Best towns to live in within 20min drive of O'hare?

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

Check out Elmhurst and Itasca. Both are close to O'Hare, though Elmhurst is much larger. Both have great houses and good schools. Both have cute downtowns, though Elmhurst is much larger with more shops. I prefer Itasca, but then again I am biased as I own a place there. Both have great access to interstates.

Downtown Itasca is almost like stepping into a time warp. You have a few cutesy downtown buildings and a train stop and a main street lined with lamp light posts. You are 5-10 mins from Woodfield but yet in your own little small town. I like Itasca alot and may buy another place there if I ever settle down and raise a family.

Park Ridge is great too, though the planes are pretty loud. I prefer Arlington Heights over Mount Prospect, but both are okay.

I agree with you on Elmhurst, but I wasnt sure about the commute to his Touhey location every day from there, could be a real bummer. Itasca is not a place I would recommend to a single,to a family-yes, but a single (I assume young) would probably enjoy a burb with more of a 'downtown' vibe.

[fairmarketvalue]

Originally Posted by nanannie

I agree with you on Elmhurst, but I wasnt sure about the commute to his Touhey location every day from there, could be a real bummer. Itasca is not a place I would recommend to a single,to a family-yes, but a single (I assume young) would probably enjoy a burb with more of a 'downtown' vibe.

Elmhurst, hands down. An easy, easy commute almost door to door from any point to O'Hare. Great town and beautiful homes and downtown. Good Luck

[Lookout Kid]

I prefer Park Ridge to Elmhurst. It has better restaurants.

[cavewoman]

I think you need to mention when you will be commuting. no way can you make it from arlington heights to the airport in 20 mins unless it is 2am maybe.
I sat near the Arlington Heights exit for over 1/2 hour and was on my way to the airport.
Crazy stuff.... way to far and traffic is awful.

[cubssoxfan]

no way can you make it from arlington heights to the airport in 20 mins

Sure you can. Just stay off Arlington Hts. Rd. and the Addams(NW Tollway).
I live near rte 83 and Palatine Rd. and I can make it to the terminals in 30 minutes, sometimes a tad less, during rush hour. Non-rush hour, I can make it in 18-20 minutes via Palatine/Willow Rd. and Tri-state tollway.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by cavewoman

I think you need to mention when you will be commuting. no way can you make it from arlington heights to the airport in 20 mins unless it is 2am maybe.
I sat near the Arlington Heights exit for over 1/2 hour and was on my way to the airport.
Crazy stuff.... way to far and traffic is awful.

The OP stated he did not commute during rush hour, that he works swing shift.

[chris80233]

Thanks everybody for your ideas and suggestions! What a great forum this is for those of us who have to relocate! I have some good news (kinda), one of my close friends will be transferring to O'Hare a month before me, so he'll be able to do a little searching for me around the area. He has his heart set on Naperville, but man that looks like it could be a nasty commute, especially during a snow storm Thanks again everyone, looks like I have a lot of exploring to do when I get there! Chris

[emmi605]

Yes, Naperville would be quite a problem at peak times and snowstorms. Off peak (and once I-88 is finished) it may be o.k., but still a good 30-40 minutes farther than Elmhurst I would think. Naperville is also so large that, depending on which side you live, there can be a big difference in the time you commute. Good Luck!

[Roxy14]

Have you looked south Hanover Park near Bartlett? Great home prices and in a great area!