also, to the OP: being further out is cheaper, generally. and if you ride a bike the distances won't be a big deal. however, the subway can be horrible for getting to and from far away neighborhoods. especially on weekends and late at night. when your drinking in the city and it's 2am and you have to piss - that 1.5 hour train ride with mutiple detours\delays will absolutely suck. just something to keep in mind.