Suburb suggestions (Chicago, Naperville, Berwyn: apartments, rental, condo)

[Maggie02]

My husband and I may be moving to Chicago before November, and would like suburb suggestions. He would be working at the Willis (Sears!) Tower, and would work staggered hours (not 9-5 business hours).
Initially, we would like to rent a suburban townhouse in a safe neighborhood, with a small yard for our dog. (We don't have kids.)
Is our budget of about $1500/month realistic? If so, which areas would you recommend?
And what kind of commute would we be looking at?
His job would pay for a parking pass or the train. Do you recommend driving or taking the train into the city?

Thanks for any input. I just need to know where to start my research.

[marothisu]

I'd ask the suburbs forum..

But to answer your question about driving vs. train. Unless your husband's work will pay for his parking, don't drive. Not only is parking usually expensive downtown, but he'll be stuck in traffic for a long time each day, and it will cost way more. From the suburbs, there is the Metra train, and there's a few train stations right near the Sears tower (i.e. Union Station, Ogilvie, etc). It's a short walk from those stations to the workplace. Most people who work in the Loop (where Sears tower is) do not drive to work. If they do, their company most likely pays for it or they work long, long hours and can afford the parking each day.

[aragx6]

From my perspective, a passive commute beats an active one every time. I'd much rather read a magazine and listen to music as opposed to sitting in traffic screaming at the asshat who just drove a half mile on the shoulder and cut me off.

The BNSF is great for commuting because they offer a lot of express trains to downtown. I might start with some of the DuPage county towns like Westmont or Downers Grove. I find the towns closer to the city to be a bit more charming (such as Hinsdale and LaGrange), but suspect your $1,500 budget wouldn't go very far.

What kind of suburbs do you like?

[ChiNaan]

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chicago-suburbs/

[Maggie02]

I found the Chicago Suburb section, and reposted there. Thanks.

Aragx6, we are from southern California originally, and don't know anything about living in a city. So we're just hoping we'll find an area that feels somewhat familiar. I don't imagine that $1500/mo is going to get us much though.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by Maggie02

I found the Chicago Suburb section, and reposted there. Thanks.

Aragx6, we are from southern California originally, and don't know anything about living in a city. So we're just hoping we'll find an area that feels somewhat familiar. I don't imagine that $1500/mo is going to get us much though.

$1500 might be a little low for a townhome, but not sure. Really depends on the suburb I think. The familiarity thing makes sense, although don't count yourself out. Are you the type to want to go out to movies, restaurants, bars/lounges, sporting events, etc, or are you the types that would rather always cook in and not go out and about all the time?

There are certainly areas of the city that are very urban, but there are areas that have a balance between the two like the area of Ravenswood/Lincoln Square. The mayor lives in that area in a large house, and the former governor (Rod Blagojf;ksadfvich) lived near there too. The home prices are higher though but the rental prices aren't at least for apartments.


In any case, suburbs aren't a bad choice, but if you're really active, then don't count certain parts of the city out either. Have you ever visited Chicago? Is it possible to make a visit before you move? I'm not trying to get you away from suburbs, just saying to not count out particular parts of the city. There are parts of the city that are certainly more suburban feeling than others.

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by Maggie02

My husband and I may be moving to Chicago before November, and would like suburb suggestions. He would be working at the Willis (Sears!) Tower, and would work staggered hours (not 9-5 business hours).
Initially, we would like to rent a suburban townhouse in a safe neighborhood, with a small yard for our dog. (We don't have kids.)
Is our budget of about $1500/month realistic? If so, which areas would you recommend?
And what kind of commute would we be looking at?
His job would pay for a parking pass or the train. Do you recommend driving or taking the train into the city?

Thanks for any input. I just need to know where to start my research.

I like the area that is on the Union Pacific West Line. (heads west from downtown). First, it leads into Ogilvie Train Station rather than Union Station. At Ogilvy, its much nicer, they have fast food restaurants, and a nice French Market and its not so crazy when the rush hour has people rushing to get to the train, i mean, its more crowded at Union Station.

also, if you study the Metra schedule, depending on which train you take, there are express trains and local trains. Depending on which one you choose, your commute can be fifteen minutes to a half hour difference, and depends if you will get a seat or not.

Elmhurst, IL is on that route, and is a nice place .. but I like trees and greenery and not too expensive. Farther down the line which will add to your commute is Geneva and if you go to Craigslisgt and type in Geneva, IL, you will see some cute houses. Anywhere inbetween is pretty nice neighborhood.

[chet everett]

First I never gonna call it Willis because Sears sound so much better.

Second Union Station is literally ONE BLOCK from the place and while Olgilvy is probably more "mall like" in the cold / rain / snow I want CLOSE.

Third BNSF service is FAR faster than any other line and that means Unions Station WINS.

Towns along the BNSF that might have townhomes for $1500/ are scarce. Berwyn is probably best bet, maybe Brookfield, the plus is they are both CRAZY fast to get to on BNSF. Lisle might be a crazy long shot if soebody is desperate for a tenant. I doubt you can rent anytinng other than a two bedroom (or smaller) condo from LaGrange thru Naperville. In towns like Western Springs or Hinsdale your budget would have to increase signficantly and if you don't need top tier schools it ain't really worth it...

[chirack]

My only concern is how not 9 to 5 your husband's job is. METRA is great for the 9-5 commuter but it can be an issuse if traveling off hours. Just check the schedule to make sure there is a train at the times he is leaving. If he must commute by car(not preferable) stick to the near west burbs(Oak Park ect...) if you want to keep the transit time low.

[aragx6]

We lived in a complex our first year in the Chicago area in Westmont called Brook Hill apartments. We had a first floor 1/1, but an end unit w/ a fireplace that had no second floor above us and we paid $1,050. I know they have some bigger units as well, so that should fit right into your price range. Westmont is a snooze fest, but a nice snooze fest nonetheless, and less than 5 minutes to the Metra station.

I mean, I'd still urge you to consider going for something a bit moire city-life-ish -- I mean why not? -- but if you do want the suburban route, it's not a bad starting point.

Good luck!