What Are the Cool Places in Northern burbs for Young, Single Professionals to Live? (Chicago: apartment, rental)

[millennialmom]

Until yesterday, we were planning an apt hunting trip next week to find a place downtown for my daughter. The folks on the Chicago thread have helped us out tremendously. She was going to live in the West Loop and take the train to her job in Buffalo Grove/Lincolnshire. In getting more details from her new employer yesterday, she found out that her start time would be much earlier than she had anticipated. Long story, short ... she needs to find a place to live in the suburbs. We're still coming to town next week but it won't be downtown. Any suggestions on cool places for young singles to live in northern burbs? Her budget is appx $1,250/month for an apartment. Now, she'll be bringing her car. Thanks, in advance.

[Avengerfire]

I would go with Schaumburg.

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

I would go with Schaumburg.

We will certainly be heading that way. Arlington Heights looks like a good area to explore, too. Based on the responses, there doesn't seem to be a lot of "cool" places. No wonder she still wants to live downtown and take a 5:40am train. Avengerfire, thanks for responding.

[middle-aged mom]

Evanston-It's quite a schlep but at that hour, it's no big deal. You have the lake, beaches, parks, the Northwestern scene and a heck of a lot of young adults. It's also a quick el ride to the city. There's a lot of rental in Evanston and therefore a greater likelihood to find something in her price range.

I do not consider Schaumburg to be particularily cool for young adults. AH is a big maybe, but $1250 is not going to cut it in the " cooler" parts.

[Avengerfire]

If it is going to take an hour to drive to Buffalo Grove from Evanston why even live in the burbs? She might as well live in the city and drive an hour.

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

Evanston-It's quite a schlep but at that hour, it's no big deal. You have the lake, beaches, parks, the Northwestern scene and a heck of a lot of young adults. It's also a quick el ride to the city. There's a lot of rental in Evanston and therefore a greater likelihood to find something in her price range.

I do not consider Schaumburg to be particularily cool for young adults. AH is a big maybe, but $1250 is not going to cut it in the " cooler" parts.

Where are the cooler parts and what's the price of entry?
middle-aged mom, haven't you recommended Arlington Heights in previous posts to young professionals? I know I read that somewhere on this thread last year when we were looking for an apt for her internship.

[Steve-o]

It would be quite a commute, but I recommend something near downtown Naperville. There is a "cool" scene there not found in the suburbs. Jam packed clubs, dining, arts, etc, etc. Downtown Naperville on the weekends is just as wild as any Chicago neighborhood Ive ever been to, even more so at times. And if your daughter is arriving at work that early, she should be able to avoid heavy traffic. If your daughter is really that keen at living somewhere "cool" and doesnt mind a commute, Naperville (downtown area) would probably be her best bet if she likes a big dating scene, wild parties, walkable downtown, etc.

[millennialmom]

What's the commute time from Naperville to Buffalo Grove?

[millennialmom]

Don't worry. I just mapped it. 36 Miles and about 50 minutes. I imagine the actual commute would be longer than that. I'm hoping she can keep her commute to about half hour tops. But then again, it's her call.

[nanannie]

I would say Arlington Hts is the best bet. Nice downtown,alot of restaraunts in the vibrant downtown. Easy commute to Ohare or metra to the city.I dont recommend S'burg unless you are into strip malls,mega malls,car dealerships and chain restaraunts. As 'cool' as Naperville is, the commute would be the pits.