Same-sex couple looking to move to the western suburbs (Chicago: living, shop)

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

If you can live within a few blocks or walking distance to Roosevelt Road there is mostly likely a bus going directly to Hines.

You can look for places in South Oak Park, Berwyn, or Forest Park as they all border on Roosevelt Rd.

There is a Roosevelt Rd Pace bus (#301) that goes to Hines, but its eastern terminus is the Forest Park blue line station, so it doesn't go east of Des Plaines Ave. The other Roosevelt Rd bus (#305) goes east from the blue line station, but I wouldn't recommend relying on a commute requiring two bus lines and a transfer especially since the 305 only run on 30 minute headways.

[Lookout Kid]

I would hope that we're moving in to a time where same-sex couples can live wherever the heck they want in our region without fear of being outcast, and I think we're almost there with a few key exceptions... But I will admit, my mind immediately went to Oak Park as well. You may also like La Grange, which friends tell me is increasingly liberal compared to what it was 10-15 years ago.

[oakparkdude]

Acceptance is (or should be) the minimum criteria. There's also the issue of critical mass, which may or may not be of importance to some people.

[Lookout Kid]

I think we're getting to a point where every suburb has at least a smattering of same-sex couples and/or parents. So "critical mass" is difficult to define.

[nikitakolata]

I didn't say it in my first reply, but the issue of a same sex, interracial couple should not be an issue at all. I don't know anyone who would care if the OP moved in next door. I sure wouldn't. I think the biggest problem the OP's going to have is managing a public transit commute to a suburban location. It isn't impossible, but it isn't ideal, either.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by nikitakolata

I think the biggest problem the OP's going to have is managing a public transit commute to a suburban location. It isn't impossible, but it isn't ideal, either.

I think this idea should be abandoned. They will need to buy a car if they want to work there.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I think this idea should be abandoned. They will need to buy a car if they want to work there.

I agree. I wouldn't be able to handle using PACE for my commute.

[aga412]

Is there a "call and ride" PACE bus program in those near-in suburbs? We have one in Batavia and the Tri-Cities, and it appears to be fairly inexpensive.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by nikitakolata

I agree. I wouldn't be able to handle using PACE for my commute.

It wouldn't be my first choice, but between the Pace #301 and #308, there are buses leaving every 10-15 minutes from Forest Park to Hines VA. It'd be a relatively short commute even in traffic too.

[bu__jonathan]

To back up what many posters are saying, if I were in your shoes, I'd live wherever is convenient for you and your partner. Don't worry too much about whether the neighborhood is gay-friendly or not. For the most part, the Chicagoland area is gay-friendly.

My boyfriend and I live in the far western 'burbs in Kane County, which is a fair bit more conservative than the area you're looking at. We haven't had any issues as an openly gay couple. Of course, common sense applies... when we're in a situation surrounded by large dudes and alcohol, we tend to dial back the PDA. But again, that applies in the city as well.