Best Chicago Suburbs for Commuters: Metra, Highways and Homes

Choosing the right Chicago suburb can make a major difference in your commute, housing budget and quality of life.

A community may look convenient on a map but still create a difficult daily routine when you include the drive to the station, parking, train schedule and travel from the downtown terminal to your workplace.

The best Chicago suburb for a commuter is not necessarily the town with the shortest scheduled train ride. It is the community that provides the right combination of:

• Metra or CTA access
• Station parking
• Walkability
• Highway access
• Home prices
• Property taxes
• School boundaries
• Neighborhood character
• Complete door-to-door travel time

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living help buyers compare commuter-friendly suburbs, homes near train stations, property taxes and daily travel options throughout the Chicago area.

George also understands the commuter lifestyle personally. For four years, he traveled from the Route 59 Metra Station to Chicago Union Station, walked to Ogilvie Transportation Center and continued by train to Clybourn.

Start your Chicago suburb home search with George Kolar

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Best Chicago Suburbs for Commuters at a Glance

Train times, stopping patterns, parking rules and fares can change. Verify the current Metra or CTA schedule for the exact day and time you expect to travel.

What Makes a Chicago Suburb Good for Commuters?

The Correct Metra Line

Metra operates several lines that terminate at different downtown stations.

This matters because your downtown destination may be much closer to one terminal than another.

• BNSF Line: Chicago Union Station
• Union Pacific West Line: Ogilvie Transportation Center
• Union Pacific Northwest Line: Ogilvie Transportation Center
• Union Pacific North Line: Ogilvie Transportation Center
• Milwaukee District West Line: Chicago Union Station
• Milwaukee District North Line: Chicago Union Station
• Rock Island Line: LaSalle Street Station
• Metra Electric Line: Millennium Station

A buyer working near Willis Tower may prefer a train arriving at Union Station. Someone working near the West Loop may find Ogilvie more convenient. A commuter traveling to an office near Millennium Park may prefer a Metra Electric or CTA option.

Express and Local Train Patterns

Not every train stops at every station.

Some stations may receive express or limited-stop service during peak commuting periods, while midday, evening and weekend patterns can be different.

Review the trains you would realistically use rather than comparing only the fastest scheduled trip.

Station Access

The time required to reach the station can be as important as the train ride.

Evaluate whether you will:

• Walk
• Bike
• Drive and park
• Use a local bus
• Get dropped off
• Use a rideshare service

Parking Availability

Station parking may include:

• Daily spaces
• Permit spaces
• Municipal lots
• Privately operated lots
• Waiting lists
• Mobile-payment requirements

Confirm parking costs and availability before buying a home based on train access.

Downtown Travel After the Train

The commute does not end when the train arrives.

You may still need to:

• Walk several blocks
• Transfer to the CTA
• Take a bus
• Use a company shuttle
• Travel from one downtown terminal to another

Highway Access

Hybrid workers and commuters traveling to suburban employment centers may place greater value on highways than train service.

Important routes include:

• Interstate 88
• Interstate 90
• Interstate 94
• Interstate 290
• Interstate 294
• Interstate 355
• Interstate 55

1. Naperville

Naperville is one of the most popular commuter suburbs because it combines BNSF Line service, Interstate 88 access, a major downtown and a broad selection of housing.

Commuters may use:

• Naperville Station near Downtown Naperville
• Route 59 Station near the Naperville-Aurora border

The most convenient station depends on the home’s location.

Naperville Station

The Naperville Station can be convenient for residents near:

• Downtown Naperville
• North Central College
• North Naperville neighborhoods
• Washington Street
• Ogden Avenue

Route 59 Station

The Route 59 Station may be convenient for residents of:

• West Naperville
• Southwest Naperville
• Far-east Aurora
• Neighborhoods near Route 59 and 95th Street

The station has parking areas managed by both Naperville and Aurora, so commuters should verify the correct lot, payment system and access route.

Why Commuters Choose Naperville

• Two practical BNSF station options
• Peak-period train choices
• Interstate 88 access
• Walkable downtown
• Restaurants, shopping and recreation
• Condos, townhomes and detached homes
• Strong long-term housing demand

Naperville Buyer Considerations

• Distance to the preferred station
• Parking availability
• School district and assigned schools
• Property taxes
• Traffic near Route 59 and Interstate 88
• Price premium near downtown

Explore Naperville homes and neighborhoods

Best for: Buyers wanting commuter rail, extensive amenities and a large selection of suburban housing.

2. Downers Grove

Downers Grove is one of the strongest western suburban options for BNSF commuters.

