Reverse commuting. Good areas near city metra stations? (Chicago, Cicero: loft, safe area)

[darwin56]

I'm planning on moving out of Schaumburg (where my work is) and living much closer to the city. Living closer to a MD-W metra line would at least not lengthen an already long commute. What are some good/safe areas to live within walking/cycling distance of MD-W metra stations (like Western Ave, Grand/Cicero or Union station) ? My biggest constraint is budget (around $800, but a bit flexible upwards if absolutely necessary).

Thoughts?

[Mr Downtown]

Well, Smith Park/Ukrainian Village come to mind, just north of the Western station.

Have you figured out how you'll get from the Schaumburg station to work?

[darwin56]

Originally Posted by Mr Downtown

Well, Smith Park/Ukrainian Village come to mind, just north of the Western station.

Have you figured out how you'll get from the Schaumburg station to work?

Thanks. I've three options in mind. First is, I'm planning on leaving my car at the Schaumburg metra. I have done that a few times over weekends without problem. Then, there is also a Pace bus that goes all the way to my workplace. Or, since I can take my bike on the Metra, I could always just bike the 5.7 miles to work.

Living so far out in the suburbs fresh out of college (in the east coast) has been miserable, especially after the excitement of having a job and spending money waned within a few months.

[pvande55]

Careful, not all outbound AM trains stop at Grand/Cicero. They all stop at Western and at Union Station.

[reppin_the_847]

Is your workplace closer to the Milwaukee West Line or the Union Pacific Northwest line?

[darwin56]

Originally Posted by reppin_the_847

Is your workplace closer to the Milwaukee West Line or the Union Pacific Northwest line?

I only just realized that the Palatine station that UP-NW towards Harvard services is actually closer to my workplace! Thanks. So I could live in Clybourn or Irving park too.

And thanks for the tip, pvande55!

[reppin_the_847]

This is a good thing in a couple different ways. The UP-NW is generally more reliable than the Milwaukee West line. Plus, now you have more choices within the city. There are many folks from the Bucktown / Wicker Park and west Lincoln Park areas that utilize that Clybourn stop. And of course Irving Park is a legit city stop in itself and you'd probably find some cheaper rents out there but still not be too far from the rest of the city. At Jefferson Park, the UP-NW and the CTA Blue Line trains are practically connected as well. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by darwin56

I only just realized that the Palatine station that UP-NW towards Harvard services is actually closer to my workplace! Thanks. So I could live in Clybourn or Irving park too.

And thanks for the tip, pvande55!

[OrangeAndBlue]

I would just look at something right by Union Station / Ogilvie Station, unless you absolutely don't want to live in a highrise or midrise loft style building. This would give you more flexibility to use either train depending on your schedule and preference. Also every single run of either train will stop there while not all will stop at all of the other stations closer to downtown, especially if it's an express.

Yes, the West Loop between the river and the freeway is generally pretty dead and sterile, but it's really not bad at all in the northern edge near the Clinton Green Line station and Fulton Market or in the area west of the freeway.

[Chicago76]

Originally Posted by OrangeAndBlue

I would just look at something right by Union Station / Ogilvie Station, unless you absolutely don't want to live in a highrise or midrise loft style building.

Good luck getting a decent place on an $800 budget around there.

[OrangeAndBlue]

Originally Posted by Chicago76

Good luck getting a decent place on an $800 budget around there.

Good point. Didn't notice that when I wrote my post.