Orland Park to Chicago Downtown commuters? (Wheaton, Downers Grove: appointed, houses, neighborhoods)

[aleksap]

Hello #ChicagoSuburbs!

My wife and I are looking for a suburb for us to purchase a home and Orland Park came as an option after being disappointed in what other west/southwest suburbs have to offer in the 300k price range.

We have found several houses that we really like in the Orland Square area that fit to our price range.
We drove there and we liked it a lot. We also have some friends living there and we heard good things.
However, none of them are commuting to the downtown on a daily basis and I am hoping there is someone here who can tell me more.

I am aware it is one hour commute and I'm ready to make that "sacrifice" if we can have a house that I like.

What concerns me and why I'm here is that I have read some really bad comments about that line overall.
People are complaining that line is always late, cars are apparently really bad and staff is rude.

Thanks!

[pvande55]

The Southwest service is subject to delay since it goes through several yards and the Forest Hill Junction. The 75th St corridor project should ease delays a few years hence. http://75thcip.org/overview2.html

[aleksap]

Thanks @pvande55.

From what I see, this project won't be finished at least in next 5 years?
Is this going to change commute time or just make it easier to handle potential delays?

[deeman7]

Don't forget to factor in how long it will take to drive to and from the station in the morning as well as how long it will take for you to get from Union station to your office.


You just need to evaluate for your self if you are willing to put up with a 1-1.5 hour commute each way.

[aleksap]

Yeah, I am aware of that.
I'm looking at the areas which would be 5-10 min drive to the Orland Park station.
My office is 10-15 walk from Union Station so that totals to 1:30 min.
Right now I live really close to downtown and my total commute is 20 min.
I understand it would be a shock to add an hour on top of that but I'm really not ready to pay 300k for a rundown.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by deeman7

Don't forget to factor in how long it will take to drive to and from the station in the morning as well as how long it will take for you to get from Union station to your office.


You just need to evaluate for your self if you are willing to put up with a 1-1.5 hour commute each way.

The train ride alone is 50-55 minutes, so he'd be really lucky if he can keep his commute to an hour.

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by aleksap

Hello #ChicagoSuburbs!

My wife and I are looking for a suburb for us to purchase a home and Orland Park came as an option after being disappointed in what other west/southwest suburbs have to offer in the 300k price range.

We have found several houses that we really like in the Orland Square area that fit to our price range.
We drove there and we liked it a lot. We also have some friends living there and we heard good things.
However, none of them are commuting to the downtown on a daily basis and I am hoping there is someone here who can tell me more.

I am aware it is one hour commute and I'm ready to make that "sacrifice" if we can have a house that I like.

What concerns me and why I'm here is that I have read some really bad comments about that line overall.
People are complaining that line is always late, cars are apparently really bad and staff is rude.

Thanks!

My mother in law lives near Orland Square in probably the same neighborhood as you are looking. Great neighborhood and bang for your buck. You have the choice of either Orland Park 143rd street or 151st street. I have taken that train there, and I really don't think it is a horrible commute. You also could do Palos Park, and take that south to the neighborhood. i never thought the train was bad or the staff rude; my line where I live has no better cars and no better staff.

I think you are making a good move.

[holl1ngsworth]

225 Kellogg Place WHEATON, IL 60187 | Redfin

Regarding not finding much at your price point in the Western burbs, this home is as nice as anything I see in Orland right now IMO. Adjacent to a park and just one block from the Metra station at College Avenue. Express trains, easier commute and Wheaton has tons to offer.

Wheaton, Illinois: MONEY's No. 27 Best Place to Live in 2018 | Money

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by aleksap

Thanks @pvande55.

From what I see, this project won't be finished at least in next 5 years?
Is this going to change commute time or just make it easier to handle potential delays?

Of course the biggest advantage will be fewer delays, as freight trains will fly over Metra trains instead of blocking them. But also a new track will be built which should speed up the schedule.

[aleksap]

Originally Posted by holl1ngsworth

225 Kellogg Place WHEATON, IL 60187 | Redfin

Regarding not finding much at your price point in the Western burbs, this home is as nice as anything I see in Orland right now IMO. Adjacent to a park and just one block from the Metra station at College Avenue. Express trains, easier commute and Wheaton has tons to offer.

Wheaton, Illinois: MONEY's No. 27 Best Place to Live in 2018 | Money

I have spend last few weekends going to the Wheaton and Glen Ellyn and I have been looking at those neighborhoods a lot for the past few months.
That house is 320k and it's descent.

On the other side:
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-71821?view=qv
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...2-46090#photo2


This houses in Orland look much better and they are 30k cheaper.

I would definetely prefer Downers Grove, Wheaton and Glen Ellyn but finding descent home for 300k seems difficult.