where is the safest, most affordable suburb that's not too far from the city (Chicago: apartment)

[internalspiral]

my boyfriend and i are planning on moving in january as he is still in school in chicago. he will have to be commuting into the city for school and i will likely have to as well. so we don't want to be too far out. (we drive, but areas with access to public transit is preferred)

my boyfriend lived in the middle of downtown chicago last year and rent is outrageous there. plus, i don't like the hectic pace of the city. so can you please let me know what areas to look into? also, approximately how much would rent be in various areas? wed only need a 1 bedroom place.

i've visited chicago once, but i'd like any other information you might think is important for me. i am moving from atlanta, ga. thanks very much!

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by internalspiral

my boyfriend and i are planning on moving in january as he is still in school in chicago. he will have to be commuting into the city for school and i will likely have to as well. so we don't want to be too far out. (we drive, but areas with access to public transit is preferred)

my boyfriend lived in the middle of downtown chicago last year and rent is outrageous there. plus, i don't like the hectic pace of the city. so can you please let me know what areas to look into? also, approximately how much would rent be in various areas? wed only need a 1 bedroom place.

i've visited chicago once, but i'd like any other information you might think is important for me. i am moving from atlanta, ga. thanks very much!

Some people want a commute of 30 minutes while others dont mind an hour commute.

If you can be more specific that would help.

[css9450]

Oak Park.

[BillSimmons]

Look for an apartment near the train, downtown Naperville is really nice with a lot to do.

[alexm23]

Originally Posted by internalspiral

my boyfriend and i are planning on moving in january as he is still in school in chicago. he will have to be commuting into the city for school and i will likely have to as well. so we don't want to be too far out. (we drive, but areas with access to public transit is preferred)

my boyfriend lived in the middle of downtown chicago last year and rent is outrageous there. plus, i don't like the hectic pace of the city. so can you please let me know what areas to look into? also, approximately how much would rent be in various areas? wed only need a 1 bedroom place.

i've visited chicago once, but i'd like any other information you might think is important for me. i am moving from atlanta, ga. thanks very much!

Why do you have to live in the suburbs? If you're both students (or maybe only one of you is a student, you didn't make that clear...) wouldn't getting an apartment in Chicago be fine? There areas that don't have the hectic pace of the Loop or Near North Side, but are still well-connected with CTA trains and buses, and priced very affordably.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Yes if you both are going to be commuting into the city why not live in the city?
Why waste time commuting?