Bob

Another one of these random city questions I'm afraid.

So what's the skinny on this one? Fairly close to Chicago, next to the lake, bloody cold winters and a place that I thought was an address not a town. So anyone know the place?

Ta.

anotherlimey

Sounds familiar.... it's close to Schaumberg - does that help?

What do you want to know?

Yes it's cold, yes it's like every other Chicago 'burb, and IIRC yes it's slightly better off than a few other 'burbs nearby.

Bob

Well I'm interviewing for a gig up that way, so we'll see.

Just wondering what towns nearby might be worth a look, kind of commutes going around, is there public transport out there, should I run kicking and screaming

Googled the demographics for a rough idea, but I'd like to know what peoples first hand experiences and thoughts were

anotherlimey

It's a nice place... but being a 'burb of Chicago - it isn't exactly unique.

I haven't been there in a few years, but IIRC the traffic isn't too bad, but commuting into Chicago proper in rush hour can be fun. Commuting on PT might be OK, there is a railway line nearby.

I think we have someone who lives there on these boards.

Bob

Cheers...well the gig is in the middle of HE, so wouldn't have to brave Chicago commute, that's a relief

Though I'm kind of gathering it's urban sprawl and the burbs are a bit bland, though I'll do more looking.

Just getting my head around the time zone, for some reason I thought it was pacific...which made sorting this interview out a bit interesting

Scouse Express

20 - 30 mins from Chicago O'Hare. Some distance inland from the Lake. Lots of Hi-Tech Companies nearby, inc Motorola who are hemorraging jobs.

Nearby shopping includes Woodfield Mall (15 Mins), Long Grove Village (20 - 30 mins), Gurnee Mills (45 Mins). Downtown Chicago is about 1 hr or so, if traffic is flowing okay.

Not much in the way of serious crime there. Pricey accomodations, though.....and taxes.

Jim.

Tracym

I live somewhat nearyby, and used to live quite nearby until a while ago.

It's ok is about what I'd say. Nothing really wrong, nothing really great. Near Schaumburg (and I can't stand Schaumburg, which is wall to wall concrete and cars and houses and yuppies). But Hoffman is a little queter I suppose.

Woodfield Mall is great - huge mall. There is every kind of store or whatever in Schaumburg you'd want. Long Grove is cute - it's really a tourist thing imo rather than a serious place to shop. But you will have no problem whatsoever with all the shopping your heart could possibly desire.

Public transport - nah. Maybe there's a stray bus or something. Generally all the significant public transport is, is the trains to and from downtown Chicago. Which can actually be a much easier commute than many drives. For ex. when I lived in Arl. Hts., I would take the train downtown - nonstop, 30 minutes. And I just sat there and read the paper. Much easier than driving most places.

If you want to be right close in to Hoffman Estates, I can't think of anywhere really better. But further northwest gets a bit more country and nicer imo - but it all depends what you're looking for.

Bob

Thanks guys...well I guess we'll see sometime next week what the deal is, I'm talking to them on Monday.

BritGuyTN

i've been there a few times and think its appalling.

very very boring surburban sprawl. but each to his own...

dbj1000

It's a great car. Made by hand by that bloke who starred in Rain Man and The Graduate - a real quality ride. The IL model has nearly 300 brake luvvie-power, and is a big step up from the rather puny CA version, which only has a three-Grammy engine.

I believe they refer to it as the Hoffman Station Wagon on this side of the pond though, old chap.

Tracym

I'd agree with boring suburban sprawl I think.

But I prefer the country myself.

Hiro11

A standard Chicago bedroom community that's somewhat better located than most. Fairly nondescript.

Tracym

Perfect description.

USBound

Bob - get me on IM (on your OH's)... more than half the people i work with right now used to live/work in HE (NuFx pre EA).

Bob

what about neighbouring sprawls though? anywhere worth looking at that wouldn't be a mare of a commute?

It could all be a moot question anyway, we'll see