What is the commute like to downtown Chicago from Beverly?

It depends on how you're coming into the city. Driving is going to be a nightmare most of the time. I have a buddy who lives a bit North of Beverly and the Dan Ryan Expressway is almost always a parking lot. You'll hate it if you have to drive that every day. You can take the Metra though, I believe, and that's going to be a lot less hassle. I don't love the trains on the South Side, but you should be fine if you're careful.