Glen Ellyn or Barrington

[reesespieces]

Sikaranista, you have know idea how much your post sets my mind at ease. My oldest daughter is doing very well at her current school and has lots of friends, so needless to say, we are very nervous about moving her and screwing everything up! I know her experiences may be different from yours, but it was still nice to here your perspective. Thanks!

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by mjd07

I have friends in Barrington and the husband works downtown. It easily takes him 3-4 hours in the winter time using Metra. I know Clybourn is closer than downtown, but CTA can be a long haul day-after-day.

My husband works in the loop. It's a 50 minute ride, rain, sleet, snow or shine. Never, not once, has it taken him 3-4 hours to commute on Metra.

[Sikaranista]

A 3-4 hour Metra ride from Clybourne or Ogilvy to Barrington would not be caused by Chicago's weather. If it did, then the morning ride from Barrington to Clybourne or Ogilve would also take 3-4 hours. This is simply not the case.

A 3-4 hour ride would be caused by accident and/or serious mechanical failure. It takes time for the emergency workers and law enforcement to sort out the mess, if a life was lost in the accident, it takes even more time. These events are not regular occurrences, they are rare.

If the time is a real concern, I would recommend contacting Metra 312-322-6900 and asking to speak with someone in Operations, because you have general questions about how the UnionPacific Northwest line operates over the course of the year. Ask the Operations guru what delays they commonly face due to bad weather.

Also, Metra posts service updates here:

Service Updates & Alerts

Scheduled maintenance is here, look for the entries coded UP-NW.

Track Maintenance & Construction Schedules

[nanannie]

I dont think it at all "one dimensional" to put commute time on the concern list. Spending less time commuting is a goal for most.

I agree with the others, a 3-4 hour commute is not information you should pay any heed to, its a rare occurance if that, and even an accident or metra mechanical failure is not the norm nor anything to base a decision on.

I have been in Barrington over 20 years, my kids went thru the schools (still have one here) and we have been more then pleased at their experiences,education,peer groups,parent/teacher relationships, and the overall outcome. I can speak very highly of our experiences and would recommend all levels of education here.
The park district offers a plethora of activities for not only the kids, but families. Beautiful library also offers many activities. All that being said, your decision will be made easier when you visit both communities and see what feels like "home" to you. I love the beauty of the Barrington area, but downtown Glen Ellyn is really lovely. Once you visit, one of these towns will just feel right for you.
If you have any specific questions about Barrington, please feel free to DM me. Also, Middle Age Mom is our "go to" Realtor here and can probably help you more then all of us combined.
Again, good luck to you and welcome to Illinois.

[reesespieces]

Thanks everyone! We have visited both locations and, at this point, we are leaning towards Barrington. Although we really found Glen Ellyn welcoming and cozy, we feel more at home with the openness (space - wise) that Barrington offers. Glen Ellyn is still an option. It's just put on the back burner for now. Thanks, again!

[chet everett]

vive la difference!

Both areas have lots to offer and your ultimate decision will influence by your unique circumstances.

I think the long term trend in both towns is also mostly positive -- in a way it is like shopping for two very nice upscale cars -- for every buyer that likes a Lexus sedan there is probably another that prefers a BMW...