New Job in Libertyville. Where should I move?

[blacknwhiterose]

I lived in Highwood and commuted to Gurnee for over a year and it's a pretty decent compromise. 20-25 minute commute to Gurnee or Libertyville and 35 minute off-traffic commute to downtown Chicago (50-60 min during higher traffic hours). Metra station (55min to Ogilvie), Forest Preserve, some cool bars and restaurants although it's mainly locals and not really a target rich spot that singles come out to. I did most of my socializing in the city or with old friends/family in other suburbs.


I hear Arlington Heights and Libertyville itself do have more of a singles crowd, they're worth looking into.

[HeadSpin]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback everyone. Very thorough and thoughtful, and it's a huge help. I have some time left on this lease to research stuff, so luckily I don't have to make the decision today.

I'll be paying most attention to Highwood, Libertyville proper, and Arlington Heights.

Any thoughts on Deerfield or Highland Park for my purposes?

[4122]

Originally Posted by HeadSpin

Wow, thanks for all the feedback everyone. Very thorough and thoughtful, and it's a huge help. I have some time left on this lease to research stuff, so luckily I don't have to make the decision today.

I'll be paying most attention to Highwood, Libertyville proper, and Arlington Heights.

Any thoughts on Deerfield or Highland Park for my purposes?

Deerfield is very much a bedroom community. HP does have a great downtown, but it's also mostly families.

[damba]

I agree- Grand and 60 can truly blow when you need to get somewhere ;(

Originally Posted by numberfive

I lived for 3 years in Gurnee and a few more in Libertyville, and the idea in both places is to avoid the main roads like Grand or Townline.

This is purely anecdotal, but I recall quite a few more times being frustrated with major backups in Gurnee vs Libertyville/Vernon Hills. Like all experiences, YMMV.

[damba]

Agreed. DF is really a non-starter for someone in their 20s. I would say Highwood or Arlington Hts. It would be different if he already had friends in the area, of course. He could be introduced to the two dozen or so twenty somethings living on their own in DF or HP

Originally Posted by 4122

Deerfield is very much a bedroom community. HP does have a great downtown, but it's also mostly families.

[mr roboto]

Arlington heights to Libertyville is kind of a ****ty commute though...

[mr roboto]

Honestly you're not going to do a whole lot better than Libertyville itself (except Evanston but that's a long commute). Most of the time you aren't going out a ton durning the work week anyway. Live close to work (in a fairly nice area) and the trip to the city isn't bad if it's weekends only.

[numberfive]

Originally Posted by mr roboto

Arlington heights to Libertyville is kind of a ****ty commute though...

How so? I did that commute for 2.5 years, and it was almost always 30 minutes door to door. Just avoid Lake Cook Road, the back roads are your friend.

[4122]

Originally Posted by numberfive

How so? I did that commute for 2.5 years, and it was almost always 30 minutes door to door. Just avoid Lake Cook Road, the back roads are your friend.

It depends where in AH you're commuting from since it's so big. Northern AH would be a decent commute, but central or South Ah would be rough. It's not the worst commute, but certainly not ideal if not commuting from north AH

[mr roboto]

Originally Posted by 4122

It depends where in AH you're commuting from since it's so big. Northern AH would be a decent commute, but central or South Ah would be rough. It's not the worst commute, but certainly not ideal if not commuting from north AH

Yeah AH is very long north to south. I was assuming the OP would want to live close to DT AH (for the walk ability to shops and restaurants). Libertyville DT is just as good IMO and much closer to work.