Columbus, OH to Chicago Suburbs (Elgin, Schaumburg: apartments, for rent, condos)

[gigs73]

Relocating from C-bus Ohio to Chicago suburbs in roughly 8 weeks - so far we have found a few nice condos for rent in Algonquin, Gilberts and one in Cary - any suggestions from anyone on which place is better?? we do not need to worry about schools - hospital does not have to be in exact city - like to be close to some stores but not on top of them - like to have access to bike paths & Metra?
Any information on any of the areas would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!
Gigs

[chet everett]

You realize that Gilberts and Cary are about 15 miles apart? Between them is Algonquin. It can easily take over a half an hour to get from Cary to Gilberts. While Cary is on the Metra line it is not super convenient to Chicago, as service is going to be a solid hour in and out, best case... The other town will involve a drive to a neighboring towns Metra, and the hassle of securing non-resident parking.

Shopping should not be much of concern, with malls like Woodfield and Spring Hill, the outlets at Huntley and the massive retail strips along Randall Rd that whole region is laden with choices.

There are full service hospitals in Barrington and Elgin, though there are many surgi-centers and other similar facilities scattered through the NW burbs.

Where will you be working?

[gigs73]

Thanks for the reply Chet Everett/ I did see the mileage between the cities - Cary would be our for sure last choice. I will be working in Hoffman Estates - use to commuting - (lived in Miami, Fl for 5 yrs). I did not really find any places in Hoffman Estates for rent - we are looking for 3brdm around $1800 month - do not want to buy out there just yet.
Again thanks for the info!!!!!

[chet everett]

You should have no trouble finding a place to rent much closer to work. Schaumburg has many places that you can afford, as does Hoffman Estates. I suspect that the landlord in those areas have better demand and are not advertising as widely, but there are plenty of units...

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by gigs73

Thanks for the reply Chet Everett/ I did see the mileage between the cities - Cary would be our for sure last choice. I will be working in Hoffman Estates - use to commuting - (lived in Miami, Fl for 5 yrs). I did not really find any places in Hoffman Estates for rent - we are looking for 3brdm around $1800 month - do not want to buy out there just yet.

Unless you have a great love of commuting, live as close to work as you can afford. I cannot believe that you could not find a place in your price range in Hoffman Estates.

[chitown85]

There are a lot of apartments in Hoffman and a lot of townhomes that would have 3 bedrooms. If you do decide to live in Cary, it is not the end of the world. It is not that far from Hoffman though the afternoon commute will likely be bad, but not more than 45 minutes.

Mornings are generally better, but in the afternoons between 430-7 might be horrific. The problem of going from NW burbs of Cook County (i.e. Hoffman Estates) to Cary in McHenry County is there is really only 1 way to get there and back. You take Route 14 (normally not terrible traffic) to Route 59 (normally terrible traffic) and you have to go right thru downtown Barrington.