Complete Newb With Commute Questions. Please Help!

[4122]

I would look at places in between Elmhurst and the city. So, I would keep Elmhurst and Oak Park and I would add La Grange, Riverside, and Brookfield.

[Vasily]

You might take a look at resident reviews of Kenmore Park Apts. here:

Kenmore Park Apartments Ratings, Reviews, Map, Rents, and other Elmhurst apartments for rent from ApartmentRatings.com

Another place that comes to mind is Wheaton Center in downtown Wheaton across from the train station, but it's considerably more expensive so might be outside your budget:

Chicago Area Apartments | Wheaton Center Tower Apartments

I suspect there might be more things for you and your girlfriend to do in Wheaton, Downers Grove, or Naperville; some of the other towns mentioned have more of a married older family feel. Just my opinion. I live in north Naperville near the Route 59 station, have a 10 minute drive and walk to and from the train station at Route 59, a 40-45 minute train ride, then a ten minute walk from the train to my office. But I'm lucky in that regard; if your job is not really near the train station in Chicago, it can add considerably to your commute.

[aestes89]

Thank you all so much for all the helpful advice. It looks like I definitely have my top few areas in mind, and it's really comforting to know the train commute into downtown Chicago for work wouldn't be too bad. I really appreciate all the friendly advice from you all! I received a rather somewhat unexpected request for an interview for a position here in Bloomington today, however, so what happens next could be up in the air. If both positions pay about the same, I'll have to make a tough decision. Just for the sake of curiosity, assuming it was roughly the same pay rate for the two areas of Illinois, which would you rather go with? I know a lot of you may be biased based on where you grew up, but it's a big decision and it would be really cool to hear what people from different parts of Illinois have to say on the matter!

Job in Bloomington - Big Company
PROS: Low cost of living, no traffic
CONS: Little to do for young couples, few job prospects for my s.o.

Job in Chicago - Smaller Company
PROS: Fun area, lots to do, lots of job prospects for the s.o.
CONS: Significantly higher cost of living, have to learn a new area/commute

Thanks again everyone! This peace of mind has been a big de-stressor for me the last couple days

[4122]

If both jobs paid the same amount, I would go with Chicago, since your girlfriend would for sure have a job. Also, there definitely are more things to do around Chicago than in or around Bloomington. Even though cost of living is significantly more, you''re not very limited with your budget at all. However, if the Bloomington job ends being a higher pay, then it might be Bloomington depending on how much higher the pay would be.

[LeaderOCola]

someone above mentioned Naperville. Great place (esp. to grow into). Suffer the train ride as needed, but live awesome. \

[Lookout Kid]

I would pick the Chicago area over Bloomington any day of the week, but I'm not really a rural town kind of a guy. And as big is Bloomington is compared to surrounding towns, it's still pretty rural in character.

[JJski]

I personally prefer (and always have) big little cities versus BIG, BIG cities. I would take living in Naperville’s core as my first choice if I were your age and it was a feasible option. Focus on train station and core walkability and test drive the commute first before making a decision. that is my 2 centz, Good Luck.

[nikitakolata]

I tend to change jobs every few years, so for me Chicago is the better choice because I'd have more opportunities long term. Also, my family is here, which is definitely a big factor for me personally.

In your case, I would probably go with Chicago, assuming the pay was equal or better because it gives your gf opportunities as well. Plus, in my experience, working at a smaller company is more enjoyable anyway.