Commute from South Loop/Hyde Park to Kankakee (Chicago, University Park: apartment, to buy)

[TexasBexar]

Hi all,

I was hoping if I could get some feedback on whether commuting from DT Chicago to Kankakee is a crazy idea. I know it is unusual to want to be commuting from the city to outside as most people usually go from the burbs to the city, but I rather be living in the city than choosing to stay in the burbs or in Kankakee.
Specifically I was wondering if living in Hyde Park or South Loop and driving to Kankakee was doable.

Also I was wondering the likelihood of getting a studio apt. in those parts for no more than 1300 and whether it would be worth the drive to Kankakee. Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

[BOBNCHI]

"I was hoping if I could get some feedback on whether commuting from DT Chicago to Kankakee is a crazy idea."

It's Krazy!

[MSchemist80]

It's a 60 mile 1hr+ commute assuming base traffic times on the Dan Ryan and 57. It is maybe doable temporarily but it is definitely not a great long term situation. The closest metra would University Park or Manhattan which is half way there already though there is an Amtrak station not sure how frequent, reliable, or expensive that is as an option.

[OneDawg]

My son used to drive from Lake Village to DT every day - it was two grueling hours north and three coming back. He adjusted his return for after 7pm and got back at 9:30pm not much difference. Just remember to empty your bladder and make sure your gas tank is full....

[MarianRavenwood]

Hyde Park would be a much better option than downtown--you could spend a half hour+ each way just trying to get beyond the snaggle of downtown traffic, which runs in both directions. Especially until the Jane Byrne interchange is finished.

It's also pretty unlikely that you'd find a studio in south loop for $1300. Hyde Park would be possible.

Remember to factor parking costs. There will be no place downtown to park a car on the street, you'll have to pay for a garage. In Hyde Park there's street parking but you'll need to buy a zone sticker.

[G in MP]

No.

[MSchemist80]

Originally Posted by MarianRavenwood

Especially until the Jane Byrne interchange is finished.

Sometime before they launch the USS Enterpise on its 5 year mission. Which is right after they finish the O'hare ATS. Chicago/Illinois project management at its finest.

[Jon998877]

Can take the Metra to University Park and then Kankakee Metro has bus service to and from the Kankakee area, though its currently suspended because of low ridership because of covid.. one possibility would be to get a studio apartment in Kankakee that you could use a few nights a week if need to.