What is a good suburbia neighborhood to live in the Chicago area?

December 22nd, 2009 | by Michael |
chicago
Nel asked:


I am planning on relocating for a job west of Chicago (Melrose Park area) and would like to know of what areas are good to live in surrounding there? Also is it crazy or too much hassle to try to commute (whether by car or Metro system) from Chicago (downtown) to that area?

MYLES

  1. 6 Responses to “What is a good suburbia neighborhood to live in the Chicago area?”

  2. By ?Patricia? on Dec 22, 2009 | Reply

    Nottingham Park!

  3. By andyfromokee on Dec 23, 2009 | Reply

    Bensonville and Woodale and Itasca are nice.Elmhurts and Addison are too bizy

  4. By Prairie Girl on Dec 24, 2009 | Reply

    Carol Stream is very nice.

  5. By shady on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply

    I lived in Chicago for over 20 years, and I would suggest that trying to commute by car would be more stress and hassle then taking the CTA, (Chicago Transit Authority). The CTA, while not always pretty is frequent, varied with trains and busses, connections to outer suburban train companies. As for neighborhoods, what appeals to one might not appeal to another, but if it were me, I might consider attempting to locate walking distance to my job for the ultimate convenience. I found I had to look at alot of places to find housing I liked, though most were adequate. Oak Park is an area with wide tree lined streets, filled with mostly old craftsman style abodes and bungalows. Living downtown or on the near west side say Wicker Park/Bucktown can be quite exciting and convenient and not too bad a commute by public transit, provided your job isn’t way off any routes. I lived down town in the Marina Towers (the two corn cob shaped buildings on the river) which was really cool and found getting anywhere from there quite easy. If it were me, and I had the money I’d probably choose to either live downtown, somewhere you are super excited about (and pay more for that benefit) or I’d try and live very near my job in a place well located to transit. Overall getting to other areas in the city from Melrose park will often entail going downtown to transfer, so living downtown offers a certain ease. Melrose Park isn’t that far from downtown. Perhaps you could swing a weekend there with a good pair of walking shoes and try a few commutes, see how you’d like it and consider, rush hour commutes are more crowded, but in no way impossible if you are able to walk, stand and in reasonable fitness. I lost 15lbs when I moved to Chicago due to the choice to forgo a car. I gained 20 when I moved to the Motor City, and public transit was not as good as Chicago. Good luck in the city of Big Shoulders.

  6. By mr x on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply

    eww melrose park *****..it’s too ghetto. my favorite suburbs that are somewhat near that area are schaumburg, oak brook, bloomingdale

  7. By Ami on Dec 29, 2009 | Reply

    Elmwood park, River Grove, and the Mount Claire neighborhood which is within the City limits are good beceause the Metra Station is within walking distance or the drive to the station is relatively short. They are all quiet neighborhoods with moderate traffic, good schools and plenty of places for shopping for what you need. Not much to do but its a good place to raise a family and still be within a 1/2 hour commute to Downtown.

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