Where shall we live if my husband works in Itasca and I work in downtown Chicago?

[oakparkdude]

If I were you I'd look at Ukrainian village or Oak Park. Lincoln Park would add at least 30 minutes to get to Union Station if not more. UV has tons of bars and restaurants.

[chirack]

I think I would choose oak park if I were you. Oak park has easy quick access to downtown via metra and CTA and a car in the burbs is a near necasity. If you want to drive into the city on a weekend it is easy. The only downside will be the 40 min commute to Itsca.

One big problem with Metra is that it is more geared towards taking people into to the city than towards taking people from the city out to the burbs and so his work schedule and Metra might not mesh.

[robsw]

I have a good friend who lives on the Gold Coast and works in Itasca. He drives every day and says the commute averages 1:15 - 1:30.

[cubssoxfan]

Elmhurst is worth a look. 15-20 minute drive to Itasca and Metra service to job downtown.

[kurama93]

Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove
Anywhere with close access to I-355 and close enough for you to be on the METRA

[oakparkdude]

As I've pointed out previously in this thread (http://www.city-data.com/forum/17801792-post6.html), the MD-W gets from Ukrainian Village to Itasca in 30-40 minutes. Pace bus 616 meets the Metra train and shuttles passengers to the the husband's place of employ 2 miles away. Total commute is around 40-50 minutes and requires no driving. There are 3 AM metra to bus connections and 3 PM bus to metra connections.

Oak Park is also a somewhat reasonable option for someone who's preference is Lincoln Park/Gold Coast. Its not nearly as lively as the trendy city neighborhoods, but its probably the best of the suburban options. The downtown area is very walkable and has an assortment of restaurants, grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, a movie theater, train station, and several grocery stores. That being said, the commute from Oak Park to Itasca will require driving and will likely be as long if not longer than from UV.

I don't know why anyone who has been paying attention to this thread would recommend any other suburbs.

[tonythetuna]

This is going to come down to if you want city or suburban living.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

This is going to come down to if you want city or suburban living.

Given the OP wants to live in Lincoln Park or Gold Coast, its pretty certain she's not looking for suburban.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

Given the OP wants to live in Lincoln Park or Gold Coast, its pretty certain she's not looking for suburban.

Well she did post this first:

Originally Posted by tashastring

My husband's job is based in Itasca and I work in the city. We want somewhere mid-way