Need help with Lombard/Downers Grove Area (Chicago, Aurora: best town, apartments)

[FentonF2]

I originally posted this thread in the "Chicago" section before realizing that there was one specifically devoted to the suburbs.

There's a very high chance that my wife and I are relocating to Chicago in June because of her job (though we won't be certain until early March). Due to her job constraints, it's extremely important that we live in an area that is roughly equidistant from Berwyn and Aurora. Looking at my road atlas, that puts us in the vicinity of cities like Downers Grove and Lombard. I know nothing of these areas, and was wondering what would be the best town in this vicinity to focus on for renting a 2 bed/1 bath townhome, duplex, or single family (no apartments, as we have 2 dogs).

Also, assuming we live in this area and I work in downtown Chicago, how horrid will my commute be and will it require the use of the mass transit system? If so, is the mass transit line from this area to downtown safe?

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

[nanannie]

Lots of info on these two burbs if you do "SEARCH" on this forum. Both towns very safe,very nice, neighboring other nice towns like Glen Ellyn,Elmhurst,Clarendon Hills, Wheaton,Naperville etc (all sought after towns with good schools and communities),and yes, metra train downtown to Chicago, easy commute. I would say 30-35 min approx right to the loop.You would have to check Craigs list or such for available rentals.

[toonces93]

Your commute would be on the Metra line on the Union Pacific West line or the Burlington Northern...very safe. Great towns all along these lines. Maybe about 45-50 minutes into downtown.

[GunnerRudy]

Lombard is the best town for a family with dogs. They are very dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in all their parks (and there are a lot of them) except Liliac. Lombard has not only the Prarie Path but also the Great Western Trail and you can walk your dogs for miles. They have a great training facility Wiggles n wags that offers agility, rally and obdience. Plus all the houses are different with mature landscape that makes walking your dog more enjoyable.