The village has three stations:

• Belmont
• Main Street
• Fairview Avenue

This gives buyers more flexibility when comparing neighborhoods and parking options.

Main Street Area

The Main Street station is surrounded by a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, community events and varied housing.

Buyers may find:

• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• Historic homes
• Ranch homes
• Custom infill construction
• Luxury properties

Why Commuters Choose Downers Grove

• Three BNSF stations
• Walkable downtown
• Interstate 355 access
• Access to Interstate 88
• Broad housing selection
• Parks and trails

Downers Grove Buyer Considerations

• Which station provides the most useful schedule
• Walking distance vs. parking
• School boundaries
• Home age and condition
• Property taxes
• Train and road noise

Explore Downers Grove homes and neighborhoods

Best for: Buyers wanting multiple BNSF stations, a traditional downtown and convenient western-suburban highway access.

3. Elmhurst

Elmhurst is a close-in DuPage County suburb served by the Union Pacific West Line.

Trains arrive at Ogilvie Transportation Center, which may be especially convenient for commuters working in the West Loop or near the northwestern portion of the Loop.

Why Commuters Choose Elmhurst

• Downtown Metra station
• Walkable restaurants and shopping
• Access to Interstate 290
• Access to Interstate 294
• Relatively close location to Chicago
• Condos, townhomes and detached homes

Elmhurst Buyer Considerations

• Home prices near downtown
• Property taxes
• Station parking
• Train noise
• Flooding and drainage where applicable
• Age of established homes

Best for: Buyers seeking a shorter western-suburban trip, a vibrant downtown and convenient highway access.

4. La Grange

La Grange is an established Cook County suburb served by the BNSF Line.

The La Grange Road station is located near a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops and community events.

Why Commuters Choose La Grange

• BNSF access to Union Station
• Close-in suburban location
• Walkable downtown
• Historic architecture
• Access to Interstate 294
• Access to nearby employment centers

La Grange Buyer Considerations

• Cook County property taxes
• Historic-home maintenance
• Parking and station access
• Train noise
• Lot size
• School boundaries

Best for: Buyers wanting BNSF service, historic homes and a traditional close-in downtown.

5. Oak Park

Oak Park offers several public-transportation choices.

Depending on the neighborhood and destination, commuters may use:

• Union Pacific West Metra service
• CTA Green Line
• CTA Blue Line from southern portions of the community
• CTA and Pace bus routes

Why Commuters Choose Oak Park

• Close proximity to Chicago
• Multiple transit options
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Historic architecture
• Restaurants and local businesses
• Reduced dependence on a car in selected areas

Oak Park Buyer Considerations

• Which rail line best serves the workplace
• Property taxes
• Parking restrictions
• Age and condition of historic homes
• Condominium assessments
• Traffic and density

Best for: Buyers wanting a suburban address with several city-style transportation options.

6. Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights is served by the Union Pacific Northwest Line to Ogilvie Transportation Center.

Its station is located in an active downtown with restaurants, condominiums, entertainment and community services.

Why Commuters Choose Arlington Heights

• Downtown Metra station
• Walkable housing options
• Restaurants and entertainment
• Access to Route 53
• Proximity to Interstate 90
• Access to O’Hare-area employment

Arlington Heights Buyer Considerations

• Train schedule and stopping pattern
• Parking availability
• Distance from the home to downtown
• Property taxes
• Condominium or HOA fees
• Airport and highway access needs

Best for: Buyers working near Ogilvie, O’Hare or northwest-suburban employment centers.

7. Evanston

Evanston provides both Union Pacific North Metra service and CTA Purple Line access.

Metra stations include:

• Main Street
• Davis Street
• Central Street

CTA stations provide additional choices throughout the city.

Why Commuters Choose Evanston

• Multiple Metra stations
• CTA Purple Line access
• Lake Michigan beaches and parks
• Walkable commercial districts
• Northwestern University
• Condos, townhomes and detached housing

Evanston Buyer Considerations

• Metra vs. CTA destination
• Limited parking near selected stations
• Property taxes
• Condominium assessments
• Home age and renovation history
• Density and street parking

Best for: Buyers wanting lakefront living and several transportation alternatives to Chicago.

8. Wheaton

Wheaton is served by the Union Pacific West Line and has two stations:

• Wheaton
• College Avenue

The downtown Wheaton station is surrounded by restaurants, shops and community amenities.

