Working in Bedford Park --Where to look for Family friendly suburb with excellent schools

[pvande55]

One of the employees did live in Naperville and used I 55. I am not sure how you would get there by commuter train. Probably ride to La Grange, catch the 330 bus to 63/Archer, then the bus that goes east to 65th St. May not be a bad idea for the winter months. You would get the linkup pass plus an F-C ticket, cost $180.25 a month.

[chet everett]

The travel time of trying to combine multiple methods of public transit would almost certainly be untenable -- I can't imagine that anyone would seriously consider upwards of two hours of each way a viable alternative...

Originally Posted by pvande55

One of the employees did live in Naperville and used I 55. I am not sure how you would get there by commuter train. Probably ride to La Grange, catch the 330 bus to 63/Archer, then the bus that goes east to 65th St. May not be a bad idea for the winter months. You would get the linkup pass plus an F-C ticket, cost $180.25 a month.

[myrc60]

Commuter trains aren't much help to Bedford Park. The Burlington Northern might be a possibility if a car commute isn't possible but it will be a long commute and if you're going to east Bedford probably even longer. Knowing what I know of public transportation I wouldn't attempt to use public transportation in that area at all to get to work. Is this job closer to Harlem Ave or Cicero Ave?

[mk2201]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Commuter trains in general will not be a good option to get to Bedfprd Park, the specific lines closest to Bedfrod Park are unlikely to have schedules that would work for any kind of work schedule.

As to commute distance from Naperville the short answer is that while "possible" it is far from ideal -- if you were to be in a portion of southern Naperville it is probably least likely to be far from I-55 and would result travel times of about 45 minutes to and hour. If you were coming from a home closer to the desirability core of Naperville which is farther north you would extend your travel time signficantly... I would recommend choosing other towns closer to try our work site.

This makes sense. Thanks you for pointing out the areas that are more desirable would be a longer commute.

Originally Posted by pvande55

One of the employees did live in Naperville and used I 55. I am not sure how you would get there by commuter train. Probably ride to La Grange, catch the 330 bus to 63/Archer, then the bus that goes east to 65th St. May not be a bad idea for the winter months. You would get the linkup pass plus an F-C ticket, cost $180.25 a month.

Speaking of winter months.......do most people have 4wd vehicles for driving in the snow? We are coming from Seattle and when there is even a possibility of snow people here stay home. No doubt the Chicago area, by necessity, is more prepared and experienced in dealing with snow removal and clearing roads. Just wondering if 4wd or snow tires are necessary for getting around during the winter months.

Originally Posted by chet everett

The travel time of trying to combine multiple methods of public transit would almost certainly be untenable -- I can't imagine that anyone would seriously consider upwards of two hours of each way a viable alternative...

I agree, a 2 hour commute (each way) would not be an option for us.

[mk2201]

Would Hinsdale be within a 40 min commute?

[chet everett]

If I had to make an estimate of what percentage of folks have 4wd I would guess maybe 20%… FWD is fine for most people. The roads are salted like pretzels and generally very safe, though cars rot out fast...

Hinsdale is just a little bit further from Bedford Park than Western Springs but the difficulty is going to be budget -- most homes under $600k are being sold for "land value" -- expectation is builders will be tearing down & rebuilding for about triple...

[pvande55]

Most drivers have two-wheel drive and is not a problem. The only day in the last 20 years I can remember when everyone stayed home was Groundhog Day 2011. Traffic moves slower after heavy snow, perhaps three hours to go 20 miles, but you will get there eventually.

[mike112874]

Look at Darien, Willowbrook, Woodridge, Hinsdale, Western Springs. Or if you want to look south of Bedford Park--check out Oak Lawn, Palos Hills, etc.

[mike112874]

Originally Posted by mk2201

Would Hinsdale be within a 40 min commute?

That's around 12-15 miles from Hinsdale to Bedford Park and Hinsdale is a really nice area. Houses are pricy, it's a good school district. A good upscale area IMO.

[subject2change]

I would focus on Palos Hills, Palos Heights and Palos Park. A decent commute, nice homes well within the price range, very low crime, good schools. A very attractive area.