Arlington Heights--good place for a recent college graduate? (Chicago, Schaumburg: apartments, travel)

[darkroom1]

I recently got a job in Arlington Heights--right off IL-53 on Euclid. I drove around a bit and it didn't seem the most exciting place for someone in their young 20s to live. And I know the commute from the city wouldn't be too much fun.

I know there's been a lot of posts on reverse-commuting, but I'm looking for an area fairly close to my job (I could live with an hour commute). But also a place that is close to nightlife and such in the city. So a place that has El service.

I've read posts suggesting jefferson park and irving park. But can I find something reasonably priced around there? By that, I mean no more than $700 a month.

Maybe such a place does not exist. I appreciate the help.

[chitown1]

Check out Palatine. IF you want to stay close to your job. They have a bunch of clubs. Schaumburg might also be an area to check out. That is where Woodfield Mall is located, so plenty of shopping/restaurants.

There may be public transportation, but I'm not an expert. Good Luck in your hunt! Public transportation to get downtown from any of the suburbs is easy. You just use Metra's regional transportation instead of CTA.

Good luck!

[Chinolala]

Schaumburg is your best bet if you want to live in the suburbs. It has a good amount of entertainment. If you want to live in the citythen look at Jefferson Park, Gompers Park, Mayfair, Norwood Park...basically any neighborhood on the NW side of the city. These neighborhoods do have some singles, but are by and large family neighborhoods. However, living there would at least make your drive to work bearable and give you the ability to take the subway into the city on weekends. You'd be living about midway between downtown and work or a bit closer to downtown. Arlington Heights is a nice suburb and they have Metra into downtown and decent "downtown" area. But I'd never want to live there, or most suburbs if I were in my early 20's.

[darkroom1]

Thanks!

I'm thinking I'll stay away from the suburbs. The Northwest Side of the city sounds ideal--the ride downtown doesn't seem so bad either.

One more question: is the Northwest side of the city fairly safe throughout? I'm from NYC and have lived in many urban areas that are a little "rough around the edges," so something reasonably safe should be just fine.

Appreciate the help

[Chinolala]

Originally Posted by darkroom1

Thanks!

I'm thinking I'll stay away from the suburbs. The Northwest Side of the city sounds ideal--the ride downtown doesn't seem so bad either.

One more question: is the Northwest side of the city fairly safe throughout? I'm from NYC and have lived in many urban areas that are a little "rough around the edges," so something reasonably safe should be just fine.

Appreciate the help

Yes, the nw side of the city is faiirly safe. As you know, no area is completely safe, but the nw side is one of the safest parts of the city.

[chitown1]

I too grew up in NYC (Washington Heights actually). I have lived on the NW side of Chicago for 20 years. Yes, it's generally safe. Like others have pointed out, your still in the City.

Good luck on your house hunt!

[labnu]

i LIVE IN OLD IRVING PARK, YOU CAN FIND APARTMENTS BUILDINGS 600-700/MONTH NEAR THE TRAIN (BLUE LINE) WHICH WILL TAKE YOU INTO DOWNTOWN IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES. TOTALLY SAFE TO TRAVEL. YOU CAN FIND EVERYTHING IN THE AREA YOU NEED. ITS PERFECT 4 U!

[nanannie]

Live in the city-take the train to work.

[mendelman]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Live in the city-take the train to work.

Yeah. Live in a northwest side City neighborhood (Irving Park, Jefferson Park, etc.) near the UP Northwest Metra line. There is a Metra stop at the Arlington Race race course and you could probably walk from the station to you job at the 53/Euclid intersection (it's about a mile walk from the station to the intersection of Rohlwing Rd. and Euclid Ave. - you have to walk around the Track, which is pretty big.)