Moving to Chicago - Advise about living near Union Station (Des Plaines: lease, crime)

[dancingtype]

Hi all,

I am moving to Chicago in few weeks for a new job and I am planning to commute to Deerfield on Metra.
I'd like to live in the city and don't like to drive (I have a car).
So, It seems like living near Union Station and taking Metra (MD-N) to Lake Cook station would be the best way to commute to Deerfield

How is living in or around Union Station? (In terms of Restaurants, Crime and access to other parts of the city).

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by dancingtype

Hi all,

I am moving to Chicago in few weeks for a new job and I am planning to commute to Deerfield on Metra.
I'd like to live in the city and don't like to drive (I have a car).
So, It seems like living near Union Station and taking Metra (MD-N) to Lake Cook station would be the best way to commute to Deerfield

How is living in or around Union Station? (In terms of Restaurants, Crime and access to other parts of the city).

I have not lived around there, but I would guess it depends how close to Union Station. The block immediately around the station is a bit boring. If you're on Des Plaines or Clinton it's a bit better. Just across the highway is the West Loop, which has plenty of restaurants and what not and is very walkable and feels a bit more like a neighborhood. It's probably best if you take a little time to walk or drive around before committing to a lease if you can afford that from a time standpoint.

[knitgirl]

Something else to consider is that you'll be reverse commuting. There are fewer trains. Does your employer offer a shuttle from the train? Unless they do, it could be a little tough getting to work.

[dancingtype]

Originally Posted by fusillirob1983

I have not lived around there, but I would guess it depends how close to Union Station. The block immediately around the station is a bit boring. If you're on Des Plaines or Clinton it's a bit better. Just across the highway is the West Loop, which has plenty of restaurants and what not and is very walkable and feels a bit more like a neighborhood. It's probably best if you take a little time to walk or drive around before committing to a lease if you can afford that from a time standpoint.

Thanks for your reply.

[dancingtype]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

Something else to consider is that you'll be reverse commuting. There are fewer trains. Does your employer offer a shuttle from the train? Unless they do, it could be a little tough getting to work.

Thanks. Yes, there are shuttle/buses to and from the station.
If I live 1-2 blocks from the Union station, It will be around 1 hour commute each way!

[silvertonesx24]

I live near there and love the reverse commute. Train time = work time. There are always seats.

Then again it helps that my office is right off a Metra station. if I had to connect from there I probably wouldn't do it. Too much wasted time with connections

[dancingtype]

Originally Posted by silvertonesx24

I live near there and love the reverse commute. Train time = work time. There are always seats.

Then again it helps that my office is right off a Metra station. if I had to connect from there I probably wouldn't do it. Too much wasted time with connections

Thanks!
Do you take Metra (MD-N)? Is it reliable?

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by dancingtype

Thanks!
Do you take Metra (MD-N)? Is it reliable?

Metra is EXTREMELY reliable.

Fortunately is this laptop era you will be able to turn most of your commute time into work time.

[dancingtype]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Metra is EXTREMELY reliable.

Fortunately is this laptop era you will be able to turn most of your commute time into work time.

Thank you. How is the WiFi connectivity on the train?

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by dancingtype

Thank you. How is the WiFi connectivity on the train?

That's the drawback. Only a few trains have any WiFi, and it's slow.