Quiet, safe suburbs with access to UIC? (Chicago, Berwyn: rentals, home)

[GradStu13]

Hi there,

New user here, contemplating a move to Chicago to study at UIC. Would like to move someplace quiet to study, and safe so my girlfriend can walk the dog in the evenings, preferably someplace tree-lined and pretty.

Here's the catch: As a grad student, I'm broke! We pay 800 for a 2BR in my home state, and don't want to pay much more unless its unavoidable.

What do you think? Is a quiet, safe suburb with good access to UIC for cheap just a fantasy?

Thanks for any help you have to offer,
grad stu

[oakparkdude]

How quiet, how safe, and how far from UIC do you want?

[jsk1983]

Oak Park and Forest Park are the closest suburbs. Both are on the Blue Line and the first suburbs outside of Chicago going west.

[GradStu13]

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

How quiet, how safe, and how far from UIC do you want?

I'm hoping for a less than hour commute, and I'm dreaming of the safest, woodiest place around. Love the names of the areas, by the way. Oak Park, Forest Park? Hope the scenery matches the names.

[ProgMichael]

You plan on driving or is Metra train an option?

[It'sAutomatic]

Find any areas with forest preserves or parks and look at towns nearby.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by GradStu13

Hi there,

New user here, contemplating a move to Chicago to study at UIC. Would like to move someplace quiet to study, and safe so my girlfriend can walk the dog in the evenings, preferably someplace tree-lined and pretty.

Here's the catch: As a grad student, I'm broke! We pay 800 for a 2BR in my home state, and don't want to pay much more unless its unavoidable.

What do you think? Is a quiet, safe suburb with good access to UIC for cheap just a fantasy?

Thanks for any help you have to offer,
grad stu

Berwyn also would be a good choice because if you live around Cermak Road, where there are many affordable rentals, you can take a quick bus ride to the Pink Line, which takes you right to UIC's campus in about 15 minutes.

[chitownperson]

I agree with Berwyn and Forest park, especially if you're on a budget. Depending on what you can find price wise, Oak Park would be a good option too, as suggested... I see plenty of females walking their dogs in the evenings, and it's a charming village. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these places.

[jsk1983]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Berwyn also would be a good choice because if you live around Cermak Road, where there are many affordable rentals, you can take a quick bus ride to the Pink Line, which takes you right to UIC's campus in about 15 minutes.

The Pink Line no longer goes to UIC. The northern part of Berwyn along Roosevelt Road isn't that far of a walk to the Blue Line though.

[BRU67]

It only goes to the Medical District, you're right, but it's not far from there to the UIC campus, or, as you said, hit the Blue Line in Oak Park to go right to it.