Lincoln Park to Evanston? (Chicago, Naperville: transfer, living in, moving to)

[bklynite]

Hi,

My husband and I might be moving to the Chicago area for a job in Evanston. Would it be insane to live in Lincoln Park or Lakeview, and commute to Evanston? I hear the purple line takes forever, even the express. Any thoughts are much appreciated.

[SloopyJ]

Nah, it wouldn't be insane at all. The Purple Line takes "forever" relative to the distance you're travelling, but you're still only talking about a 30-minute commute or so. If your job is downtown Evanston and you can find a place to live near the El, it's a good option.

Also be aware that the Metra commuter rail trains run between downtown Evanston and Chicago, with a stop (Clybourn Station) at Armitage and Ashland. That's a convenient location for folks living in West Lincoln Park or Bucktown, and the commute is quick (15 mins or so).

[nucat78]

I used to commute from Naperville to Evanston, usually via METRA but now and then I took the Purple Line from Downtown. LP to E-town is hardly an insane commute.

[bklynite]

Thanks! We're also thinking of Ravenswood, but it's good to know we can cast a wider net.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by bklynite

Thanks! We're also thinking of Ravenswood, but it's good to know we can cast a wider net.

Ravenswood would be very convenient as well. It is right on the Metra line that goes to Evanston.

[The green guy]

Lincoln Square, which is a square inside of Ravenswood, is a good bet. You can hop on the CTA and be in Evanston in no time. However, it's a pretty easy drive from Lincoln ave to McCormick. I can drive from Evanston and get to Lincoln Square faster than a train.

I grew up in Lincoln Square and now live and work in Evanston. Evanston is a great place to live - you get the city feel yet live in the burbs.

BTW-former governor Blago lives in Ravenswood on Sunnyside. My fellow Realtors tell me he's thinking about selling his home. He may go to California and start a reality TV show.

[bklynite]

Alas, being New Yorkers, we don't have a car. But I suppose we'd have to get one (we have a toddler to haul around)...

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by The green guy

BTW-former governor Blago lives in Ravenswood on Sunnyside. My fellow Realtors tell me he's thinking about selling his home. He may go to California and start a reality TV show.

He's actually in Ravenswood Manor, which is across the river from Ravenswood in Albany Park.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by bklynite

Alas, being New Yorkers, we don't have a car. But I suppose we'd have to get one (we have a toddler to haul around)...

Nah, don't need one really... It all depends on where you end up living, however. If you're by the train and a grocery store, you don't need a car. I'll admit that it's nice to have one when you have kids.

In terms of commuting to Evanston, it's a piece of cake from the North Side if you live near a Purple Line station or the correct Metra line. You can also take the Red Line to the Purple Line if you want, but transferring can be a pain.

[Mister Mappy]

Back in the 90's I lived on Broadway & Belmont, and commuted to work in Evanston via the Purple Line. It took about 30-40 minutes.