Commute times from Downtown to Elk Grove Village (Chicago, Oak Lawn: rent, condo)

[drthundr]

Hello all-

I'm currently living in Oak Lawn and commute to Elk Grove Village via 294N and 90W. If I run into a problem on 294N, I take 290W to 83N. All in all, it's not too bad. I can get to the office in 35-45 minutes pretty consistently.

With that being said, my girlfriend and I are planning on moving downtown. She works downtown, more to do, etc. We're looking at the South Loop area. Roughly south of Roosevelt around State, Michigan, Wabash. I'm just wondering what the "best" commute would be. I've been reading about the dreaded Circle Interchange, which looks like I'd be getting myself into.

How long do you think it would take for me to get to work via 90/94 or 290W? Would I miss some of the mess by entering from Roosevelt? I will try to change my hours to either 7-4 or 9-6. Which do you think would be better?

Thanks for your help!

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by drthundr

I will try to change my hours to either 7-4 or 9-6.

Don't do 9-6, that is for sure. 7-4 would be loads better.

Good luck.

I hope you love this girl and got a ring! If not, I would seriously reconsider moving downtown and commuting to Elk Grove.

[drthundr]

Haha. It's in the works. There are a few people that I work with now live downtown. They're on the northside like Logan Square, Lakeview. They get right on 90 and say it's not too bad. I'm just worried about the South Loop. Sounds like I'll be in a mess every day...

[SJaye]

If she works downtown, is there any reason you want to move to the South Loop, as opposed to a place like Logan Square, Bucktown, or Wicker Park?

[drthundr]

We've thought about those areas, as well as Old Town. I'm thinking of purchasing a condo. The South Loop seems like a very up and coming neighborhood. She grew up in Chicago, I'm relatively new to the area, so I'm open to anything.

[chirack]

Originally Posted by drthundr

We've thought about those areas, as well as Old Town. I'm thinking of purchasing a condo. The South Loop seems like a very up and coming neighborhood. She grew up in Chicago, I'm relatively new to the area, so I'm open to anything.

I would rent first. The commute up or down the kennedy can be a real pain in the neck. I would check to see if it is too much to bear first.

[Drover]

You don't want to commute from downtown to Elk Grove. Seriously.