Best Metra Line stops in the Suburbs (for living near) (Chicago: neighborhoods, school)

[Champ le monstre du lac]

In my visits to Chicago I've only been around the city itself and Evanston. For the sake of curiosity I'd like to get more familiar with the distinction of particular suburbs in the Chicagoland area. So my question would be what are some of the best Metra Commuter Rail line stops out in the burbs that are within walking distance of good retail, restaurants, and neighborhoods that one could live in a very walkable urban/semi urban area. This can include both traditional old school urban squares to new TOD (transportation orientated development).

[Lud Kissel]

Bnsf

[glass_of_merlot]

Arlington Heights or Mount Prospects maybe?
I'm not sure....But they look nice

[midwest1]

Highland Park

[ToriaT]

Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale. These are not on the same lines. Farther out, Geneva.

[chet everett]

Edison Park (technically inside Chicago ...) Park Ridge, DesPlaines,Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights, Barrington and even Elgin all along the UP-NW have at least few things to recommend them.

Up-W lines town line Oak Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Geneva have varying reasons to recommend a visit.

BNSF line stops including Berywyn, Riverside, Brookfield, LaGrange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Downers Grove Main St, Naperville (Washington St) and even Aurora may be worth visiting.

UP-N lines stops beyond Evasnton worth checking out include Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest and the spur out to Libertyville.
Handful of interesing suburban stops on other lines inlcude the SWS stops in Orland Park and Oak Lawn, Heritage Corridor Joliet, Lockport and Lemont stop,and Metra Electic Flossmoor

[pvande55]

BNSF probably the most efficient. At rush hour, you want to go from station A to station B you will find a train that will get you there quickly. And off peak, many stations are skipped, speeding your trip. Disadvantage is lack of daily parking at many stations. UP-NW also a good choice. UP-N can be slow as it has too many stops and off peak makes them all. Also too expensive in many stops, questionable areas to the north. UP-W is OK Elmhurst and west.
Here is a study on the subject. http://webmail.peoplepc.com/wam/index.jsp?x=256580647
Arlington Heights is often mentioned as a suburb that has done a great job of transit oriented development.

[reppin_the_847]

I'd probably go with Evanston Davis Street (Union Pacific North), Oak Park (Union Pacific West), and Naperville (BNSF).

Originally Posted by caphillsea77

In my visits to Chicago I've only been around the city itself and Evanston. For the sake of curiosity I'd like to get more familiar with the distinction of particular suburbs in the Chicagoland area. So my question would be what are some of the best Metra Commuter Rail line stops out in the burbs that are within walking distance of good retail, restaurants, and neighborhoods that one could live in a very walkable urban/semi urban area. This can include both traditional old school urban squares to new TOD (transportation orientated development).

[westcoastforme]

Bnsf line ( Chicago to Aurora line). Lagrange, downers grove, and naperville are nice areas and their downtown is literally 20 feet from the train.

[pvande55]

http://www.nh.gov/dot/programs/i93tr...tion120106.pdf
Sorry, wrong link. Here is the correct one.