Working in Itasca, where to live? (Chicago, Schaumburg: relocating, apartments, suburbs)

[borntoplay]

I am going to be working out in Itasca, any hints on where to live?

I am single, in my early 20s, and I am relocating from California. I am excited to be out in the Chicago area. I would love to live in Chicago, but I don't think I would enjoy the commute in traffic. Any ideas of places near Itasca? Thanks for your input!

[sbd78]

Schaumburg is near Itasca and has decent nightlife as far as suburbs go.

[borntoplay]

As well, any help on what the commute would really be like from Chicago to Itasca? Is it doable??

[tcs1366]

depending on how far you live or work from the train... yes it's doable.
the Metra station is right in the downtown of Itasca, which is tiny... if i knew where you were working, i could tell you how far away that would be.

Itasca is a very small village, maybe 1.5 miles square. and there are only a few "industrial" areas, or the complex off of Thorndale Ave. [i've lived here since `69 so i know it well enough .... i just dont know the city well.]

But, Itasca to Chicago's Union Station is roughly 40-45 min ... less if you take the Express. here's the weekday, Outbound sched.
http://metrarail.com/Sched/md_w/mdw_wko.shtml

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by borntoplay

As well, any help on what the commute would really be like from Chicago to Itasca? Is it doable??

You could live near Metra's Mont Clare stop or Mars stop. You could live near any of these stops and the commute time would be far les than from downtown.

The Burbs of Elmwood Park or River Grove (both have stops) are preferable to the city options though.

[borntoplay]

Thanks for the input. I've been told by people to live in the city, although living in the city sounds enticing, I'd rather not commute that far which is why I am looking to live closer to work. But I would like to be somewhere that is lively, has things to do.

Can anyone fill me in on Schaumburg, or other suburbs', downtown/night life?

[MurphyPl1]

Schaumburg will be vastly more exciting than Itasca. Itasca is a beautiful, quiet little town.

[tcs1366]

>> Can anyone fill me in on Schaumburg, or other suburbs', downtown/night life?

Wish I could help ya there... but i never did the "night life scene" and my kids aren't old enough yet ... but i do recall that Schaumburg does have "clubs" ... i just can't give any personal opinions.

BUT -- most of the western burbs are so accessible to Chicago, that you should have a problem to find something to do.

I would think the Schaumburg area in general would have a lot to offer.

>>Schaumburg will be vastly more exciting than Itasca. Itasca is a beautiful, quiet little town.

yes -- this is true. Many of us like it quiet.

I also thought that the apartments would be "out of reach" price wise... but the ones in town are
1Bd/1Bath Starting @ $989.00*
2 Bd/2Bath Starting @ $1125.00*

I thought it would have been higher....

but night life in town... nope.... well there is Bens Tavern.
but with location, it is accessible to just about everything.

[sbd78]

Living in the city is definately the most fun for a young single guy. The commute will be rough at best, however. I used to live in the city and work in the burbs (Lincolnshire) and the commute was a nightmare. I'm guessing the city to Itasca would probably be about 1.5 hours each way. (Although the commute tends to be better in the morning and worse in the evening.) If you think you can handle it, the city is the place to be. If you are looking for an easy commute, Schaumburg is the way to go as far as proximity to Itasca and an abundance of nightlife and restaurants for a burb.

[MurphyPl1]

Originally Posted by tcs1366

>>Schaumburg will be vastly more exciting than Itasca. Itasca is a beautiful, quiet little town.

yes -- this is true. Many of us like it quiet.

I used to attend church in Itasca about 15 yrs ago. Do y'all still do the luminaries around town on Christmas Eve? I loved that.