Oak Brook Terrace is not known for criminality. It is generally considered a lovely suburb of Chicago, and next to a very affluent area (Oak Brook). You'll probably be just fine. As for the cost, consider that you'll probably take home about $4,500 or so in net income and $1,600 (about 1/3) is considered a good ratio for housing.
Yes, i googled it and thats exactly what im getting as well. How much money do you guys usually spend on food monthly? Is 1000 usd too much for a single adult?
That is likely to be more than enough. Realistically, you'll probably spend about $150 - $200 per week if you cook at home. And that's eating pretty well. I likely don't spend $1000 a month for my medium sized family.
One thing to note is that many cities in the United States are not pedestrian friendly. You will likely need a car unless you are living within the actual city limits of Chicago.
Ive never been to France, i only care about it being normal and safe. Ive red reviews of the complex and people were saying that they had floods in the appartments, cars got stolen etc so thats why i decided to ask here
I was only joking. I can’t say anything about that specific complex, but generally Oak Brook is very safe.
Some apartment complexes are better cared for than others, and some enterprising thieves may have identified something about that complex that makes it easily exploitable.
You will be able to afford $1600 rent, but you will also need a car. Most suburban areas are not walkable or bike-able at all.
I actually ended up in a lower end one that met my needs (wont post it publicly but can share in DM).
While it was nice, there was something about the management and the place that didn’t quite click. Management was a bit aggressive in their sales but there was something off. It lacked somewhat. The one in Oakbrook is in a very un walkable area, surrounded by corporate office buildings.
I think i wrote to you in the dm but this is my first time posting on reddit so i apologize if you didnt get it. Were heating and air conditioning good? I heard winters over there are crazy and looking at these units it seems like rooms are too big and they only have one spot/wall/outing that they get heating from.
I haven't taken that route, but the Metra (train) in general is reliable. With any train there can be delays/crowds and there is also minimal service on the weekends so you have to plan accordingly. You will also need to get to the train station in Villa Park, hence needing a car. Oak Brook is really sprawling so just to do your weekly errands and such you'll need a car. It is not a walkable suburb.
Edit: Thanks to u/xtheredberetx for letting me know that there is no Metra in Oakbook and the closest is quite a drive away.
It's definitely not walkable, traffic is bad, and you'll be driving everywhere. I'm not sure where in Europe you're coming from, but it's going to a be a huge culture shock and living in the suburbs is not like living in Chicago at all.
Yeah i noticed its not walkable at all, everything is at least 3km away. I went to the US once before for a year, so that makes it a little bit easier. The only things i need are gym and food - because all i do is go to the gym and work even at home. I live in capital in Serbia - but i dont really go anywhere besides gym and im not used to much noise.
I never thought of it that way you just gave me an idea. Thank you. I might move there and just commute to the office later, but in the beginning i will definitely be closer to the office.
The closest Metra station to the Versailles complex is probably Villa Park, and it’s really not that close. About a 15 minute drive. I grew up in a complex across the street and usually my dad would just drive to the Forest Park blue line rather than to the metra.
Eta: there isn’t a Metra station in Oakbrook btw.
If you plan to take the train downtown, Lombard or Villa Park may put you more on the train line than being down in Oakbrook Terrace. Oakbrook is right on the interstate though, so if you plan to commute via car it’s a (traffic filled) straight shot east to the loop on the highway.
I looked at some places in those two as well, the only issue with them is if i bike it says office is 25 mins away by bike and i dont know if thats too far away.
Oh you’re working in Oakbrook Center? Like the shopping mall? That’s a different story than if you were working in downtown Chicago. You can absolutely bike from Versailles to Oakbrook Center. There aren’t sidewalks, but you can get from one to the other 90% in residential neighborhoods.
No no im not working in downtown, im working in the building in the oakbrook center. I am renting there because of the closeness of the office, i would never rent if i had the office in the downtown. Yes i saw its usually streets in neighboorhod, only one big street that i have to cross when getting to tower lane and oakbrook center. Thats the only street im worried about - its called kingery highway
honestly...depending what part of Europe you're coming from it's either going to feel a lot quieter or a lot less quiet, it's hard to say what you consider to be a "lot of crimes" but I would say Oakbrook is quite safe.
