Commuting from the Western Suburbs to Downtown Chicago | Metra BNSF or Drive?
In this video, we talk about the BNSF Metra commuter rail, which runs through Chicago’s western suburbs and into Union Station in downtown Chicago, and we also consider the pros and cons of driving vs. taking the train.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Eric Andersen Homes
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My name is Eric and I own my own, independent real estate brokerage in Chicago, Illinois. I specialize in helping out of state newcomers find the perfect home here in Burr Ridge and the western suburbs. When I’m not selling homes, I love spending time with my wife and 6 children, serving my congregations (I’m an ordained Lutheran pastor and serve Zion, Summit & Immanuel, Hodgkins), exercising, and making Neapolitan pizza from scratch and baking it in my Ooni wood-fired oven. Despite being a Chicago native, I’m a St. Louis Blues & Nashville Predators fan. I’m currently reading the biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson.
I have a number of awards and designations, including:
⭐️ Top 3 REALTOR® in Brookfield, IL (2021)
⭐️ 20 under 40, class of 2021 (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Gold 2020 Top 3% Sales Award (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Endorsed Local Provider (RamseyTrusted)
⭐️ Best of Zillow
⭐️ Pricing Strategy Advisor (National Association of REALTORS®)
⭐️ Certified Staging Consultant (Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®)
Transcript:
Considering a move to the western suburbs but work in the city? You may be wondering about your commuting options. Take the train, or drive? What makes the most sense for your time and budget? I’m Eric with Eric Andersen Homes, and in this video, we’re going to talk about the BNSF train line, which runs from the western suburbs to the city, weigh some pros and cons of driving vs. taking the Metra. But before we get into that, a quick reminder to like this video and subscribe to my channel so you always stay up-to-date with the real estate market in the western suburbs and other helpful videos about the area like this.
Metra’s Burlington Northern train line is the one that runs through the western suburbs. It includes stops in Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Westmont, Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, and Brookfield, and goes into Union Station in downtown Chicago.
Many of the western suburbs’ train stations are right in the heart of their downtown, which makes it convenient if you live nearby. Naperville, Westmont, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, and Brookfield all have Metra stops in their downtown. If you’re close enough to walk, this will save you money on parking. Downers Grove has both a Peet’s Coffee and Starbucks that are very close to the train and offer a quick and convenient place to get your morning sustenance before hopping on the train to work.
Next up, we’re going to weigh the pros and cons of driving vs. taking the train. I’m on this pros vs. cons kick lately, as I recently finished Walter Isaacson’s excellent biography of Benjamin Franklin, who famously made decisions by making list in two columns, one containing all of the pros and the other, the cons. So what are so pros of driving? For one, independence—something that was very important to Franklin—but we’re talking about independence from the oppressive train schedule, not the British crown. Fortunately, this independence doesn’t require a Paris Accord or Continental Congress, just a car. What’s more, the car offers your own, quiet, personal space, which may be important if you’re someone who enjoys singing along to the radio. (singing Bohemian Rhapsody) Eat your heart out, Freddie Mercury. Diving also gives you the freedom to take detours and stop wherever you like. The train follows a set path, and if it deviates from the tracks, that’s really bad.
Cons of driving include the cost of gas, wear on your car, and the cost of maintenance from all the driving. Plus, as someone who’s sat in rush hour traffic for many, many hours, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s no fun. Plus, if there are accidents, construction, or bad weather, that can add a significant amount of time to your commute. There is this joke that in Chicago we have two seasons: winter, and construction season. Finding parking in the city can also be a headache, and if you do find it, it isn’t cheap. According to Spot Here, the median daily price for parking in downtown Chicago is $30, but it can be as high as $50 in some lots. All of that stress from traffic and time in the car could be spent doing something else.
As for taking the Metra, yes, you are still spending time commuting, but at least you aren’t behind the wheel. This can free you up to work or enjoy music or Audiobooks without worrying about what’s happening on the roads. Another benefit of taking the train is you could even get a quick nap in. Just be sure not to miss your stop! If you’re a social person, you can make some new friends on the train. In terms of costs, there is the train fare and maybe parking, depending on the lot, but you will save on gas.
Cons of taking the train include having to follow their schedule. Plus, it can get noisy and crowded. Also, since the BNSF lets you off at Union Station, you’ll have to figure out how you’re going to get to work from there. Unless, of course, you happen to work at Union Station. Options may include walking, which is great exercise but can be a distance, plus snow, wind, and cold could make that a challenge at times. There’s also the ‘L’ train, or Uber/Lyft, or even taxi.
Of course, I can’t decide which commuting option is best for you, but hopefully this helps. What I can do is help you find the perfect home and location. I’m Eric with Eric Andersen Homes, here to remove the headache from real estate and provide expert guidance for your next purchase or sale.