Commute ideas (Chicago, Irving, Erie: loan, job market, school)

[RichMonk]

The OP might just prefer a car...why is that so shocking?

Just stay off the highway for the evening commute. Not sure if it would save a whole bunch of time but I find side streets far less stressful than jam packed traffic on the highway. Perhaps take Damen to Chicago then back towards where you live (I'm guessing near Ohio St. and 94). I dunno, I have no idea how traffic is on Chicago Ave during the evening rush.

As far as driving through sketch neighborhoods, I wouldn't worry about it. It is the rush hour...there are tons of people around...not really the best time to jack someone.

EDIT: Though, IMHO, public transportation is ideal for your commute.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by RichMonk

The OP might just prefer a car...why is that so shocking?

Just stay off the highway for the evening commute. Not sure if it would save a whole bunch of time but I find side streets far less stressful than jam packed traffic on the highway. Perhaps take Damen to Chicago then back towards where you live (I'm guessing near Ohio St. and 94). I dunno, I have no idea how traffic is on Chicago Ave during the evening rush.

As far as driving through sketch neighborhoods, I wouldn't worry about it. It is the rush hour...there are tons of people around...not really the best time to jack someone.

Traffic on Chicago Ave is miserable during rush hour. Perhaps the OP does prefer a car. Ideally, I'd prefer a helicopter for my commute, but since that's not practical, I choose the best options that is available. Given that the OP is complaining about the length of his evening commute, it seems that public transit would be a reasonable, in fact, the smart alternative.

[aragx6]

I don't think it's shocking if that's true, but I do think it's kind of stupid.

[SJaye]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Traffic on Chicago Ave is miserable during rush hour. Perhaps the OP does prefer a car. Ideally, I'd prefer a helicopter for my commute, but since that's not practical, I choose the best options that is available. Given that the OP is complaining about the length of his evening commute, it seems that public transit would be a reasonable, in fact, the smart alternative.

As a general rule, in rush hour the roads that do not have exchanges with the highways can be less backed up. Try taking Harrison to Racine to Grand if Ogden does not turn out okay.

[NearWestSider]

Originally Posted by MyssaTx

I dont have a job lined up so I wont be commuting anywhere.
My husband will be commuting to UIC for school and working in the loop.
I saw the cutest house in East Rogers Park but I am thinking its too far and it probably wont be there anyways when we are ready to move.. I just like to look and see whats out there.

Yup, East Rogers Park is definitely "out there" from UIC, the Loop, and just about everywhere else in Chicago, for that matter. That's either a blessing or a curse, depending on your point of view, but nonetheless goes a long way towards explaining why the cute little house you found seems so affordable.

East Rogers Park, I should add, is a GREAT place to live for someone who needs to be at Loyola University every day! Maybe you should ask your husband if he wants to go there, instead.

[MyssaTx]

yeah I know I wish unfortunately they dont have an engineering program
the only other option is Northwestern.

[Avengerfire]

...and Northwestern is a hell of a lot closer to Rogers Park than UIC is.

[MyssaTx]

yeah and hell of a lot more expensive
the idea is to graduate with out school loans

go figure

[Drover]

I don't know what the reputation of their engineering program is, but I might do a cost-benefit analysis of taking on school loans to attend an Ivy-league-caliber school.

[MyssaTx]

thanks for the suggestion and it has already been done and UIC graduate program is worth every little penny