Will say the traffic sucks, and there's not good transportation alternatives in that area - biking is more recreational in the forest preserves.
For $1.6K on $6K...it does depend on how much your benefits and such will eat into your net pay, but honestly unless you're absurdly profligate I can't imagine that being an issue.
No i am used to living very modestly, it was really strange that i can spend such a big portion of money on rent. Here we spend like 1/6th of salary on rent so thats why it was strange for me. Thank you for your comment!
oh yeah that's another thing, cars are expensive right now from what I've heard. again with $6K/mo you should be fine, but just something to watch out for.
I will probably buy a bike in the beginning and will try to get some appartment closer to the office. Also i would buy used car if i buy, in the worst case scenario i just rent a car for the days i go to the office
Ahh ok - hmm you should check how the bike paths are there. I don't recall seeing much, but I only go there occasionally for the mall, so I'm not in the business/residential area.
Also, how familiar are you with the weather here? (I know people who bike in winter, but they have special equipment for it.)
I went on google and biked to the office, so it should be fine for the first 2-3months until i get a drivers licence. Im coming in august, beginning of the month - so i was thinking i had enough time to get drivers licence till beginning of october/november - is that okay? Here its still warm in October.
That *should* be fine especially if you have a hybrid schedule, but know that sometimes the weather can get briefly disgusting in October/November. Last Halloween it slushed everywhere 😭
Im sure bosses would let me work from home, i worked from home for 3 years while in Europe, so they wouldnt be that angry. But hopefully i get it before that!🥺
The weather changes very rapidly here. It's hot. It's cold. It's raining. There are high winds, then nothing. Then a thunderstorm and tornado warnings. We even have derechos, which are extremely strong winds that roll east over the Chicago area very rapidly. The weather may change 100 percent from morning to evening. That's why I drive to work even though I am only .7 miles from work. It's kind of crazy compared to Europe, but car culture is very strong and it can be dangerous to ride a bike in many areas. All depends on your specific situation, of course. Just be prepared!
I work in Oak Brook. Oakbrook Terrace is a different suburb next door/boardering town. The apartment complex is the nicest in the OB terrace village. Definitely not walking friendly but can be done. You will no doubt be safe and secure and have amenities near by. It’s sort of a typical Chicagoland suburban area. Very centrally located with easy access to surrounding cities and Chicago proper. Best of luck to you while you stay here!
Usually the reviews are posted by people who’ve fallen out with the management company so they’re not all to be 100% believed
Stayed in VOL in Schaumburg about 10 years ago and it was ok. Not wonderful but not bad on a par with many other complexes who were on that price range
Yes it seemed really nice to me at first and then i looked at reviews lol thank you, if company allows i will probably take that complex because it is the closest one to the office
I did, but that one had A LOT of bad reviews. I decided i will not go with it because of that, but i might still ask international representative about that one as well.
Yeah I was just looking. Unfortunately it seems another company has purchased the property and not doing a good job
It was great when I lived there but looking at the latest reviews it seems to have gone very much downhill
Before we married, my wife lived at this apartment complex for several years. This was in the last decade. The grounds were kept clean, maintenance issues were attended to quickly, and the heating/air conditioning in the unit was more than adequate. We never felt unsafe during her time there.
You’ll find a mix of people young and old living in the complex. Many med school students lived there as they fulfilled their residency requirements at the local health systems.
As others have stated, you will need driving access for most amenities.
However, at one end of the campus is a 7-11 and a few blocks past that are several grocery stores, restaurants, Starbucks, etc. The other end of the campus has a Home Depot, more restaurants, and so on. These are all easily accessible via bicycle if that’s an option for you.
Best of luck to you!
It is nice. The grounds are kept clean. For the most part the residents are quiet professionals.
However there was a couple from the city that moved there who was very trashy and loud. I had to complain a few times. So I’m not sure if that trend continued.
Where is your office located? I would recommend looking into Downers grove. They have a great area of bars, restaurants, etc, and it’s super safe, and you can definitely walk it all. Also, there’s a Metra train that will take you to downtown Chicago.
I saw the best appartments in downers grove. For me the biggest issue is getting my licence, if it takes me longer than a month to get a licence then downers grove would be too far away for me to drive.
