Attending school at Rosalind Franklin - Where to rent? (Chicago: apartment complexes, rental homes)

[pauliegirl1]

I am moving from New Jersey to the North Chicago area in order to attend school at Rosalind Franklin University. My husband and I briefly looked at the area surrounding the school after my interview, so we don't have much to go on. I have been searching online for rental homes in order to get a feel for the current market, and it looks as if Zion or Waukegan will work with our budget of $1,100-1200/month.

Are there any other areas near Rosalind Franklin University that would have rental homes or townhomes within our budget? I am trying to keep my commute to 30 minutes or less, but I am unfamiliar with the traffic in the area, so I have no idea where to look. Any suggestions will be most welcome and appreciated.

Thanks!

[4122]

Dont rent in Zion or Waukegan. They're bad areas. I've heard there some ok areas of Waukegan, but I'm sure where. You'll definitely be able to find a townhone in Gurnee for your budget and it's safe.

[pauliegirl1]

Thank you so much. I will start looking around in the Gurnee area. It is so difficult to get a feel for an area when I am over 800 miles away. Thank goodness for the Internet.

I found a couple of rentals in Antioch that were within my budget. It doesn't look too far from Rosalind Franklin, but I have no idea how traffic will be during morning and evening commutes. Is this a safe area?

Once again, thanks for responding. This is going to be a big change for me, and I would like to have as much information as possible before I move.

[chet everett]

Antioch is TOO FAR!

Surface streets get VERY VERY congested in that area. If you can find something in / near downtown Libertyville that is probably going to offer the nicest mix of quality of life / social aspects. There are some interesting locally owned spots to eat / get a coffee / have a drink / listen to live music.

Gurnee is dominated by the large mall that has kind of "discount" feel to it, and there are mostly just generic national chains. Sorta boring, but maybe more affordable.

Zion is rather economically depressed, and Waukegan mostly has the feel of a failed manufacturing town. There are some apartment complexes very near the Rosalind Franklin campus that try to attract to students but once folks get a feel for how much nicer Libertyville is they tend to find better solutions unless they like having that "jump in the car and cross the road" commute...

[pauliegirl1]

Thank you for your insight and advice. I was under the impression that rentals in Libertyville were not within my budget, but I can do a little digging and see what I find. As far as Gurnee, I actually don't mind boring because for the first two years I will have my head in the books and will be swimming in coursework.

I have had a few current students recommend the apartments close to campus, but I would rather distance myself just a bit. I am not afraid of the commute, as I drive an hour to my undergrad campus. I am an older non-trad who isn't into the party scene, and I currently live in a very rural area of South Jersey. For the first two years of school I would prefer a quiet area with few distractions.

I am so thankful for this forum and I really appreciate all of the help and advice.