Got a job in East Chicago, IN and looking to live in Chicago (Lincoln: construction)

[theroots20]

I recently received a job offer with a company in East Chicago, IN and am trying to determine where a good place to live would be. I am a 22 year old single male and I don't know anyone in the area, so I want to live somewhere safe that has a nightlife so I won't be bored on the weekends. I heard from a friend that lived in the area last summer that there isn't much to do in the East Chicago area, so I am wondering how long of a commute I could expect if I lived in Chicago, maybe in Hyde Park. Any other suggestions of places to live that don't have too terrible of a commute would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

[jdiddy]

Hyde Park isn't exactly known for its nightlife either. I'd say University Village is the best bet. It borders UIC, so the nightlife areas will feature a younger crowd when UIC is in session, and its right by the Dan Ryan, so the commute shouldn't be too terrible.

[Manigault]

There's no nightlife in EChgo, and precious few jobs. It has the distinction of being the only predominantly Hispanic city in the Midwest and the guy who was mayor of the city for 30 years is under indictment. He's not Hispanic.

But, as to your question, most of the people who work in East Chicago commute there from Merrilville or Crown Point in Indiana or the southern suburbs of Chicago. Those areas are settled, bedroom communities. Its very possible to live in youth oriented areas (like the north side of Chicago) and commute to work there (East Chicago borders on Chicago and is only 14 miles from the loop). There remains a number of East Chicago workers who live in Hyde Park, by the way.

[theroots20]

About how long of a commute should I expect from University Village to East Chicago during rush hour?

[jdiddy]

I'm not sure, I've never made it. I don't think there's much of a reverse commute though, I'd venture to say half an hour.

[Manigault]

The time to commute from University Village to East Chicago depends. Going to work you may want to take the Skyway ($2 toll) and you can make it in about half an hour. I believe the car toll pass will work on the Skyway. Watch the short line railroads in East Chicago. One once made me late for an appointment and its no use honking a horn. There are roads you can use to detour around them, like Columbus.

On your more leisurely ride home, you can take the scenic route through Whiting, south Chicago and up Lake Shore Drive to Roosevelt Road. Its a straight shot up route 41 (I think that's the number). That may take closer to an hour.

[theroots20]

How long of a commute would it be from one of the northern youth oriented areas like Lincoln Park to East Chicago during rush hour? Google maps says it's about 40 minutes, but that's assuming no traffic, so I'm guessing it would be at least an hour right?

[Manigault]

I'd say about 45" in rush hour.

[LIS123]

Do you have a generous budget? If you can afford it, downtown or lincoln park would be great. The commute will suck, but it has so many advantages. If you're young and single, you don't want to be here in NWI. There's not much of a dating scene and the pickins' are slim, to say the least. Chicago's full of intelligent attractive women, on the other hand.
You're kind of reverse commuting, so your journey may not take as long. The thing is, Chicago can be a tough place to drive, b/c winter weather slows things down and, when the weather is nice, construction fills that role.