The commute matters less. The rest of the week matters more.
Working from home changes what is worth paying for in the suburbs.
If you only go downtown a few times a month, being five minutes from Metra may matter less than it did when you commuted every day.
That can open up cheaper houses, different neighborhoods, and towns you might otherwise ignore.
It also means you spend a lot more time near home.
Reconsider how much the train is worth to you
Homes and apartments close to Metra often carry a premium.
For a daily commuter, that can be worth it.
For someone working from home most of the week, moving a little farther from the station may mean lower rent, a lower purchase price, or more space.
The train can still matter for occasional trips downtown. It just may not need to be the first thing you rank.
Property taxes can become more important too, especially if you are comparing homes in several suburbs.
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Remote work gives you access to places when they are quiet.
Suburban breweries, arcades, restaurants, patios, and coffee shops can be much easier to use in the middle of the week than on a Friday night.
The main complication is hours.
Breweries
Several suburban breweries serve food, but the kitchen and taproom may close at different times.
Noon Whistle in Lombard, Double Clutch, and Flossmoor Station are examples where it is worth checking kitchen hours before leaving home.
Arcades
Galloping Ghost in Brookfield opens every day at 11 a.m., charges one admission, and has hundreds of games on free play.
Other arcade and pinball spots often open later or close on early-week days.
Rooftops
Suburban rooftops are easier to use before the dinner rush.
They are also seasonal, so this part of the weekday routine mostly disappears once winter arrives.
Lunch
Restaurant hours vary a lot in the suburbs.
Some places close Monday. Some close Monday and Tuesday. Others stop lunch service in the middle of the afternoon and reopen for dinner.
If you are driving across town, check the restaurant's own site first.
Live music
Weeknight live music is less common, but there are options.
Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights is one of the more reliable rooms. Ravinia is useful during its season.
Check Monday hours
Make sure winter works too
A suburb that feels easy in June can feel different in February.
Patios and rooftops are mostly out. Outdoor events slow down. Ravinia is closed for the season.
Look for indoor places you would use regularly: coffee shops, libraries, gyms, breweries, arcades, restaurants, or somewhere you can work outside the house for a few hours.
If you work from home five days a week, the surrounding area matters more than it does for someone who is gone all day.
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Which suburbs are best if I work from home? Start with housing cost, property taxes, walkability, and what is nearby during the week. Commute time can move lower on the list if you rarely go downtown.
What is open on Mondays? Enough places, but check before going. Monday closures are common among independent restaurants and entertainment businesses.
What can I do during a weekday afternoon? Breweries, arcades, lunch, libraries, trails, seasonal rooftops, and some live music venues all work well during quieter weekday hours.
Do I still need to care about Metra? Probably, but not as much. Occasional downtown access is useful. A short station walk may not be worth paying a large premium for if you only use it a few times a month.