How Is Commute from Evanston to Schaumburg? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: apartment, condo)

[millennialmom]

Looks like my son will be transferring to Schaumburg in the next couple of months. He's looking to move to Evanston since downtown would be a pretty difficult commute. He's been commuting an hour each way for the past two years in his current location and has adapted fine. What should he expect from an Evanston to Schaumburg commute? Any recommendations on routes? Work his way to 90 and take the tollway or just go across Golf Rd? All of your insights would be appreciated. Thanks, in advance. m'mom

[pvande55]

Probably west on Golf. Going the opposite way of traffic it may be all right in the morning, but with three malls in the way it may be bad on the way back. Downtown Chicago might be a better place to live as it has train service to Schaumburg. But I know it can be expensive. There is Pace bus service from Evanston, but "nobody wants to ride the bus."

[chet everett]

I doubt it is any faster to get to Schaumburg from most parts of Evanston than it is to get to Chicago.

If short commute is the goal live in Schaumburg, I know HORRORS it is NOT COOL. Well there are thousands of other folks his age that live there and think the same thing. They generally realize that standard after work stuff is perfectably acceptable in Schaumburg (dinner spots, sports bars) and the couple of times a week he'll go out in Chicago will still be do-able. Cost wise and time wise it makes sense.

[knitgirl]

I think he'd be better off living in Lincoln Square than Evanston. I used to commute to Arlington Hts from Lincoln Sq and it was about 45" to work and about an hour home most days. On the whole though, I agree w/Chet. Live close to work.

[Lookout Kid]

At least stay near the Kennedy Expressway (which Evanston isn't).

[cubssoxfan]

How about an apartment or condo/townhome near downtown Arlington Heights or downtown Palatine?
Some options for walkable entertainment, next to Metra train to downtown and 15-20 minutes to Schaumburg.

[kindrakindra]

Stay in the city. Bucktown or Wicker Park is very close to the Kennedy.

[millennialmom]

Thanks a ton for your responses. I didn't realize that Evanston and some city neighborhoods would be a similar commute. I'll certainly let him know that.

What do you estimate the commute would be, time wise, from Evanston to Schaumburg? He'll probably be leaving 6:45 - 7ish. If it makes sense to leave earlier, he would do that too. I know he has friends there and wants to be close to Northwestern sporting events so we would really like to understand what living there would entail, timewise with a commute. Thanks again.

[knitgirl]

It would be constant traffic lights. How many nights a week is he going to want to go out vs how many mornings a week does he need to be at work at 8 or 9 a.m.?

Did you go through all of this with your daughter last year?

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

It would be constant traffic lights. How many nights a week is he going to want to go out vs how many mornings a week does he need to be at work at 8 or 9 a.m.?

Did you go through all of this with your daughter last year?

Hi knitgirl - yes, we went thru this with my daughter last year. You guys on this site were extremely helpful. She initially moved to Lake Forest but is now in Evanston. She works in Buffalo Grove so we're familiar with that commute. But, with my son in Schaumburg, I'm thinking east/west might be a little different. Sounds like he should be located closer to the freeway and that Bucktown or Wicker Park would be better options. Could you give me a time reference on Evanston to Schaumburg? Bucktown to Schaumburg? I did the google maps but understand this isn't necessarily accurate for Chicago driving. Thanks !!