Chicago Area DISers, I need your help!!

[Tina]

I need some help from the Chicago Area DISers. My DH may be getting a job transfer to Chicago. We had considered this move before and got some great advice from you folks on what areas are nice to live in. We really like what we've seen online in the Aurora/Plainfield/Naperville area. The price is right for the type of home we'd like. Well, now that the transfer is looking like it may happen, I've been trying to figure out the logistics of the commute. The company's office is located on Wacker Drive near where Lake and Franklin cross. DH would probably take the Metra into the city, but I'm having trouble figuring out how he'd get to his office from the station. The line from Aurora into the city (BNSF Line) ends at Union station, which looks like a fairly long walk to the office - especially in cold weather. On the CTA map, it looks like there is a Blue Line station within a block of the office. How does he get from the BNSF train to the Blue line? Do stations intersect anywhere on their way into the city so he can switch trains? What about the driving option? Traffic is MURDER here in No. Virginia and we'd like to get him out of that. How does traffic fare for driving into the city from the West?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do not know about the rail and that, Tina, but can tell you for sure, a driving cummute, from anywhere, INTO the city, is awful. And at the end of the day, OUT is awful. I know you will get some input here. You might even ask it on the Chicago thread here, http://130.94.75.33/showthread.php?t=867854 (we even have our own thread here, LOL ). And, you must promise, you will come to the Chicago meets once you guys move here.

 

[Tina]

Thanks for the link, Dan. I will post this same question over there. Of course, I will attend the Chicago DIS meets. How else will I get the opportunity to meet the FAMOUS Dan Murphy????

 

[Ava83]

He would take the blue line to I think lake,and then still have to walk a little.but not bad at all.

I have always walked out of the back of Union Station and then gone north about a block to catch the blue line.

I live in that area also and really like it, Plainfield most cause it is still affordable, but they are are really nice.

 

[Tina]

But how and where does he get on the Blue line? If he takes the Metra, according to the schedule, it looks like Union Station is the only stop unless he wants to take a non-express train.

 

[Ava83]

I just re-read your question...he would walk out behind Union Station and walk about 1 block north to the blue line stop (I think its Clinton but I could be wrong) its really easy. If I can do it anyone can!

I also just looked at the maps and he might be best to walk, the train in the city may take him further away from his location. I am honestly not sure.

This website links the metra, train and bus sched. to give you the best way to get to his location.

http://www.transitchicago.com

Driving into and from the city is really bad.

 

[pearlieq]

Welcome to Chicago!!!

If I've got the location right, it should be about a 7 block walk from Union Station, which means it should take about 10 - 15 minutes. I used to do about a 5 block walk, and it was liveable on all but the very coldest days. There might be one or two days a year where he might need to cab it or catch the bus, but otherwise just bundle up and head out! He'll have plenty of company along the way.

I really do think walking will be the best option from Union Station. There really isn't any convenient El station. He would have to walk longer to get to a Blue Line station that he would just to walk to the office! It does look like the 125 CTA bus might get him close to where he's trying to go. It might be worth trying out one day to see if it makes life easier. Rush hour fares on that route are $1.

I used to commute in from the Rt. 59 station (BNSF line) which services Western Naperville and Aurora. Parking is a bear. He'll either need to be there by about 8:00am at the absolute latest or you'll have to drop him off. Other than that, the train was a great way to commute. There are tons of express trains and the service is very reliable.

I would strongly advise against driving. They're doing a lot of construction on the route from the West suburbs to the City. Also, if you're seriously looking at the outer Aurora/Plainfield area, keep in mind that the commute from your house to the on-ramp to I-88 could be up to 45 minutes. Traffic on Rt. 59, which is the main route to I-88 in that area, gets very heavy during rush hour. If I could give you advice it would be to try to get as close to downtown Naperville as you can afford. You'll generally have much better access to train services/expressways.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. I'm happy to help!

 

[Tina]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Its especially nice hearing from those who have made a similar commute.

 

[Tina]

Just bumping this back up for input from the mornin' DISers.