When most people think of Chicago public transit, they picture the “L”—the colorful elevated train lines that weave through the city’s density. While the CTA is the heartbeat of Chicago, the Metra commuter rail system is often the secret weapon for savvy residents. Living near a Metra station within city limits offers a distinct advantage: speed. Metra trains make fewer stops than the “L,” offer a more comfortable ride, and run on a reliable schedule. For those living in neighborhoods further from the Loop, the Metra can turn a 60-minute slog on a bus or crowded train into a breezy 20-minute ride. If you want the neighborhood feel of the outer city with the commute times of the inner city, consider these Chicago neighborhoods that boast their own Metra stations.
1. Ravenswood (Lincoln Square)
The Ravenswood area is one of the most desirable neighborhoods on the North Side, known for its leafy streets, craft breweries, and “Malt Row.” While the CTA Brown Line serves this area, the Metra is the true hero for downtown commuters. The station is tucked right into the residential fabric, making it an easy walk for thousands of residents.
- Station Name: Ravenswood
- Address: 4800 N. Ravenswood Avenue (at Lawrence Ave)
- Metra Line: Union Pacific North (UP-N)
- Downtown Terminal: Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Commute Time: Approximately 15–18 minutes
Connectivity:
The UP-N line heads north to the affluent North Shore suburbs, connecting residents to Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Waukegan. This is ideal for reverse commuters who work in the suburbs but want to live in the city.
2. Hyde Park
Home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park is a cultural gem on the South Side. Because the “L” does not directly serve the heart of the neighborhood, the Metra Electric line acts as the area’s primary rapid transit. It runs frequently, functioning almost like a subway service during rush hours.
- Station Name: 55th – 56th – 57th St. (There are also stops at 51st/53rd and 59th St)
- Address: 5600 S. Lake Park Avenue
- Metra Line: Metra Electric District (ME)
- Downtown Terminal: Millennium Station
- Commute Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes
Connectivity:
The Metra Electric line heads south through the city and into the south suburbs, connecting to Blue Island, Homewood, Flossmoor, and University Park. A unique feature of this line is that it terminates at Millennium Station (under Millennium Park), putting commuters steps away from the Michigan Avenue commercial district.
3. Beverly
Beverly is famously known as the “Village in the City.” This South Side neighborhood feels more like a suburb, with spacious single-family homes, large lawns, and hilly terrain. The Rock Island Metra line forms the spine of this community, with stations appearing every four blocks. This incredible access is why so many city workers (police officers, firefighters, and downtown professionals) choose to live here.
- Station Name: 103rd St. – Beverly Hills (One of several stops, including 91st, 95th, 99th, 107th, and 111th)
- Address: 10301 S. Walden Parkway
- Metra Line: Rock Island District (RI)
- Downtown Terminal: LaSalle Street Station
- Commute Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Connectivity:
The Rock Island line extends southwest, connecting commuters to suburbs such as Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Mokena, and Joliet.
4. Edison Park
Located on the far Northwest Side, Edison Park offers a tight-knit community vibe with a bustling restaurant strip on Northwest Highway. It sits right on the border of Park Ridge, giving it a quiet, safe atmosphere. Commuters here love the Metra because it offers a lightning-fast trip downtown compared to driving on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90).
- Station Name: Edison Park
- Address: 6730 N. Olmsted Avenue
- Metra Line: Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW)
- Downtown Terminal: Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Commute Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Connectivity:
The UP-NW line is a major artery for the northwest suburbs, connecting residents to Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Barrington, and Crystal Lake.
5. Rogers Park
As the northernmost neighborhood in Chicago, Rogers Park is diverse, artistic, and sits directly on Lake Michigan. While the Red Line runs through here, the ride to the Loop can take 45 minutes to an hour. The Metra station at Lunt Avenue changes the game entirely, whisking residents downtown in a fraction of the time.
- Station Name: Rogers Park
- Address: 7000 N. Ravenswood Avenue (at Lunt Ave)
- Metra Line: Union Pacific North (UP-N)
- Downtown Terminal: Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Commute Time: Approximately 20–25 minutes
Connectivity:
Like the Ravenswood station, this connects to the North Shore suburbs like Evanston and Glencoe. It is particularly useful for students or faculty commuting to Northwestern University or Lake Forest College.
6. Edgebrook
Edgebrook is often considered one of Chicago’s hidden treasures. Tucked away on the far North Side near forest preserves and golf courses, it feels almost rural compared to the rest of the city. For residents here, the Metra is a lifeline, as the nearest “L” stop is quite far away.
- Station Name: Edgebrook
- Address: 5438 W. Devon Avenue
- Metra Line: Milwaukee District North (MD-N)
- Downtown Terminal: Union Station
- Commute Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Connectivity:
The Milwaukee District North line travels through the northern suburbs, connecting Edgebrook residents to Glenview, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and Fox Lake.
7. Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park is a massive transit hub. It serves as a convergence point for the CTA Blue Line, multiple bus routes, and the Metra. This multimodal access makes it one of the most practical neighborhoods for commuters who need options. If the Metra schedule doesn’t fit your day, the Blue Line is right there as a backup.
- Station Name: Jefferson Park
- Address: 4963 N. Milwaukee Avenue
- Metra Line: Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW)
- Downtown Terminal: Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Commute Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Connectivity:
Sharing the UP-NW line with Edison Park, this station connects to Mount Prospect, Palatine, and Woodstock. It is a key transfer point for people moving between the city and the northwest suburbs.
8. Pilsen / Little Village (Western Avenue)
While known for its artistic murals and rich Mexican-American culture, the area near Western Avenue and 18th Street hosts a Metra stop that is often overlooked. This station provides incredible access for residents of Pilsen and Heart of Chicago who work in the western suburbs or need a quick jump to Union Station.
- Station Name: Western Avenue
- Address: 2001 S. Western Avenue
- Metra Line: BNSF Railway
- Downtown Terminal: Union Station
- Commute Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Connectivity:
The BNSF line is one of the busiest in the system, connecting the city to western suburbs like Berwyn, La Grange, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Naperville, and Aurora.
Why Choose a Neighborhood with a Metra Station?
Living near one of these stations changes your relationship with the city. You aren’t dependent on traffic on the Kennedy or Eisenhower expressways, and you aren’t subject to the frequent stops of the “L.”
The Metra offers a “seated commute” lifestyle. You can open a laptop, drink a coffee, and arrive downtown fresh. For homebuyers and renters, targeting these specific neighborhoods offers the perfect balance: the vibrant culture of Chicago living with the civilized commute usually reserved for the suburbs.
