Driving from Detroit area

Question

We are driving from Detroit suburbs to concert at Chicago theater downtown. I am doing the driving and prefer to stay in a suburb and take Lyft downtown to the concert.

I do not wish to drive downtown.

What suburb do you recommend to stay for 2 nights? Husband cannot walk long distances so we will be bringing wheelchair. Thanks.

Answer

When driving to Chicago from the Detroit suburbs and avoiding downtown driving, it's a great idea to stay in a suburb with easy access to public transportation or Lyft rides to the city. Here are some suburban options that will allow you to comfortably get to the Chicago Theater while being mindful of your husband's wheelchair accessibility needs:

1. Oak Park

Oak Park is a charming suburb located just a few miles west of downtown Chicago. It has excellent public transportation options, including the CTA Green Line, which will take you directly into downtown in about 20 minutes. Oak Park is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and accessibility. It also offers plenty of restaurants and hotels with a quieter, more relaxed vibe compared to downtown Chicago. Many hotels in Oak Park are wheelchair accessible, and the town is quite walkable. You could easily take a Lyft or the train to the Chicago Theater with minimal hassle.

Pros: Easy access to public transport, family-friendly, safe and quiet neighborhood.
Cons: Slightly further out compared to other suburbs, but still very accessible to downtown.

2. Skokie

Skokie is another excellent option, located a bit further north of downtown but still well-connected via the CTA Yellow Line, which can get you to downtown in about 30-40 minutes. Skokie is a suburban area with many wheelchair-accessible hotels and services. It’s quieter than Oak Park but still has plenty of dining options and shopping centers. The commute from Skokie to the Chicago Theater by Lyft is usually quite quick and affordable.

Pros: Quiet suburban atmosphere, easy access to public transport, plenty of shopping and dining.
Cons: A little farther from downtown compared to Oak Park, but public transport and Lyft options are available.

3. Evanston

Evanston, located just north of Chicago, is a college town and a popular suburb with a lively atmosphere. It has multiple transportation options, including the CTA Purple Line and Metra trains, which take you into downtown Chicago in under 30 minutes. Evanston has a lot of cultural attractions and dining options, and the area is generally very walkable and accessible. Lyft rides from Evanston to the Chicago Theater are also quick and affordable.

Pros: Beautiful, walkable suburb, great transportation options, vibrant atmosphere.
Cons: Slightly more expensive in terms of accommodation compared to some other suburbs.

4. Lincoln Park (North Side)

If you prefer to stay a bit closer to downtown, Lincoln Park is a great option on the north side of Chicago. This neighborhood is about a 10-15 minute Lyft ride to the Chicago Theater, and it offers a nice mix of parks, museums, and restaurants. It's a relatively quiet area but still very accessible to the city. Hotels in Lincoln Park are generally well-equipped for accessibility needs. While not technically a suburb, it feels more residential and relaxed compared to the bustling downtown area.

Pros: Close to downtown, plenty of green spaces, good mix of restaurants, and hotels with wheelchair accessibility.
Cons: More expensive compared to suburban options like Oak Park or Skokie.

5. Downers Grove

For a more affordable and suburban experience, Downers Grove offers a quieter environment with good access to downtown Chicago via the Metra train or Lyft. It's about a 40-minute ride into the city, so it's a bit farther out than Oak Park or Evanston, but it offers a more peaceful and relaxed setting. There are several accessible hotels in the area, and you'll have plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Pros: Quiet suburb, more affordable accommodation, good access to public transportation.
Cons: A bit further from downtown, though still manageable with Lyft or Metra.

General Tips:

For wheelchair accessibility, make sure to check with the hotel regarding any special needs and confirm the availability of accessible rooms and services.
Taking Lyft is a great way to avoid downtown parking and traffic, especially if you are staying in one of the nearby suburbs.
For easy transit, make sure to consider hotels near Metra or CTA lines, so you can access the city conveniently.

Any of these suburbs would be a great choice for your stay while attending the concert at the Chicago Theater. Oak Park and Evanston are particularly popular among visitors, but Skokie and Downers Grove offer quieter, more suburban options with good public transit access. Enjoy your trip to Chicago!

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