Moving to the Chicago 'burbs (Springfield, Wheaton: apartments, to rent, live)

[Power-I]

Hey, new here. Just wanted to get some locals opinions on Chicago area suburbs. I like the location of the following:

Wheaton
Lombard
Elmhurst
Glen Ellyn
Villa Park
Oakbrook Terrace


Just looking to rent a nice 1 bedroom apartment in an area which contains Whole Foods and other easy access shopping centers. Would like to be close to a Metra line into Chicago, but I have a car so not a requirement.

Which of these suburbs is the best? I'm personally really leaning toward Wheaton based on the quality of apartments I've seen (granted, only online), which is why I'm double checking here first.

Any info would be awesome! Thanks!

[deechee]

Wheaton, no question.

Safe, affordable, quiet. Everything I'd want in a suburb!

[chet everett]

technically the only one of those with actual Whole Foods is Wheaton. It is about as far from the Metra station as you can be without being in another town though, so life there w/o a car is not going to be ideal....

[Power-I]

Yeah, like I said, I have a car.

Wheaton looks alright, I would only use the Metra train for extra convenience into the city I think.

[Power-I]

Is Wheaton a part of the "Chicagoland" area, or is it it's own separate town, like Springfield or something.

I guess what I'm asking is, as you drive from Wheaton to Chicago, can you tell you are changing cities, or does it all sort of run together?

[deechee]

Wheaton is actually pretty hard to explain...it's definitely suburban, and identifies as a Chicago suburb, but has it's own distinctive flavor. You can definitely tell you are changing cities. You are at least 30 miles from the city limits in Wheaton.

Wheaton is not (as I just mentioned) nearly as far away as Springfield, but it is an independent town. However, many residents commute to Chicago for work. If you need more info, I can private message you, as I have relatives who live there, and I have even lived there shortly, I can tell you a bit more

[Power-I]

Ahh. I definitely want to feel like I'm a part of the "Chicago community" and not some outsider. I'm moving to Chicago for work, but I don't want to be out of the thick of things in Chicago. Maybe I should look at areas closer to the actual city proper.

[deechee]

Oh, you definitely will not be out of the loop. Trust me, you will feel like a proud suburbanite, but you can and I'm sure you will be active in the city life. =)

[Power-I]

What is the best represented bank in the Chicago area? Like most ATM's, ease of access, etc.

Anyone have any recommendations on cell phone service as well? Thanks.

And if anyone could tell me the main cable provider in the area (Comcast, Time Warner, etc.) that you recommend that would be great.

[deechee]

What is the best represented bank in the Chicago area? Like most ATM's, ease of access, etc.

I use Bank of America. ATMs everywhere. Another good choice would be Chase.

Anyone have any recommendations on cell phone service as well? Thanks.

If you are on a budget, and need good service, go for US Cellular. I have had Sprint and T-Mobile before, but I now realize all my needs could have been met by US Cellular lol

And if anyone could tell me the main cable provider in the area (Comcast, Time Warner, etc.) that you recommend that would be great.

Comcast (astronomical costs), Direct TV, Dish Network, or WOW! (check for availability.) I recommend WOW! if it's available, or EVEN BETTER is AT&T Uverse.