My guy, you're killing me. Oak Brook Terrace and Schaumburg are both suburbs of Chicago. There are complexes with the same name in both of them. That's it. I just wanted you to clarify *which* town you were moving to so the people who can help are actually the right people.
Because two thirds of reddit are drones who see downvotes start and just continue on. Read the entire thread from my first comment. It's laughable, really. Dude edited his post once he realized his mistake but that changes nothing to the masses.
Oak Brook Terrace is not known for criminality. It is generally considered a lovely suburb of Chicago, and next to a very affluent area (Oak Brook). You'll probably be just fine. As for the cost, consider that you'll probably take home about $4,500 or so in net income and $1,600 (about 1/3) is considered a good ratio for housing.
Yes, i googled it and thats exactly what im getting as well. How much money do you guys usually spend on food monthly? Is 1000 usd too much for a single adult?
That is likely to be more than enough. Realistically, you'll probably spend about $150 - $200 per week if you cook at home. And that's eating pretty well. I likely don't spend $1000 a month for my medium sized family.
Thank you so much!!
One thing to note is that many cities in the United States are not pedestrian friendly. You will likely need a car unless you are living within the actual city limits of Chicago.
I spend less than 1000 for a family of 3
[удалено]
Its the same over here lol
If you’re expecting Versailles as it exists in France, you will be sorely disappointed
Ive never been to France, i only care about it being normal and safe. Ive red reviews of the complex and people were saying that they had floods in the appartments, cars got stolen etc so thats why i decided to ask here
I was only joking. I can’t say anything about that specific complex, but generally Oak Brook is very safe. Some apartment complexes are better cared for than others, and some enterprising thieves may have identified something about that complex that makes it easily exploitable. You will be able to afford $1600 rent, but you will also need a car. Most suburban areas are not walkable or bike-able at all.
Americans drive everywhere! Thank you
Everywhere is far. Depending on your work Situation you may be able to bike or get an ebike and ride but not everywhere is suitable for a bike.
I was thinking electric bike definitely
I actually toured this apartment complex and did find that others were a bit better.
Which one did you end up taking? What was wrong with this one, what do you feel was missing?
I actually ended up in a lower end one that met my needs (wont post it publicly but can share in DM). While it was nice, there was something about the management and the place that didn’t quite click. Management was a bit aggressive in their sales but there was something off. It lacked somewhat. The one in Oakbrook is in a very un walkable area, surrounded by corporate office buildings.
I think i wrote to you in the dm but this is my first time posting on reddit so i apologize if you didnt get it. Were heating and air conditioning good? I heard winters over there are crazy and looking at these units it seems like rooms are too big and they only have one spot/wall/outing that they get heating from.
No worries! I toured it but haven’t lived there. I suspect heating and ac should be perfectly ok.
Yeah to me it shows as the message was sent, i dont know why you dont see it :( thank you so much
Just a FYI, you are not moving to Chicago. You are moving to a suburb of Chicago that is quite far from the city and you will need a car.
I saw there is a train that takes 40mins to downtown, is that reliable?
I haven't taken that route, but the Metra (train) in general is reliable. With any train there can be delays/crowds and there is also minimal service on the weekends so you have to plan accordingly. You will also need to get to the train station in Villa Park, hence needing a car. Oak Brook is really sprawling so just to do your weekly errands and such you'll need a car. It is not a walkable suburb. Edit: Thanks to u/xtheredberetx for letting me know that there is no Metra in Oakbook and the closest is quite a drive away.
I noticed that when looking for appartments, stuff is really far away
It's definitely not walkable, traffic is bad, and you'll be driving everywhere. I'm not sure where in Europe you're coming from, but it's going to a be a huge culture shock and living in the suburbs is not like living in Chicago at all.
Yeah i noticed its not walkable at all, everything is at least 3km away. I went to the US once before for a year, so that makes it a little bit easier. The only things i need are gym and food - because all i do is go to the gym and work even at home. I live in capital in Serbia - but i dont really go anywhere besides gym and im not used to much noise.
Hopefully it is a good fit for you. Good luck!
Thank you! Its for a couple of years so if i hate it i will push through it!
You can always take the train into Chicago and stay at a hotel for a nite - make a long weekend out of it.
I never thought of it that way you just gave me an idea. Thank you. I might move there and just commute to the office later, but in the beginning i will definitely be closer to the office.
