Working in Northbrook, thinking of living in Evanston (Chicago, Glenview: apartment complex, rent)

[audiophile42]

Hi everybody,

I'll be working in Northbrook (294 & Willow), but want to be somewhat close to the city without having a ridiculous commute. Some people have recommended Evanston as a good inbetween Northbrook and the city.

What kind of commute could I expect? I'd probably be on the roads around 7am and 4pm-ish.

From reading on these boards, there seems to be a good general opinion of the area, providing I avoid a few places. Could I find a good 2BR for around $1500 and stay in the nicer parts of Evanston?

Lastly, I'm still open to other areas. I'm graduating from college and starting a new career. Like I said balance between work and the city is important. But I'd like to be around an interesting energetic area.

Any input is appreciated!

[US-Traveller]

Evanston can be killer commute to Northbrook depending on the time of day you are travelling. 5AM-10AM is peak in the morning and 3PM-7PM is peak in the evening. At rush hour I would expect a commute of around 45-60 minutes. 94 has a lot of traffic. I have been in gridlock traffic on 94 at 2AM.

Evanston is a good place if you want a little bit of the city and a little bit of the suburbs.

Apartments right now in Evanston are generally easy to find. Most apartments are older and do not have any available parking. On street parking in Evanston is a major problem. You need permits and that doesn't guarantee you a spot. In areas along the lake in Evanston garage parking can cost you upwards of $800/month. Most people in Evanston use either the Metra or CTA and commute to the Loop.

The Northern Suburbs are generally quiet and family oriented. I think I might look into the Glen in Glenview. It has some nice shops, some big box stores, and a movie theatre. It still is mostly family oriented, but It would allow you to be in Northbrook in under 10 minutes. There is a nice apartment complex in the "Town Center" part of the Glen. The Glen would allow you to either use the Metra to get to Downtown Chicago or your a short drive to Downtown or Evanston.

You also might want to consult a realtor if you have trouble locating an apartment, but I don't think it should be an issue. Make sure you have good credit, because landlords on the North Shore tend to pay a lot of attention to that.

Links:

The Glen Town Center ~ Glen Town Center Mall, Dining, Shopping and more at The Glens
The Glen Home Page

[audiophile42]

Thanks for the info. I actually spent the summer in Glenview while being an intern. It was nice to be close to work, but I am looking for something different.

What about rent prices? Are there good 2BR in the okay/nice parts of Evanston for around $1500? I could go higher, but really don't want to spend more than $1800.

[US-Traveller]

You should be able to find a nicer 2 Bedroom apartment in one of the areas closer to the lake, but I'd recommend you try to stay around the Central Street or Green Bay Road areas so that you can lessen your commute and you can have some nice shops, restaurants, and a metra stop close by. I think if you are willing to spend up to $1800.

I guess you don't like Glenview, but please be aware that traffic from Evanston and Wilmette to Northbrook is really a killer. So I highly recommend considering Glenview.

Evanston Apartment Links:

Raymond Community Apartments in Evanston
Evanston apartments near university

I wish you well! You will love the Northern Suburbs no matter where you settle.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by audiophile42

Thanks for the info. I actually spent the summer in Glenview while being an intern. It was nice to be close to work, but I am looking for something different.

What about rent prices? Are there good 2BR in the okay/nice parts of Evanston for around $1500? I could go higher, but really don't want to spend more than $1800.

Ya, if your going all the way out to 294 and Willow that wont be the best commute in the world. I wouldnt even know what would be the fastest way to get you there.