Relocating Back to Illinois with a teenager!! (Chicago, Naperville: home, schools)

[msketta773]

I will be relocating back to Chicago from Madison, WI in the year of 2012. I'm starting early with researching locations, jobs, and schools. My career make start in the downtown area of Chicago but, I dont want my commute to be long because with having a teenage at home left alone. So with that being saying, I dont want to move back to the urban-city but, someone where she will be safe, great schools, and commute with be short. Is there any suggestions?

[chet everett]

The abundance of express trainson Metra can really help shorten a commute from home in a nice bur to work in the Loop.

Some of the shortest commute times exist for towns along the BNSF -- some good towns line the route. Basically Berwynn to Naperville are top choices. Lots of good options, start with Lagrange as it probably has the broadest range of options.

[middle-aged mom]

Downtown is a broad term in Chicago.

If you become emplyed off Michigan Ave, further north, the commute from the 2 largest train stations may add an incremental 45+ minute ( R/T)) to your commute time. This is on top of the train commute and the travel time between the train parking lot and your eventual home.

My point here is that there is often more than train time involved in commuting.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by msketta773

I will be relocating back to Chicago from Madison, WI in the year of 2012. I'm starting early with researching locations, jobs, and schools. My career make start in the downtown area of Chicago but, I dont want my commute to be long because with having a teenage at home left alone. So with that being saying, I dont want to move back to the urban-city but, someone where she will be safe, great schools, and commute with be short. Is there any suggestions?

I would suggest finding work in the suburbs and then living within a 30 minute commute. The I-88, I-90 and I-294/94 corridor have many companies located along or close to these highways with many decent towns and school choices as well.
Commutes greater than 30 minutes are common and usually neccesary in this area, but if you can find one that is under 30 minutes, it will make you & your kid's life so much less stressful.