Working in a North Suburb, Where to Rent? (Chicago, Waukegan: apartments, lease)

[fightforlove]

Hello Chicagoans,

I am moving to the (north) Chicagoland next month to work a job in Gurnee. I am looking for apartments in the surrounding area, preferably a short-term lease while I get myself settled into the area. My budget is up to $1000/month. Doesn't have to be anything real elaborate. I don't want to sit all day sipping coffee on the Metralink either, so I want something that has a sane commute to Gurnee. Any recommendations? What are the neighborhoods like around Lake Co. and the north side of Cook? As far as my tastes go, well, I am a white American man in my early 30s, enjoy a comfortable, laid-back suburban life-style with a healthy dose of art/cultural things to do as well. Also, my girlfriend is Chinese, where are the good ethnic/asian neighborhoods in the Chicagoland to visit restaurants, bars, markets, cultural events, etc?? I've heard there are a lot of ethnic people and things in the northwest burbs around O'Hare?

[pvande55]

Gurnee itself not bad. Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills. I would not recommend Waukegan despite its propinquity.