Profiles of Real Suburbanites, Renee and Erin

The question I hear the most as a 20-something suburbanite is, “Why?” Why the suburbs? Why not the city?
I have friends in the suburbs, so it’s obvious I’m not the only 20-something who prefers it out here. So I’m launching a regular feature, Profiles of Real Suburbanites.  Today’s column will feature two of your NextGen writers, myself and Erin.

Name: Renee
Age: 23
Current Suburb: St. Charles
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Occupation: coffee shop manager

Why the suburbs?
Believe it or not, the ‘burbs offer a little bit of everything all within an hour’s drive. And it’s not all cheesy chain restaurants (though Medieval Times is a hoot). In Chicagoland, you get the space of the suburbs with all the perks of a big city. I feel it’s the perfect balance of fun, culture, shopping, and comfort.

What are your three favorite suburban restaurants?
Taphouse, St. Charles
The Department, Joliet
Apple Villa, Batavia or Hoffman Estates

What are some of your favorite unique suburban locales?
The Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
Two Brothers Brewery, Warrenville
Teas and Toes, Glen Ellyn
Geneva Green Market, Geneva
Mokena French Market, Mokena
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Jelly Belly Factory, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Why not the city?
I did the big city thing for awhile; I lived in Rome during college. There was always noise and bustle, which is great for some, but I found it suffocating. I knew I didn’t want to always lead that lifestyle, living in an apartment the size of my childhood closet, riding smelly buses with strangers, being kept up all night by drunk sports fans. To me, that’s not a soothing quality of life.  Would I ever move to a big city? Sure, but I’d have to find a quiet, green, open spot to call my own. And I’d have to be able to afford to live comfortably. For now, though, I’m more than content in my little house in a quaint neighborhood in little St. Charles.

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Name: Erin
Age: 29
Current Suburb: South Elgin
Hometown:  Aurora (Quick, someone make a Wayne’s World joke!)
Occupation:  Special Education Teacher

Why the suburbs?
My question is, why not the suburbs?  The suburbs have pretty much everything the city has to offer, just a little more spread out.  Personally, I love the quiet, the space, the quick drive to SuperTarget.  I love having a house with a yard for my dogs.  Plus, I’m just a quick train ride from the city, and I don’t have to pay city taxes!

What are your three favorite suburban restaurants?
Sushi Cafe, South Elgin
The Claddagh, Geneva
Burnt Toast, Elgin

What are some of your favorite unique suburban locales?
Arcedium Coffeehouse, St. Charles
Four Beans Coffeehouse, Batavia
Kane County Flea Market, St. Charles
Cantigny Park, Winfield
DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville

Why not the city?
I love the city, I really do, but not enough to live there.  I’m not a fan of small apartments with giant rent.  I’m not a fan of public transportation.  I could deal with those things for a while, but not permanently.  I love having a house with space.  I love living in a neighborhood where there is a park within walking distance.  I love being close to my family.  For me, the city is a fantastic place to visit, but I don’t need to live there to take advantage of what I love about the city.  Plus, in the suburbs, I can have my cake, and afford it too!

Are you a suburbanite perfectly content with being a suburbanite? Do you love your suburban shenanigans? Get in contact with Renee if you would like to be featured!

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