Suburbs between Chicago, IL and Hammond, IN (Roberts: neighborhood, estate)

[chet everett]

Over the years I have commuted pretty regularly on three rail lines, and it is not just the where the trains RUN, it is what the schedules and area around the stops -- there are big differences. If you want to endorse Hegwisch as some secret commuter haven, be my guest. I have taken the South Shore infrequently, and it is not as good an option as Southwest Service from Oak Lawn, there are only two stops between Oak Lawn and downtown, and the Oak Lawn station is a nice in-town set-up, while Hegewisch is a descent enough looking stop, but it was plopped down with nothing around it. I have relatives down that way. The Blue Island stop is not a nice as Oak Lawn, but it is struck me as somewhat more active than the Hegwisch area -- not sure if it that is still true with the problems as I have not been down that way since the St. Francis Hospital changed names/ownership in July. The actual TRACKS are shared by the South Shore, but it runs a different schedule.

I suppose if the OP was thinging that ONE of them would work downtown and one would work at the Ford assembly plant, it might make sense, but I am guessing that the OP and their partner might both have the kinds of jobs that would be office oriented...

Where'd you get the idea I'm in a cornfield???

[SJaye]

If you are going to consider commuting to downtown Chicago via the Southwest line, you have to also consider the regularity of your work schedule. There are no weekend trains, and few post rush hour options on this line. The Electric Line, Rock Island Line, and the South Shore Line have weekend service, more options for those days you have to stay late, and give you the option to live further east (closer to Hammond). In fact, the south shore line goes to Hammond, and gets you downtown from there in 40 minutes.

[Manigault]

At least consider Whiting, IN. It has a small town feel and some reasonable housing stock. And it has rail to Chicago and borders on Hammond.

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Over the years I have commuted pretty regularly on three rail lines, and it is not just the where the trains RUN, it is what the schedules and area around the stops -- there are big differences. If you want to endorse Hegwisch as some secret commuter haven, be my guest. I have taken the South Shore infrequently, and it is not as good an option as Southwest Service from Oak Lawn, there are only two stops between Oak Lawn and downtown, and the Oak Lawn station is a nice in-town set-up, while Hegewisch is a descent enough looking stop, but it was plopped down with nothing around it. I have relatives down that way. The Blue Island stop is not a nice as Oak Lawn, but it is struck me as somewhat more active than the Hegwisch area -- not sure if it that is still true with the problems as I have not been down that way since the St. Francis Hospital changed names/ownership in July. The actual TRACKS are shared by the South Shore, but it runs a different schedule.

I suppose if the OP was thinging that ONE of them would work downtown and one would work at the Ford assembly plant, it might make sense, but I am guessing that the OP and their partner might both have the kinds of jobs that would be office oriented...

Where'd you get the idea I'm in a cornfield???

Funny, because when I lived in Hegewisch I actually WALKED from my house to the South Shore in under 15 minutes.

Someone who isn't actually familar with the area might say that there's nothing around it - someone who actually knows the area would wholeheartedly disagree.

[cdc3217]

You could rent a SFH in BLue Island in your budget. Safety-wise - its pretty urban, but there are sections that are really family-oriented and safe, and then there are some crummy areas. A lot of the houses are on good sized lots and have fenced yards. I think the public elementary schools are fair, some great teachers and students, but on the other hand the school scores are just barely average due to the fact there is a high amount of renters, spanish-speaking population, and low income families. You are well situated to commute downtown by train or highway.

THe other town I'd suggest is Homewood, but its actually not between Hammond and Chicago - its father south.

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by chet everett

The Blue Island stop is not a nice as Oak Lawn, but it is struck me as somewhat more active than the Hegwisch area --

Its still very active - you can get the Rock Island 7 days a week, often as the first/last stop for an express train downtown, or you can take the Metra Electric 6 days a week, slower, but great for going to museums or Michigan Avenue Mon-Sat.

[Lookout Kid]

There are no suburbs between Hammond and Chicago. Hammond and Chicago are directly adjacent to one another. Though I guess you could cut through Calumet City or East Chicago to get to the South Side if you wanted to. I woulnd't recommend either, though. Hammond is nicer than both... mostly.

[Manigault]

If you get technical (and I am technical) Whiting and Robertsdale are between Hammond and Chicago, although Robertsdale is little more than a village. If you choose to live near Hammond one thing that should not be missed is the annual Pierogi festival in June in Whiting. Its different.

[prairiestate]

Well then, technically speaking, Robertsdale is just a neighborhood in Hammond, which borders Chicago. Whiting can only be accessed from Chicago by traveling through Hammond. So, how are they between Chicago and Hammond?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

There are no suburbs between Hammond and Chicago. Hammond and Chicago are directly adjacent to one another. Though I guess you could cut through Calumet City or East Chicago to get to the South Side if you wanted to. I woulnd't recommend either, though. Hammond is nicer than both... mostly.

Yep.