college grad moving to chicago, working in lake forest

[scos]

Hi Live in Lake Forest but if I were 22 would want to be in the city preferably North side, tons of bars, restaurants, Wrigley field etc. Lots of apartments all price ranges. but long drive to Lake Forest
and only other option is to take the train which would let you off right in downtown Lake Forest.
Vernon Hills, Highwood, Mundelein Libertyville are all good suburban areas for apart. Mundelein (Hispanic) Highwood (Italian, Hispanic) would be the least expensive. All are relatively safe communities with good shopping, shows bars restaurants.
Evanston is another option for train, apartments, some areas are not so safe. If you are gay check out Boy's Town or Andersonville in the city. Yes Chicago can be an absurd 2 hour trip in a snow storm. SUV imperative. I have a rental apartment right now in Logan Sq. and one in Lincoln Park.

[chitown85]

Glenview is a good option as well. Glenview is directly south of Lake Forest in Cook County. It is an easy 30 minute Metra ride into the city as well. Glenview has some young professionals.

[chicagojlo]

The only thing I would say about relying on a Pace Bus connection is that you will have to make good friends with a few colleagues who will be willing to drive you to and from the train when the bus doesn't show up. My husband did the reverse commute to Lake Forest from the city for 6 months and ended up having to get a lot of rides. And 2 hours commute by car is what it could take you on a normal day, with snow you could be looking at upwards of 4 hours if the storm comes out of the blue.
I think the Evanston recommendations were probably good for you, it would be an easier drive to work and an easier option for nightlife.

[sammy22]

If you are 22 and just graduated from ASU - this shouldn't even be a question. You need to live in the city. You have the rest of your life to live in the suburbs.

Just get a place near the metra. As some of the earlier posters said - there are two train stations in Lake Forest, you need to figure out which one has your work shuttle. If you live in the West loop or River North (both close to Union station), you can take a quick bus ride/walk to Union Station and then take the train from there to Lake Forest - yes, it will take you 1.5 hours door to door but if you have a blackberry or laptop you can get some work done on the train. A LOT of the big wigs at the downtown banks and law firms live in Lake Forest and take the train everyday downtown - there is no reason you can't do the opposite commute.

Seriously, don't live in the suburbs, you are too young. Libertyville will still be there when you have kids.

[Bongu]

Originally Posted by sammy22

If you are 22 and just graduated from ASU - this shouldn't even be a question. You need to live in the city. You have the rest of your life to live in the suburbs.

Just get a place near the metra. As some of the earlier posters said - there are two train stations in Lake Forest, you need to figure out which one has your work shuttle. If you live in the West loop or River North (both close to Union station), you can take a quick bus ride/walk to Union Station and then take the train from there to Lake Forest - yes, it will take you 1.5 hours door to door but if you have a blackberry or laptop you can get some work done on the train. A LOT of the big wigs at the downtown banks and law firms live in Lake Forest and take the train everyday downtown - there is no reason you can't do the opposite commute.

Seriously, don't live in the suburbs, you are too young. Libertyville will still be there when you have kids.

I agree 100%