Future UIC Student (Moving from Iowa) (Chicago, Union: rent, landscaping, safe area)

[Avengerfire]

I would go for something like these:
2 BR, 2 Bath House (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926232101.html - broken link)

7750 W. Peterson, Chicago - 3 bedroom, 2 bath home For Rent! (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926827573.html - broken link)

Morton Grove- Luxury 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Townhome $1795 (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926527223.html - broken link)


http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/925498141.html (broken link)

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

I would go for something like these:
2 BR, 2 Bath House (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926232101.html - broken link)

7750 W. Peterson, Chicago - 3 bedroom, 2 bath home For Rent! (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926827573.html - broken link)

Morton Grove- Luxury 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Townhome $1795 (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/926527223.html - broken link)


Tri-Taylor / UIC (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/925498141.html - broken link)

That one on Peterson would be kind of a long commute though, no?

edit: Nevermind, there's a couple metra stops near there.

[MSchemist80]

I just graduated from UIC with my Master's. While there I lived with my parents in Niles, 19 miles north. Commuting was not fun. Most of my undergrad I drove to the blue line that took an hour and a half. If you are a full time student, you are forced to get the U-pass for $95 a semester, it keeps rising, and it gives you unlimited rides on CTA and pace. Basically, commuting anywhere in Chicago is unpleasant so try to live within 10 miles. Driving on the expressways during rush hour is horrible. CTA is slow and overcrowded. Metra is pretty nice actually but it is also overcrowded and a bit pricey. What sucks is if you want to do metra you have to pay full price in addition to still paying for the U-pass. My personal favorite was I biked all one summer to and from campus. It took 90 minutes each way, about the same as public transit, but at least it was enjoyable.

As for affordable yet commutable areas to live that's a tough one. You will need a room mate or two. Oak Park is nice and would be a quick trip on the green/orange line to west campus.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

I just graduated from UIC with my Master's. While there I lived with my parents in Niles, 19 miles north...

...As for affordable yet commutable areas to live that's a tough one. You will need a room mate or two. Oak Park is nice and would be a quick trip on the green/orange line to west campus.

The OP is married and can afford $2600 a month. Did you even read the first post or much of anything after???

[MSchemist80]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

The OP is married and can afford $2600 a month. Did you even read the first post or much of anything after???

Nope missed that part. Oak Park would be my best recommendation. Good public transit on Green/pink line to Polk Street on West campus. Nice neighborhood.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

Nope missed that part. Oak Park would be my best recommendation. Good public transit on Green/pink line to Polk Street on West campus. Nice neighborhood.

I do not think that is the safest route to travel in the late evening for any female.

You are entitled to your opinion of course.

[ethertime]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to thank everyone once again for the thoughts and information.

So, would it be advisable to simply narrow the list of suburbs down to those that are very close to where the metra runs?

I have been perusing the forums and cross-referencing various poster opinions of various suburbs with city data stats, but often end up more confused as to what area(s) will fit the my criteria.

As an aside, I initially thought I'd be able to handle a 30 minute commute each way, every day, but it is now sounding as though it can become quite the hassle, not to mention, there may be times where I would need to go back and forth a few times in a day.

And yes, my wife is a strange one.

I suppose the best question would be this:

Are there any areas some would recommend that are the following;

A) Superbly safe
B) Constitute a maximum commute time of 15-20 minutes each way, preferably via metra or something similar (highly doubtful I can adjust to the driving).
C) Has housing available for rent of around $2600/month

[oakparkdude]

15-20 minute commute means you basically have to live in the immediate vicinity. There's no suburb that you can get to UIC within 30 minutes. I'd look into renting a townhouse or condo in the west or south Loop.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by ethertime

Hello everyone,...

...
A) Superbly safe
B) Constitute a maximum commute time of 15-20 minutes each way, preferably via metra or something similar (highly doubtful I can adjust to the driving).
C) Has housing available for rent of around $2600/month

You will not be able to get all three.

To be able to get 15-20 minutes each way on public transit as well as have a superbly safe area and have a place to park your car in a driveway or on the street where it does not have much of chance to be molested is almost impossible.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

15-20 minute commute means you basically have to live in the immediate vicinity. There's no suburb that you can get to UIC within 30 minutes. I'd look into renting a townhouse or condo in the west or south Loop.

Yes.

If the OP can find a deal near Da Mare's abode that would be the best bet. The thing that is constricting the OP's scenario is the car in conjunction with the very safe area issues.