Living in Chicago w/out a car - should I look at any suburbs for a job? (Evanston: find a job)

[Guerita]

I have been going back and forth for the last year wondering if I want to move back to Chicago or not and researching other cities. (Grew up in the area and moved away after graduate school. Have lived in various cities since and for the last 5 yrs in NYC.) Due to a family incident, I REALLY would like to make my way back to Chicago. I would like to live in the city and not the suburbs and not have to repurchase a car at this time (as I can't really afford it now after living in NYC.) Outside of the city of Chicago, are there any suburbs that are a close commute via metra that would be worth looking into? I was told that jobs in Oak Brook are a possibilty but that one would need to commute downtown and than take the train back out and that would be a pain. I was also told that some companies such as Abbot Labs offers a shuttle from the train station.

Thanks!

[Ron.]

My advice would be first decide where you want to possibly live. Secure a job in a "reasonable" location and go from there. Oakbrook is not the only place that has great jobs. As A matter of fact, just this week I had two great interviews at two great companies offering great pay. One is in walking distance and the other is one bus ride away. Both are in the Loop.

Do you need a car? Hmmmmmmmm..it dpends on the lifestyle you want to live. People do have cars in the city. I don't own a car and I am just fine. For the record, I am very busy and active in many things. Only you would know if you need a car or not.


But generally speaking, no you don't need a car. You can certainly survive without one.

I will say, you can find a job that is acceptable to you without having to go to Oakbrook. Of course if you are the CEO of McDonalds that's another story. I'd gladly commute for that gig.


Good luck.

Originally Posted by Guerita

I have been going back and forth for the last year wondering if I want to move back to Chicago or not and researching other cities. (Grew up in the area and moved away after graduate school. Have lived in various cities since and for the last 5 yrs in NYC.) Due to a family incident, I REALLY would like to make my way back to Chicago. I would like to live in the city and not the suburbs and not have to repurchase a car at this time (as I can't really afford it now after living in NYC.) Outside of the city of Chicago, are there any suburbs that are a close commute via metra that would be worth looking into? I was told that jobs in Oak Brook are a possibilty but that one would need to commute downtown and than take the train back out and that would be a pain. I was also told that some companies such as Abbot Labs offers a shuttle from the train station.

Thanks!

[skipcromer]

Evanston is served very well by metra and cta trains.

[Steve-o]

If youre going to look at the suburbs for jobs, make sure they have Metra access to and from work, and make sure your prospected place of business is within a short walking distance of the Metra station.