Best places to live outside Chicago for young female? (Naperville: apartments, rent)

[amethyst0506]

Hey guys,

I have a situation in Chicago and it's quite urgent that I move there in several weeks. I have never even been to Chicago or Illinois for that matter. I will probably need to be in Chicago for work every day. I am looking for some advice on where to move. Here's a little about me:

1) I am 27 years old, single female
2) I really did not want to live in a big town, I prefer secluded, woodsy areas but this is what I have to settle for for now.
3) With that being said, I do hope to meet some friends and go out on the town occasionally so I hear Chicago is fun, but that's not my primary concern.
4) I have a German Shepherd which i've snuck into my apartment now in Florida for 2 years but hoping for a rental, townhouse, etc. without strict breed restrictions. (this one is tricky, I know)
5) I really like being further away from people and in a quiet, pretty area.
6) Obviously, somewhere safe but not all old people.
7) Affordable renting - I pay about $1200 now in rent per month and i'm looking to cut down but I'm sure its tough.
8) I'm artsy and hippie and enjoy that type of environment if that helps.


Any suburbs or even further from Chicago that may match my descriptions?

Again, I don't know anything about Chicago area so any advice or suggestions on where to look for a place I would appreciate! Any tips also on places to avoid.

Thanks so much!

[bobsell]

Where do you work in Chicago? Loop?

Do you drive or take public transportation?

If you are taking public transportation, take a look at the RTA map and see what busses or metra trains run by the communities you're looking for.
Maps

Your commute style, work location, and tolerance for traffic are big factors in the equation.

If you wanted to live outside of Chicago, you need to find something along the nearby suburbs.

Northwest: Des Plaines is good. Park Ridge is expensive. Skokie is good.

Southwest: Summit is good, by the metra. Bridgeview is good, so is Burbank.

West: Look for areas by the Metra - such as Riverside and Brookfield.

[nikitakolata]

Based on what you posted I think you'd like the aesthetic of Four Lakes in Lisle. If you work in the Loop in Chicago then commuting should be pretty easy by taking the Metra from the Lisle station.

https://www.apartments.com/the-tower...le-il/qxlt41x/

I don't know about the pet policy though... I know I've seen lots of dogs there. You could also rent from an individual condo owner, so maybe they would be more flexible, I'm not sure.

Units owned by individuals:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/a...608273868.html

https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/a...606355924.html

[TheTimidBlueBars]

You might look into Highland Park, Woodstock, or Homewood - all pretty liberal suburbs, far-ish from the city, have Metra stations, more small-town vibe. Maybe Elmhurst if you're okay going a little more urban.

[amethyst0506]

Thank you all very much!

I have started looking into pretty much all of the places mentioned seeking a place to live. I will be working in the loop. How bad would traffic be for some of these places to commute early mornings? Is it better to take public transportation? For example, I like the small town vibes of Highland Park and Elmhurst. I also really like the Four Lakes In Lisle mentioned. The more nearby suburbs are ok too but I still enjoy getting away a bit more.

What will it be like getting to work from some of these places to the loop around 6-7 a.m and coming home around 5 p.m?

Also, what is Naperville like? I saw several condo listings so i'm curious. Good place to live or no?
and
Evanston?

Thanks again.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by amethyst0506

Thank you all very much!

I have started looking into pretty much all of the places mentioned seeking a place to live. I will be working in the loop. How bad would traffic be for some of these places to commute early mornings? Is it better to take public transportation? For example, I like the small town vibes of Highland Park and Elmhurst. I also really like the Four Lakes In Lisle mentioned. The more nearby suburbs are ok too but I still enjoy getting away a bit more.

What will it be like getting to work from some of these places to the loop around 6-7 a.m and coming home around 5 p.m?

Also, what is Naperville like? I saw several condo listings so i'm curious. Good place to live or no?
and
Evanston?

Thanks again.

Naperville is one of the largest suburbs in the Chicago area, and it has a fasts express train (it'll be about 40 minutes starting next week after they screw with the train schedules). There is a several year wait list for a permit spot at the train station, but it seems like you'll regularly arrive early enough to use a non-permit spot before they all fill up (typically last train where spots are regularly available is 6:45a.m.).


It's pretty suburban but has its share of forest preserves and nature areas.

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by amethyst0506

Thank you all very much!

I have started looking into pretty much all of the places mentioned seeking a place to live. I will be working in the loop. How bad would traffic be for some of these places to commute early mornings? Is it better to take public transportation? For example, I like the small town vibes of Highland Park and Elmhurst. I also really like the Four Lakes In Lisle mentioned. The more nearby suburbs are ok too but I still enjoy getting away a bit more.


Thanks again.

Absolutely, positively, do NOT drive to the Loop. Traffic's not fun, parking is expensive. Definitely take public transportation. I like Evanston a lot, but it doesn't seem like what you're looking for. It's a small city type place. The huge plus there though, is the lake. Having that great big blue wet thing right there is really something.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by amethyst0506

Thank you all very much!

I have started looking into pretty much all of the places mentioned seeking a place to live. I will be working in the loop. How bad would traffic be for some of these places to commute early mornings? Is it better to take public transportation? For example, I like the small town vibes of Highland Park and Elmhurst. I also really like the Four Lakes In Lisle mentioned. The more nearby suburbs are ok too but I still enjoy getting away a bit more.

What will it be like getting to work from some of these places to the loop around 6-7 a.m and coming home around 5 p.m?

Also, what is Naperville like? I saw several condo listings so i'm curious. Good place to live or no?
and
Evanston?

Thanks again.

As others have said, if you work in the Loop you need to take the train. Driving would be insane. It's expensive and stressful and traffic is pretty bad.

Based on what you wrote I wouldn't pick Evanston for you, it's very urban (though it's a great town). If you like Elmhurst and can find a place in your budget I can say with certainty that the commute is not bad at all. Commuting from Lisle wouldn't be bad either. Commuting from Naperville is great in terms of the train schedule and speed, but getting to the train might be an issue. Parking is very tough at the downtown Naperville station and fills up at Route 59 as well.

[amd555]

Originally Posted by amethyst0506

Thank you all very much!

I have started looking into pretty much all of the places mentioned seeking a place to live. I will be working in the loop. How bad would traffic be for some of these places to commute early mornings? Is it better to take public transportation? For example, I like the small town vibes of Highland Park and Elmhurst. I also really like the Four Lakes In Lisle mentioned. The more nearby suburbs are ok too but I still enjoy getting away a bit more.

What will it be like getting to work from some of these places to the loop around 6-7 a.m and coming home around 5 p.m?

Also, what is Naperville like? I saw several condo listings so i'm curious. Good place to live or no?
and
Evanston?

Thanks again.

Take a look at Mount prospect, Arlington Heights and maybe a place like Glenview as well.

[ToriaT]

Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, if a little cheaper try Westmont. If you need a place closer to the city try Berwyn or Forest Park.