Why Commuters Choose Wheaton

• Two Metra stations
• Walkable downtown
• Established neighborhoods
• Access to the Illinois Prairie Path
• Varied housing options
• Access to Interstate 88 through nearby routes

Wheaton Buyer Considerations

• Which station has the preferred schedule
• Parking availability
• Distance to highways
• Property taxes
• School boundaries
• Home age and condition

Explore Wheaton homes and neighborhoods

Best for: Buyers seeking a traditional DuPage County community with two UP-West station options.

9. Park Ridge

Park Ridge is served by the Union Pacific Northwest Line and is located close to Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.

Why Commuters Choose Park Ridge

• Close-in location
• Downtown Metra station
• Access to Interstate 90
• Access to Interstate 294
• Proximity to O’Hare
• Walkable Uptown district

Park Ridge Buyer Considerations

• Home prices
• Cook County taxes
• Airport noise in selected areas
• Station parking
• Age of housing
• Traffic near major routes

Best for: Buyers wanting access to both Downtown Chicago and O’Hare-area employment.

Additional Chicago Suburbs Commuters May Consider

Depending on budget, workplace and preferred Metra line, commuters may also research:

• Glen Ellyn
• Glenview
• Highland Park
• Lisle
• Lombard
• Palatine
• Barrington
• Des Plaines
• Geneva
• Tinley Park
• Mokena
• Oak Lawn

A farther station may have a longer train ride but offer more home, larger lots or lower purchase prices. A closer station may reduce commuting time but involve higher housing costs.

Union Station vs. Ogilvie Transportation Center

Buyers often compare train times without considering where the train arrives.

Chicago Union Station May Be Convenient for:

• West Loop offices
• Willis Tower area
• CTA Blue Line connections
• Amtrak connections
• Bus routes serving the Loop and River North

Ogilvie Transportation Center May Be Convenient for:

• West Loop offices
• Fulton Market
• CTA Green and Pink Line connections
• Offices north of Madison Street
• Bus routes serving the Loop

Someone working near Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, River North or the South Loop may still require an additional walk, bus or CTA transfer from either terminal.

How to Calculate the Real Door-to-Door Commute

Use the following calculation:

1. Time from the home to the station
2. Time required to park or lock a bicycle
3. Time waiting for the train
4. Scheduled train time
5. Time exiting the downtown terminal
6. Walking, bus or CTA time to the workplace
7. A reasonable allowance for delays

A 35-minute train ride can easily become a one-hour door-to-door commute.

Walk-to-Train Home vs. Drive-to-Train Home

Commuting by Car

Metra is not the best solution for every buyer.

Driving may make more sense when:

• Your workplace is outside Downtown Chicago.
• Your schedule changes frequently.
• You work nights or weekends.
• You need a vehicle during the workday.
• Your home or office is far from a station.

Western Suburban Highway Options

• Interstate 88: Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, Oak Brook and Aurora-area access
• Interstate 355: Downers Grove, Woodridge, Bolingbrook and western north-south travel
• Interstate 290: Elmhurst, Oak Park and access toward Chicago
• Interstate 55: Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and southwest suburban access

Test the route during the hours you expect to travel. Weekend travel times may not resemble weekday rush-hour conditions.

Hybrid Workers Should Compare More Than Train Time

A buyer commuting only two or three days per week may prefer:

• A larger home farther from Chicago
• A dedicated home office
• A larger yard
• Lower purchase prices
• Occasional access to a farther Metra station

However, hybrid schedules can change. Consider whether the home would still work if office attendance increased.

Housing Costs in Commuter Suburbs

Homes near train stations and walkable downtowns may command higher prices because of location and limited supply.

Buyers should compare:

• Purchase price
• Property taxes
• HOA fees
• Station parking costs
• Train fares
• Fuel and tolls
• Home maintenance
• Commute time

Learn how much house your budget may buy

Compare Chicago suburban property taxes

Property Taxes and the Commuter Decision

A community with a shorter commute may have higher home prices or property taxes.

A farther suburb may provide more space but create additional train, parking, fuel or toll expenses.

Compare the complete monthly cost instead of focusing only on the mortgage or train fare.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Commuter Home

1. Which Metra or CTA line serves my workplace most efficiently?
2. Which downtown terminal does the train use?
3. Does my preferred train stop at this station?
4. How frequently does the train operate?
5. What happens if I miss my normal train?
6. How will I reach the station?
7. Is daily parking available?
8. Is there a permit waiting list?
9. How much does parking cost?
10. How far is the workplace from the downtown terminal?
11. What is the complete weekday door-to-door time?
12. How reliable is the highway alternative?
13. What are the property taxes and HOA fees?
14. Does the home have space for remote work?
15. Would the location remain practical if my schedule changed?

