people from throughout the metro area due to its offerings . . . restaurants, museums, a wide range of entertainment, and great parks.

Anyway, I'd urge a second look. For an extra 13-14 minutes on the train, you may find Naperville's other advantages to be worthy of consideration.

Also, I'd add a note on Metra commuting. I've been doing it for over 20 years and it's actually a darned nice way to get to and from work. It's very reliable, the seating is comfortable, and, overall, it's a pretty civilized way to travel. Most commuters on the BNSF read their papers, surf the web, do some work, or snooze on the train. It's a lot different experience than the CTA trains within the City, which tend to be noisy, uncomfortable and (sometimes) a bit dangerous. If you work across the street from Union Station, I think you'll find the commute to be pretty easy.

[Hatchetman]

Anyone know what the going rates for a 2-bedroom apt in or near the loop are?

[ktimesk]

MikeBoom,
Thanks for putting things in perspective. I think I will go with Railway Plaza across from the Rt 59 station. This settles it more than likely.

[ktimesk]

Ok, one last question before I put this to bed. I found several decent apartments in Downers Grove.
Downers grove can probably cut my commute to Union station by 10-15 mins.
What is your opinion of the Downers Grove area? How does it compare to Naperville?

[AuDiBelle]

I'd personally go for a closer-in community than Naperville. LaGrange has a lot of appeal (and rentals) with their downtown area. Western Springs is a sleepier town with not as much night life and also has very few rentals. Brookfield has many rentals around their train stations and has some decent eateries/bars nearby as well. Downers is decent as well.

You may also want to check out Des Plaines. They have a nice downtown area and it's right along the metra line as well (I forget which one though).

[ktimesk]

THank you all. I chose Naperville.