Getting relocated to the outskirts of Chicago for work... (Naperville: apartments, for rent)

[mpx44]

Work is transplanting me to Warrenville, Ill. I understand that this is about 30 mins west of downtown Chicago. My question is, what are some good areas for renting 1 bedroom apts in the area? Keep in my mind i am fairly young and would like to be an area with other people in their 20s. Also, i think living too close to downtown would be too expensive and far from work, no?

Thanks guys.

[studedude]

You should have no trouble finding an apartment in the area, Warrenville, Naperville, Batavia, Eola, Winfield. Being able to afford it may be another story. thry this www.apartments.com/Warrenville

[ToriaT]

Warrenville is more like an hour away from downtown chicago and maybe more in rush hour. I agree with the former poster...there are many places to rent in the mentioned places. Dont forget to look at renting condos as many people are renting them out now and can be nicer than apartments.

[Los Guys]

I commuted from downtown to Warrenville for a year in 2007-2008. I also have a good number of coworkers that still do. I wouldn't recommend it as a long term plan. Unfortunately, the Western Burbs do not offer the same opportunities to "live it up" in your 20s as the city. The key is to find a good medium between commute and accessibility to nightlife, culture and single chicks/dudes to throw down with. My recommendation would be to look into Oak Park, which will cut your commute in half compared to the city, but still offer those fun things mentioned. If you are more of a homebody, and don't need those things, Naperville would be another good option.

[pvande55]

Naperville is about the only city nearby with any nightlife.

[chet everett]

pvande's suggestion is a good one, honestly the folks that make "anyplace not Chicago" out to be a wasteland are kinda nuts. Warrenville has a dozen or so nice places to grab lunch with co-workers or head out for a beer afterwork. The most common mode of commuting to Warrenville is by car, and the drive from basically any spot in Chicago will likely be an hour or more. Living in Chicago could make for an excruciating commute.

Many younger folks do rent in the apartments in Warrenville as well as nearby Naperville and Lisle. There are many folks that enjoy the more "planned community" aspect of places like Four Lakes in Lisle that has a variety of outdoor sports or working out before / after work at Lifetime Fitness which is very close to most Warrenville workplaces.

[3Series]

Unfortunately, the nightlife in Naperville and Schaumburg pale in comparison to anything on the north side of Chicago.

When I was in my 20's I worked near Lake Forest for 18 months (lived in Lincoln Park). On a bad day, rain/snow I would be in the car for 2 hours.

The commute was a bear but worth it to be able to "go out" and hang with friends any day of the week.

With hindsight, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

[mpx44]

Would the commute be as bad given that I would be driving out of the city to work as opposed to going towards the city?

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by mpx44

Would the commute be as bad given that I would be driving out of the city to work as opposed to going towards the city?

It might not be as bad but will be slow. Going home in the afternoon would definitely be a bear, especially Fridays as the commuters are joined for those going downtown for the evening.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

This is a classic example why companies are moving downtown Chicago vs. the burbs.

You have a talented young person contemplating where to live in the West Burbs.