Been in Naperville for 6 months, feeling kind of bummed. (Chicago: credit, YMCA)

[JacksonPanther]

I have never moved anywhere without already knowing someone there. I can't imagine too many things more difficult than moving to a strange town with no one to show you around, to invite you to parties, to introduce you to an initial circle of people to get you started. Otherwise it's like taking the bus to Hollywood to be a star, but you don't know anyone and don't know who to trust. Easy to get taken advantage of.

With 20/20 hindsight, this is a great reason to go to college in the town you want to live in. You will have a built-in circle of friends.

I did comment on that Boston thread about this same topic. My suggestion was to get involved in something where you are with the same people over and over again. This gives you a chance to build a bond from shared experiences. Volunteering at a soup kitchen might be nice, but the other volunteers you will probably never see again - so no chance to build a bond. Maybe a running/cycling club, or whatever hobbies you enjoy - find a club that you can participate in.

Originally Posted by BRU67

And you may have to go into the City if you want a large pool of young, single professionals. Probably not what you want to hear but it is what it is.

Not sure how "going into the city" will help him meet people and make friends. Randomly talking to strange guys or girls is not a recipe for success. What exactly should he do once he gets into the city?

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

If I were you, I'd seriously consider relocating to Chicago.

Or at least close enough so you can still do the social activities in the City without exhausting yourself. Oak Park, Forest Park or Berwyn would put him/her reasonably close to Naperville for work and close to the City for social activities.

I can't imagine I'd have much game if I had to drive an hour from Naperville after work to a coed volleyball or softball game!

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Not sure how "going into the city" will help him meet people and make friends. Randomly talking to strange guys or girls is not a recipe for success. What exactly should he do once he gets into the city?

Ride the L with a creepy expression? Just kidding! How about cooking classes, acting classes, Chicago Sport and Social Club, wine tastings, Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday after work, cycling club, running club, etc., etc., etc. A better effect would be had with a job downtown. Then you'd meet people doing these things and more.

[kulik44]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Or at least close enough so you can still do the social activities in the City without exhausting yourself. Oak Park, Forest Park or Berwyn would put him/her reasonably close to Naperville for work and close to the City for social activities.

I can't imagine I'd have much game if I had to drive an hour from Naperville after work to a coed volleyball or softball game!

Yea this is another alternative. Living close to the city without actually living right in it. Does anyone have any places in mind in these areas? How would the commute be?

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by kulik44

Yea this is another alternative. Living close to the city without actually living right in it. Does anyone have any places in mind in these areas? How would the commute be?

From Berwyn it takes me about 15-20 minutes on the Metra to get to the Loop or about the same time in clear traffic on I-290. My car commute rarely exceeds 45 minutes even in the worst traffic. I can also use the Blue Line if I take the Harlem bus for 10 minutes.

Naperville? Depends on where I go but about 45 minutes to get to downtown in no traffic (plus another hour to try and park LOL!). So it isn't exactly a stone's throw away. However, the Metra's BNSF line does go from Berwyn to downtown Naperville. That's about 40 minutes.

Berwyn's nicest area is the Proksa Park region on the south side near the Metra. The north side near Roosevelt borders Oak Park and is within walking distance to the Blue Line. Oak Park itself, Riverside, and Forest Park are good neighboring communities that also offer rentals near commuter trains. The commutes to Naperville/Chicago are obviously similar.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by kulik44

Yea this is another alternative. Living close to the city without actually living right in it. Does anyone have any places in mind in these areas? How would the commute be?

Where is your job in Naperville? It makes a big difference if you are by Naperville Ave and I-88, Rt 59 and I-88 or even downtown or south Naperville.

[kulik44]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

Where is your job in Naperville? It makes a big difference if you are by Naperville Ave and I-88, Rt 59 and I-88 or even downtown or south Naperville.

It's actually right close to the 59 exit

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by kulik44

It's actually right close to the 59 exit

When I make that drive (from Oak Park), Its about 30 minutes in the morning, maybe 45 in the afternoon.

[kulik44]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

When I make that drive (from Oak Park), Its about 30 minutes in the morning, maybe 45 in the afternoon.

How is the Oak Park area? Would you recommend the move to the area? Is it more suitable for relocatees In their 20's. Is sounds like a suburban city hybrid.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

When I make that drive (from Oak Park), Its about 30 minutes in the morning, maybe 45 in the afternoon.

Maybe on a sunny Monday. On a rainy Thursday, add 15 minutes to both of those totals.
On a snowy Friday, might as well not bother!