IL suburbs or NWI?

[skorch101]

From the research I've done, the school system seems comparable if not a little better in NWI. I'm not terribly concerned about parks and libraries so I can't comment on that. I would be willing to bet that you do get better value in NWI - the problem we are running into is finding what we want in a home and a reasonable commute. For example, we saw a lovely home in Porter IN - asking price $268k and taxes at $2900. Home was literally 1 mile to train so basically your commute is the train ride in and then walk to the office. That would work for us. But driving 30 mins to a station and then taking a 60 minute train ride will start to wear us out we think. At least on the train, we can be working, relaxing, sleeping, whatever!

[knighthood82]

Originally Posted by skorch101

From the research I've done, the school system seems comparable if not a little better in NWI. I'm not terribly concerned about parks and libraries so I can't comment on that. I would be willing to bet that you do get better value in NWI - the problem we are running into is finding what we want in a home and a reasonable commute. For example, we saw a lovely home in Porter IN - asking price $268k and taxes at $2900. Home was literally 1 mile to train so basically your commute is the train ride in and then walk to the office. That would work for us. But driving 30 mins to a station and then taking a 60 minute train ride will start to wear us out we think. At least on the train, we can be working, relaxing, sleeping, whatever!

It sounds like you've came to a conclusion. I am a fan of that area myself. I'm actually considering buying some land there. I believe the South Shore station you are referring to is called Dune Park. Another plus is that if you like nature you're right next to the Indiana Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore. I enjoy taking strolls along Lake Michigan at night, it can be quite relaxing. Porter is served by Chesterton schools which are very good. The only downside is that there is no shopping in the immediate area, you have to go to Chesterton for that. Besides that, I think it's a great area.

[skorch101]

Great! Thanks for the response. I agree with you on the nature piece - must be beautiful during the mild months! I'm fairly convinced on that area, but I have to get my wife there! For me, I look at it like I'll have the hustle and bustle of the city when I'm in town during the week. I can always stay late and enjoy a nice dinner or do shopping with the wife, but then when you get home, it can actually be a relaxing atmosphere - no hustle and bustle in Porter/Chesterton from what I see/hear/read. I think long term our quality of life would be better there, but still not opposed to some of the IL burbs. We'll see, but yes, indeed leaning towards NWI.

[linicx]

The poster asked a legitimate question. Stay on topic.
If you choe not to answer the OP move on.
Attempts to hijack the thread will earn infractions.

[LIS123]

Originally Posted by skorch101

From the research I've done, the school system seems comparable if not a little better in NWI. I'm not terribly concerned about parks and libraries so I can't comment on that. I would be willing to bet that you do get better value in NWI - the problem we are running into is finding what we want in a home and a reasonable commute. For example, we saw a lovely home in Porter IN - asking price $268k and taxes at $2900. Home was literally 1 mile to train so basically your commute is the train ride in and then walk to the office. That would work for us. But driving 30 mins to a station and then taking a 60 minute train ride will start to wear us out we think. At least on the train, we can be working, relaxing, sleeping, whatever!

I wouldn't recommend commuting to Chicago from that deep into Indiana. Even if you live down the street from the station, the commute can be grueling. It sucks to sit on the train that long each eay (you're talking total of 2 H/day). I'd rather drive a little more to the station and spend less time on the train. I heard they updates their cars, so that may help but 60 minutes is a longtime on the train.

[skorch101]

Yeah I'm with you! That can wear on you over time I would imagine. It's just different because where I come from (Green Bay WI) it is easy to choose an area that you'd like to live and you don't deal with congestion on freeways. Chicago is a whole new ballgame! It seems there are hundreds of suburbs!

[svillechris]

Originally Posted by LIS123

I wouldn't recommend commuting to Chicago from that deep into Indiana. Even if you live down the street from the station, the commute can be grueling. It sucks to sit on the train that long each eay (you're talking total of 2 H/day). I'd rather drive a little more to the station and spend less time on the train. I heard they updates their cars, so that may help but 60 minutes is a longtime on the train.

Actually, from the Dune Park station to Millennium Station is about 80 mins, not 60... so even longer. I agree with your point though that this is not fun to sit on the train that long. A drive to the station of 15 mins or so and a 35-42 min train ride makes the commute much more bearable in my opinion.

[knighthood82]

I totally forgot about this but if you are still interested in the Dyer area there is an express bus service that goes from Dyer to downtown Chicago every day. Here is a link to the schedule: easygo Chicago - An Alternate Flight Plan: Bus Schedule.

[allen2323]

Originally Posted by knighthood82

I totally forgot about this but if you are still interested in the Dyer area there is an express bus service that goes from Dyer to downtown Chicago every day. Here is a link to the schedule: easygo Chicago - An Alternate Flight Plan: Bus Schedule.

90 minutes is a long bus ride to endure daily. Catching the metra in matteson, homewood, olympia fields, flossmoor, richton park, or whichever station is closer to you is a much better option. An express train will have you downtown in 35 minutes.