Relocating for job in Des Plaines, where to live so I can have my cake and eat it too? (Cross Post) (Chicago: apartments)

[dfriedz]

Hi everyone, an advance thank you for any helpful insights or assistance. I've cross posted this in the Chicago sub forum as well.

I'll be relocating soon for a job in Des Plaines from out of state. I'm 29, male/single, and I've lived in Evanston before but don't know this side of Chicagoland really at all. I very much liked Evanston for the ability to walk/bike around, running group, city/suburb mix, proximity to public transit (metra/EL), and the beautiful lake.

Things that I'm hoping for in an area I live are:
1) Ability to walk/bike to things and not have to drive everywhere
2) A running group nearby
3) A gym/YMCA type of place to exercise, swim, and have group classes at
4) A commute time of 30 minutes or less in rush hour driving; the work location is near Main West High School and not near the metra stop

Yes I know this seems like a I'm looking for a lot and I know I may not be able to find all of these things together.

After doing some research the places I plan to look into more are in the northwest side of the city being Jefferson/Edison Park, and Norwood, as well as some of the suburbs nearby including Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights.

I found Arlington Heights has an organized running group, and I imagine other areas must also; they are just not turning up in my google searches. Thoughts?

I'm looking to rent and plan to pay a maximum of ~1,000 / month on housing expenses and wouldn't have a problem living with a room mate as long as it's a good fit for us.

Thanks.

[amd555]

You are on the right track.

Des Plaines is the cheapest rent in all of your options. AH is the furthest. Mt. Propsect is also very close to AH but I do not know of any groups in MP.

[nikitakolata]

Elmhurst would be a pretty good fit for your criteria. The hardest part, by far, is your budget. Elmhurst does have a college though, so maybe you could find a roommate. I know there are running groups in town and if you live near downtown Elmhurst you won't have to drive besides getting to work. There's also a YMCA in the downtown area, as well as several other gyms.

If you can find a roommate, the new apartment building in Elmhurst wouldn't be too horribly over your budget:
Elmhurst255 | Apartments in Elmhurst, IL