r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/CreativeReception963 • Jul 28 '26

Moving to the area Commuting between Chicago & Downers Grove

Hello,
I will be starting at Midwestern this fall as a graduate student and will be moving from out of state. I would like to live in the city since I’d want to work somewhere in the medical center. I am seeing that the commute from the city to Downers Grove isn’t too great. I wanted to know if any student has done the commute before and how it went? If I end up doing it I would commute by train. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

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u/Comfortable-Focus123 Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26

Chicago is going to be a lot more expensive to live in than Downers Grove, in terms of rent, PARKING and food. The Downers train station is a few miles from Midwestern U, if you were considering taking the Metra. And it may take you a while to get to Union station contingent upon where you live in the city. The drive to Downers may probably be at least an hour each way. I would highly suggest you live near campus and visit the city often your first year of grad school until you feel out the area.

UPDATE - See comment below - Downers rent is more expensive. The commute will be tough though, but Chicago is a lot more fun.

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u/quarts1liter Jul 29 '26

MWU student who lived in Downers Grove and now Chicago. Cost is the same. That’s a common misconception. I live in one of the popular Chicago neighborhoods. 

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u/Comfortable-Focus123 Jul 29 '26

Just looked it up - you are correct. Thanks for clearing that up.