Commute times (Chicago, Evanston, Palatine: employment, buyers, schools)

[r1cky]

I am interested in a job that is located in Northfield, IL. How long would it take to commute to and from Palatine? Is that a good area in which to live? Any other ideas where I could live that are within a reasonable commute (45 minutes) and affordable as well?

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friend:

In the entire Chicago land areas that also include suburbs - - as far west as the Fox River and beyond - - there is only one constant parameter regarding the traffic situations. That parameter of 'driving times' constantly changes in any large city areas.
So if one decides to commute via the expressways / tollways - - and if an accident should occur, then the expressway becomes a parking lot. And in the Chicago area, accidents are VERY frequent. That's because some people are very eager to get to work fast. And that causes accidents.
In the situation of the billions of local roads in the Chicago area, there are too many stoplights. So it is almost impossible to answer your question.
For a generalized idea of distance between those two suburbs, try measuring that distance on "MapQuest". At least that will give you an exact idea of point to point distance.
As mentioned in some of my previous threads- - everyone searches for the same things. And because of that the Chicago area is overloaded with people searching for the same goals. Eventually ALL towns and corporation reach the saturation point. So to obtain something in your favor which also includes employment - - then analyze your exact parameters. Write them down and then flip one of those parameters 180 degrees.
In our business & college world of today, approximately three generations of college graduates are still unemployed and are competing with you for employment. To reiterate, change one of your goal parameters 180 degrees.
Perhaps other people will comment on this, too.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[Drover]

Uh... I think what he meant to say was "the commute from Palatine to Northfield is approximately 20 to 35 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic conditions."

As for what's available within a 45-minute range.... that's just way too broad of a question. You could live anywhere from the Northwest side of Chicago to Evanston to Kenosha. It might help to let us know what other criteria you're looking for, especially housing price range, more urban/suburban/rural, are schools a concern, looking for a singles scene or are you a family man, do you want access to the city for nightlife options, and if so, which city, Milwaukee or Chicago? etc. etc. etc...

[J Randolph]

What's affordable in your eyes? Why not Northfiled? perhaps Buffalo Grove or Propsect Heights-- it all depends on what your looking for--

call a realtor--their services are free for buyers and it is a buyers market.

[Transcendental Blues]

I live in Tinley Park and I am thinking of taking a job in Des Moines. I think my commute will be about as long as yours... lol.