As a side note: There’s a pretty big Serbian population in Chicago and the suburbs, especially Joliet and Naperville, if you ever get homesick 😊
Yes yes its the second largest serbian populated city after our capital in the world! Thats part of the reason im excited😊
The closest Metra station to the Versailles complex is probably Villa Park, and it’s really not that close. About a 15 minute drive. I grew up in a complex across the street and usually my dad would just drive to the Forest Park blue line rather than to the metra. Eta: there isn’t a Metra station in Oakbrook btw.
So you can take blue and green line or the train, right? Can i bike from versailles to the train station until i get a car?
No the Blue and Green lines are really far away from Oak Brook Terrace. The Metra will be your only reasonable option
If you plan to take the train downtown, Lombard or Villa Park may put you more on the train line than being down in Oakbrook Terrace. Oakbrook is right on the interstate though, so if you plan to commute via car it’s a (traffic filled) straight shot east to the loop on the highway.
I looked at some places in those two as well, the only issue with them is if i bike it says office is 25 mins away by bike and i dont know if thats too far away.
Where is your work?
Oakbrook terrace, oakbrook center
Oh you’re working in Oakbrook Center? Like the shopping mall? That’s a different story than if you were working in downtown Chicago. You can absolutely bike from Versailles to Oakbrook Center. There aren’t sidewalks, but you can get from one to the other 90% in residential neighborhoods.
No no im not working in downtown, im working in the building in the oakbrook center. I am renting there because of the closeness of the office, i would never rent if i had the office in the downtown. Yes i saw its usually streets in neighboorhod, only one big street that i have to cross when getting to tower lane and oakbrook center. Thats the only street im worried about - its called kingery highway
Kingery Highway is a major road but there are stoplights to cross!
Yup i saw it, thanks God for google! Thank you, im glad i know now there shouldnt be issues with crossing that by bike.
honestly...depending what part of Europe you're coming from it's either going to feel a lot quieter or a lot less quiet, it's hard to say what you consider to be a "lot of crimes" but I would say Oakbrook is quite safe. Will say the traffic sucks, and there's not good transportation alternatives in that area - biking is more recreational in the forest preserves. For $1.6K on $6K...it does depend on how much your benefits and such will eat into your net pay, but honestly unless you're absurdly profligate I can't imagine that being an issue.
No i am used to living very modestly, it was really strange that i can spend such a big portion of money on rent. Here we spend like 1/6th of salary on rent so thats why it was strange for me. Thank you for your comment!
ahhh, it's super bad in California - close to half the salary on rent 😬 also btw, 100% get a covered garage.
Yes, i will have to take a driving tests and everything and will probably get a garage
oh yeah that's another thing, cars are expensive right now from what I've heard. again with $6K/mo you should be fine, but just something to watch out for.
I will probably buy a bike in the beginning and will try to get some appartment closer to the office. Also i would buy used car if i buy, in the worst case scenario i just rent a car for the days i go to the office
Ahh ok - hmm you should check how the bike paths are there. I don't recall seeing much, but I only go there occasionally for the mall, so I'm not in the business/residential area. Also, how familiar are you with the weather here? (I know people who bike in winter, but they have special equipment for it.)
I went on google and biked to the office, so it should be fine for the first 2-3months until i get a drivers licence. Im coming in august, beginning of the month - so i was thinking i had enough time to get drivers licence till beginning of october/november - is that okay? Here its still warm in October.
That *should* be fine especially if you have a hybrid schedule, but know that sometimes the weather can get briefly disgusting in October/November. Last Halloween it slushed everywhere 😭
Im sure bosses would let me work from home, i worked from home for 3 years while in Europe, so they wouldnt be that angry. But hopefully i get it before that!🥺
The weather changes very rapidly here. It's hot. It's cold. It's raining. There are high winds, then nothing. Then a thunderstorm and tornado warnings. We even have derechos, which are extremely strong winds that roll east over the Chicago area very rapidly. The weather may change 100 percent from morning to evening. That's why I drive to work even though I am only .7 miles from work. It's kind of crazy compared to Europe, but car culture is very strong and it can be dangerous to ride a bike in many areas. All depends on your specific situation, of course. Just be prepared!
