Moving To Chicago - City or Suburbs? (Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates: apartment, neighborhood)

[monkeybiz]

I just accepted a job offer from a company in Hoffman Estates, and I need some direction on housing.

I've lived in Chicago previously, and absolutely loved living in the city. However, I hated the commute from my apartment out to Oakbrook, where my previous employer was. So, now I'm faced with a decision: do I chance living in the city again, and hope that the commute doesn't drive me nuts, or look for a place in the suburbs?

Were I to live in the city, I'd like to live in the Lakeview neighborhood, if that helps give you an idea of what I'm looking for. If I'm in the suburbs, something near I-90 would be nice. At the same time, I'd still like that urban feel, just without the commute.


A little about myself: age 23, born and raised in the Midwest, and work in technology. Like going to bars and watching movies.

Ideas?

[sbd78]

If you don't want to deal with the long commute from the city to Hoffman Estates, you might want to check out Schaumburg. It has decent nightlife as far as suburbs go. (Obviously the city has much better nightlife.) Lots of restaurants and shopping as well, and an easy commute to Hoffman Estates. The city will be the most fun for someone your age, but will also be a rough commute. Sounds like you already know that.

[OPSMAN]

Originally Posted by monkeybiz

I just accepted a job offer from a company in Hoffman Estates, and I need some direction on housing.

I've lived in Chicago previously, and absolutely loved living in the city. However, I hated the commute from my apartment out to Oakbrook, where my previous employer was. So, now I'm faced with a decision: do I chance living in the city again, and hope that the commute doesn't drive me nuts, or look for a place in the suburbs?

Were I to live in the city, I'd like to live in the Lakeview neighborhood, if that helps give you an idea of what I'm looking for. If I'm in the suburbs, something near I-90 would be nice. At the same time, I'd still like that urban feel, just without the commute.


A little about myself: age 23, born and raised in the Midwest, and work in technology. Like going to bars and watching movies.

Ideas?

In my opinion, if you have already lived in the city and loved it (for obvious reasons), I think you're going to regret it if you decide to live in the burbs this time, even if the commute isn't ideal. I would take full advantage of your age/work situation and live it up downtown. After all, nothing compares to the City...

OPSMAN

[nanannie]

Have to agree with opsman,,at your age, burbs aint going to cut it.

[vester72]

Kids - burbs

None - city

Yes, it is that simple.

The commute may suck, but it won't suck as bad as being a single guy living in the burbs.

[monkeybiz]

Kids - burbs

None - city

Yes, it is that simple.

The commute may suck, but it won't suck as bad as being a single guy living in the burbs.

Well, 23, no kids. So, I guess it's back to the city for me. Can anyone give me a realistic idea of the commute from Wrigleyville to Hoffman Estates outbound in the morning and inbound in the afternoon? Thanks!

[rgb123]

for what its worth...I disagree with everyone but I Get tired of saying it. Theres tons of young people in the suburbs, especially around hoffman estates.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by monkeybiz

Well, 23, no kids. So, I guess it's back to the city for me. Can anyone give me a realistic idea of the commute from Wrigleyville to Hoffman Estates outbound in the morning and inbound in the afternoon? Thanks!

Depends on the time and a variety of other factors. I would say anywhere between one hour to one and a half. Maybe 45 minutes if all streets and 90 is clear.

[Chinolala]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Have to agree with opsman,,at your age, burbs aint going to cut it.

I agree. If you loved the city, you'll be hard pressed to find a suburb that you'll be happy in. Schaumburg would be the best option for proximity to Hoffman Estates. Schaumburg is large and has a decent amount of entertainment options, but you'll be driving everywhere and it's very suburban...it's a suburb. Maybe take the job in Hoffman Estates, deal with the commute to the city for a year and then start looking for a new job in the city.