Office moved to Riverwood IL, need advice on where to live (Chicago: apartment, lease)

[eatprayrepeat]

Hi, quick background, my office just relocated to Riverwood IL and so the missus and I will be relocating from NY. I'd be really grateful for some guidance on neighborhoods that we could consider.

A little about us, we are young (late 20s), she is currently on a sabbatical while I work. We are looking to lease a 2BR apartment/condo in a fun, safe neighborhood with a vibrant downtown. Also, we don't currently own a car but are looking to get one but later than sooner so we are counting on public transport. I do know my office is ensuring shuttle service from the commuter train station nearest to the office. So we are counting on public transport. Our budget is about $1500-$1700 per month.

Our initial research has led us to consider Evanston, Glenview, Lake Forest and Deerfield as prospective options but our research has been entirely online because we have never been there ourselves so we would love to get some guidance from folks who live and work around there.

Thanks.

[Lookout Kid]

Where?

Oh, Riverwoods. There is an "s" on the end of that town name.

The best suburban "downtown areas" near Riverwoods are in Highland Park or Arlington Heights. Evanston is better yet, but that commute is not great. Maybe Libertyville as well? I don't know--haven't spent much time there, but I do know it has a cluster of things in a traditional downtown. It's far out though... And at least Evanston gives you quick access to the city.

I love public transit in theory, but it's a terrible way to commute in the burbs if you are going anywhere other than downtown Chicago. The train schedules are designed to shuffle people in to the Loop in the morning, and back out to the burbs in the afternoon/evenings.

[eatprayrepeat]

Thanks a lot Lookout Kid and yes sorry about missing the 's' (should give you an idea about how little we know about the place). I actually gave the idea of living downtown Chicago a really good thought, because I love the city, but I worry about the commute.

We actually saw a fantastic apartment near Loop when we initially thought that firm would be moving to Chicago. I know the apartment is still available so if commuting from downtown Chicago/Loop to Riverwoods (Lake Cook Metra) is doable on an everyday basis, I would be thrilled.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by eatprayrepeat

I know the apartment is still available so if commuting from downtown Chicago/Loop to Riverwoods (Lake Cook Metra) is doable on an everyday basis, I would be thrilled.

The hell of that commute would quickly erase any benefit to living in the city. I do know people who have done that exact commute, from Lake View to Riverwoods. The probably work for the same company you are going to. Who knows, they may even be your new boss. I think driving is the only option.

[eatprayrepeat]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

The hell of that commute would quickly erase any benefit to living in the city. I do know people who have done that exact commute, from Lake View to Riverwoods. The probably work for the same company you are going to. Who knows, they may even be your new boss. I think driving is the only option.

Lol then back to suburban house-hunting mode then. Looking up Highland Park and Arlington Heights. I thought of Evanston because I hear great things about the city and it looks like a fun little town. Feel free to send any other suggestions our way. Thanks

[wjj]

First, you will need to drive right from the get go. So get a car right away.

I think your best bet might be Libertyville based on your OP. The trip on the Tri State from 176 to Half Day Road (which is where I suspect your employer is located) is pretty fast. Nice downtown as suburbs go. Your budget might be a little low, but you should be able to find something that will fit your needs with a little research.

[pvande55]

But you may not have to drive to the office. Choose a home along the Milwaukee North line (Libertyville would be a good choice) get off at Lake Cook Rd then ride the shuttle bug to Riverwoods. Don't forget to get the bus option when buying your monthly ticket. http://www.pacebus.com/pdf/schedules/628sched.pdf
http://www.pacebus.com/pdf/schedules/631sched.pdf

[oakparkdude]

The OP said that work is providing a shuttle bus from the commuter rail station to the office. This suggests to me that other people who work there also commute via Metra from the city. From the Western Ave station in Ukrainian Village to Lake Cook Station is only 40 minutes, which is a pretty decent commute, especially when not driving (plus however long it takes to get from the station to work via shuttle bus). There are 6 outbound trains in the morning between 6 and 10 AM and 4 inbound trains in the afternoon between 4 and 6 PM. I'd totally live in Ukrainian Village and do that commute instead of live in the burbs if I was in your situation. UV is a great city neighborhood and living carless there shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

[MSchemist80]

If you are looking at subburbs on the MD-N there aren't many bad options. Northbrook, Deerfield, Libertyville, Glenview are all nice suburbs. I've especially heard a lot of good things about Libertyville.

[eatprayrepeat]

Thank you so much all of you

wjj: Yes, great point, irrespective of where we end up, a car is definitely on the cards. We just want to take it slow given the moving expenses etc.
pvande55: Those links are awesome and yes, while we do have office shuttles, the bus back up is good to know. Checking on Libertyville right away.
oakparkdude: yeah, given half a chance I would absolutely prefer living in the city over the 'burbs but the 10 odd minutes walk to Union Station + 40 minute commute + 10-15 shuttle to office just seems like a lot to do on an everyday basis. I just got off the phone with a buddy who lives in UV and he advocates staying in the city as well but just the 2+ hours of commute everyday seems dreadful. But going down there early next week to have a look.
MSchemist80: Yes I have seen Libertyville come up a few times in most of my discussions, so definitely giving it a thought.