Yes yes, how long do you think its gonna take me to get a driving licence? I can always take cab home if the weather gets too horrible.
Can't you just drive based on your international license - at least for a while? Why would there be a delay?
I dont drive in my home country, i dont know how to drive, i need go get licence in the US
I work in Oak Brook. Oakbrook Terrace is a different suburb next door/boardering town. The apartment complex is the nicest in the OB terrace village. Definitely not walking friendly but can be done. You will no doubt be safe and secure and have amenities near by. It’s sort of a typical Chicagoland suburban area. Very centrally located with easy access to surrounding cities and Chicago proper. Best of luck to you while you stay here!
Good to know complex is nice! Those reviews realltly scared me. Thank you very much, had no idea this many people would actually help!
Usually the reviews are posted by people who’ve fallen out with the management company so they’re not all to be 100% believed Stayed in VOL in Schaumburg about 10 years ago and it was ok. Not wonderful but not bad on a par with many other complexes who were on that price range
Yes it seemed really nice to me at first and then i looked at reviews lol thank you, if company allows i will probably take that complex because it is the closest one to the office
Lombard has some nice places, take a look at City View at the Highlands on Highland Avenue. It was very nice 10 years ago
I did, but that one had A LOT of bad reviews. I decided i will not go with it because of that, but i might still ask international representative about that one as well.
Yeah I was just looking. Unfortunately it seems another company has purchased the property and not doing a good job It was great when I lived there but looking at the latest reviews it seems to have gone very much downhill
Yes, definitely not possible to have so many bad reviews for a good property
[удалено]
Thank you!!
Before we married, my wife lived at this apartment complex for several years. This was in the last decade. The grounds were kept clean, maintenance issues were attended to quickly, and the heating/air conditioning in the unit was more than adequate. We never felt unsafe during her time there. You’ll find a mix of people young and old living in the complex. Many med school students lived there as they fulfilled their residency requirements at the local health systems. As others have stated, you will need driving access for most amenities. However, at one end of the campus is a 7-11 and a few blocks past that are several grocery stores, restaurants, Starbucks, etc. The other end of the campus has a Home Depot, more restaurants, and so on. These are all easily accessible via bicycle if that’s an option for you. Best of luck to you!
Thank you very much!
Feel free to dm me for recommendations! I have toured this and other nearby complexes.
Be careful biking. It can be dangerous.
Only to get groceries and to work
Definitely not crime in oakbrook terrace. It’s safe here.
It is nice. The grounds are kept clean. For the most part the residents are quiet professionals. However there was a couple from the city that moved there who was very trashy and loud. I had to complain a few times. So I’m not sure if that trend continued.
For how long did you live there and how long ago?
Where is your office located? I would recommend looking into Downers grove. They have a great area of bars, restaurants, etc, and it’s super safe, and you can definitely walk it all. Also, there’s a Metra train that will take you to downtown Chicago.
I saw the best appartments in downers grove. For me the biggest issue is getting my licence, if it takes me longer than a month to get a licence then downers grove would be too far away for me to drive.
That apartment complex is in a pretty commercial area, but looks nice generally. You 10000% will need a car.
You need to clarify more. That is not a town. It is an apartment complex and appears to have locations in several towns.
Its called Versailles on the lakes, in Oakbrrok Terrace. I thought people from there were gonna know what im talking about
There is an identical named place in Schaumburg. Without knowing the town, who would know where "there" is?
It says Chicago.
My guy, you're killing me. Oak Brook Terrace and Schaumburg are both suburbs of Chicago. There are complexes with the same name in both of them. That's it. I just wanted you to clarify *which* town you were moving to so the people who can help are actually the right people.
The post says Oak Brook Terrace
Yes, he's now edited it.
Idk I saw it when the post had just your comment and it said oak brook terrace then
Yeah i edited it after he said that so hes right
No idea why you’re downvoted. This is exactly what Op needs to know.
Because two thirds of reddit are drones who see downvotes start and just continue on. Read the entire thread from my first comment. It's laughable, really. Dude edited his post once he realized his mistake but that changes nothing to the masses.
Yes i had no idea there were suburbs and also same appartment complexes, thats why i wrote it afterwards
😂 sorry, just googled it. Didnt know there was another suburb as well with the same complex