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As has been said, the commute will be bad for him. But if he's the one pushing the move I guess he'll have to deal with it
A compromise could be to look in Berwyn or Oak Park. You can be close to the CTA Blue or Green lines to get downtown and also be close to the Metra train that goes to Aurora. In the city the South Loop or Pilsen would allow you to do the same thing. Do some research on Pilsen, it's a "transitional" neighborhood, and while most of it is fine there are some rough areas.
If your Husband is going to drive you should look at Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village/West Town. You could take the Blue line downtown and he could drive south to the Ike for his commute.
If you're a foodie definitely check out LTH Forums and Metromix. Chicago is a great food city.
Depending on where in Aurora your husband's job would be I would definitely suggest the metra. Chicago to Aurora has several trains in the morning that go almost directly there without making all of the stops. Check it out: Metra / BNSF Monday - Friday Outbound
Or if driving is really a neccessity I would highly suggest taking I-55 if possible. The traffic is MUCH better most mornings (of course that also depends on when he would be leaving Chicago)
But yes that will be a very rough commute no matter how you slice it.
I think Oak Park is a good choice. I also think that D.C. is one hard city to leave (provided you can afford it). But I think you'll enjoy Chicago, you'll just to have make an adjustment, especially in the wintertime. The Maryland/Virginia/D.C. area has pretty tame winters compared to Chicago. Even New York winters are pretty good compared to here.
Thanks Guys for all your reponses- I was hoping to get a few ideas on the cost of living, opportunities present in the IT field, diversity in regards to Chicago versus DC, etc,
aragx6- Yes we both live and work in DC at present- he commutes 1-1.5 hour daily each way right now(that is DC traffic)
he will be working at the FAA Chicago Center in Aurora-supposedly you can take the metra out there(according to some of his coworkers) and walk/bike down the ten blocks- since we haven't been there yet, we are not really sure....
He wants to stay downtown(or very near to the surrounding area), since he knows I will be moving there primarily for him. Also let's just say that I am not jumping up and down at the idea of moving anywhere right now....but am keeping an open mind
The train (Metra) does run that far west, but the train ride alone will be over an hour. In summer he can walk to the FAA Center, but in the winter it can and does get extremely cold several days of the year, thats when he'll wish he had a car. lol
If Metra is a possibility, you can live downtown. The Metra line going to Aurora (BNSF) starts at Union Station in the west loop part of downtown. That part of the city is full of mid-rise condos and lofts. Its a nice urban area for young couples without kids. You'll be able to walk to your job in the Loop. Not the most happening area with regards to restaurants and shopping, but you'll be very close to those areas. A 2 bedroom, 1000 square foot condo will run between 3-400K in that area.
Also, since your husband will be reverse commuting, he will be allowed to take a bicycle on the train with him.
It would be better to live in Naperville and for you to take the train in. Its only forty min on the Burlington. Naperville is very nice. It will be a hellish commute, I am assuming atcontrollers have to be on time. No way it can be done.
It would be better to live in Naperville and for you to take the train in. Its only forty min on the Burlington. Naperville is very nice. It will be a hellish commute, I am assuming atcontrollers have to be on time. No way it can be done.
But the living part would be a huge difference between Naperville and downtown. If your husband is used to a long commute, and you both know what you're getting into, live downtown. But don't buy, rent instead to get a feel for the area first.
thanks but naperville is too far form the city- we are definitely considering downtown....
and yes - he is used to a long commute(sigh), and as for what we are getting into-well- please share your experiences of living in chicago versus that of dc- and we are definitely thinking about renting than buying....
thanks for all your responses everyone!
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