Common Commuter Home-Buyer Mistakes

Comparing Only the Fastest Train

The fastest train may not operate at the time you need it.

Ignoring the Downtown Terminal

Union Station, Ogilvie, LaSalle Street and Millennium Station serve different parts of downtown.

Assuming Parking Is Guaranteed

Parking rules and availability vary by station and lot.

Testing the Commute on a Weekend

Weekday traffic, train schedules and parking demand can be very different.

Underestimating the Trip to the Station

A station may be located in the same suburb but still require a lengthy drive.

Overpaying to Walk to the Train

Walkability has value, but buyers should still compare the home’s condition, size, taxes and resale potential.

Ignoring Train Noise

Visit the property while trains are operating and listen from inside and outside the home.

Assuming a Hybrid Schedule Will Never Change

Choose a location that can accommodate a reasonable change in office attendance.

Why Work With George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living?

Finding a commuter-friendly home requires more than searching within a certain distance of a station.

George helps buyers compare:

• Metra lines and downtown terminals
• Station locations
• Parking options
• Walkable downtown areas
• Highway access
• Home prices
• Property taxes
• School boundaries
• Home condition
• Long-term resale demand

Chicago Suburb Living can help you:

• Identify suburbs that fit your commute
• Create a customized home search
• Find homes near Metra stations
• Compare walk-to-train and drive-to-train locations
• Review property taxes and HOA fees
• Evaluate recent comparable sales
• Arrange private home tours
• Prepare a competitive offer
• Coordinate lenders, attorneys and inspectors
• Manage the purchase through closing

Read the complete guide to moving to the Chicago suburbs

Learn more about George Kolar

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chicago suburb is best for commuting downtown?

The best suburb depends on your workplace, preferred downtown terminal, budget and housing needs. Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, La Grange, Oak Park, Arlington Heights and Evanston are strong options for different types of commuters.

Which Chicago suburbs have BNSF Line service?

Popular BNSF commuter suburbs include Naperville, Downers Grove, La Grange, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont and Lisle.

Which suburbs have trains to Ogilvie Transportation Center?

The Union Pacific North, Northwest and West lines terminate at Ogilvie. Suburbs on these lines include Evanston, Arlington Heights, Park Ridge, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton and Geneva.

Does Naperville have two Metra stations?

Naperville residents commonly use the Naperville Station and Route 59 Station. The Route 59 station is located near the Naperville-Aurora border.

How many Metra stations are in Downers Grove?

Downers Grove has three BNSF stations: Belmont, Main Street and Fairview Avenue.

Which suburbs also have CTA service?

Oak Park and Evanston are among the suburban communities offering both Metra and CTA rail options.

Should I buy within walking distance of Metra?

A walk-to-train location can save parking time and may support resale demand. Compare the price premium, home condition, lot size and daily walking route before deciding.

How can I check current train times?

Use Metra’s current schedules, fare calculator and train tracker. Verify the exact station, date and departure time rather than relying on a general online estimate.

Can I park at any Metra station?

Parking availability, permits, fees and payment systems vary. Confirm current rules with Metra and the municipality or parking operator responsible for the lot.

Is a longer train ride always worse?

No. A farther suburb may offer a larger or newer home, a more manageable purchase price or a preferred lifestyle. Compare the total daily commute and housing cost.

Can George help me find homes near Metra?

Yes. George can build a customized search based on station, walking distance, price, home style, school district and other priorities.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Complete Commute, Not Just the Suburb

Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, La Grange, Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Wheaton and Park Ridge can all be strong commuter suburbs.

They are not interchangeable.

Each community uses a particular rail line and downtown terminal. Housing prices, property taxes, station parking, walkability and highway access also vary.

Before buying, test the complete trip during a normal workday. Confirm the schedule, parking arrangement and distance from the downtown terminal to your workplace.

Then compare the commute with the home’s price, condition, taxes, neighborhood and long-term resale potential.

George Kolar and Chicago Suburb Living can help you identify the suburban location that provides the right balance of commuting convenience and homeownership value.

Start your commuter-friendly home search

Contact George Kolar about homes near Metra

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George Kolar
Chicago Suburb Living | Brokered by eXp Realty
630-479-1400
George@ChicagoSuburbLiving.com

Transportation, real estate, school, tax, fare, parking and schedule information is provided for general educational purposes. Metra and CTA service, stopping patterns, fares, parking rules, school assignments, property taxes and housing availability can change. Buyers should verify current information with the applicable transportation provider, municipality, school district, association and appropriately licensed professionals.