Naval Station Great Lakes: Live in the Chicago suburbs or commute from WI? (Waukegan: apartment)

[Jen733]

I just got a job offer at Naval Station Great Lakes. I work as a civilian for the Navy's recreation division. I'm not a military spouse and not in the military so I'm not eligible for base housing.

Do you have any recommendations on where to live when commuting to Great Lakes? The research I've done says to avoid North Chicago and Waukegan. But like any city I'm sure there's nice and not so nice places in those two suburbs. Libertyville and Grayslake are other possible options.

What do you think about living in Wisconsin and commuting from there? Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie are close to interstates that go by the base. It's only about 20 miles away. Some of the Chicago suburbs would be closer distance-wise. But it appears these cities are more affected by rush hour traffic and delays. At my current job I commute 40 miles each way so 20 miles doesn't seem bad at all. Although winter could be miserable. I'm from Minnesota originally but currently live in California. I'll have to get used to the snow again!

The main reason for wanting to live in Wisconsin is because the Chicago area is so expensive. Yes Wisconsin has high taxes but it's better than Illinois. Not sure how much it matters though. I'm 27, not married and no kids. Plus I'm just looking to rent an apartment and won't be buying property any time soon.

Thanks for any help or advice!

[ipaper]

I lived in Highwood and Great Lakes Naval station was just down the road.

[MSchemist80]

If you live in Kenosha you also have the option of taking the metra.

[wjj]

Originally Posted by Jen733

I just got a job offer at Naval Station Great Lakes. I work as a civilian for the Navy's recreation division. I'm not a military spouse and not in the military so I'm not eligible for base housing.

Do you have any recommendations on where to live when commuting to Great Lakes? The research I've done says to avoid North Chicago and Waukegan. But like any city I'm sure there's nice and not so nice places in those two suburbs. Libertyville and Grayslake are other possible options.

What do you think about living in Wisconsin and commuting from there? Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie are close to interstates that go by the base. It's only about 20 miles away. Some of the Chicago suburbs would be closer distance-wise. But it appears these cities are more affected by rush hour traffic and delays. At my current job I commute 40 miles each way so 20 miles doesn't seem bad at all. Although winter could be miserable. I'm from Minnesota originally but currently live in California. I'll have to get used to the snow again!

The main reason for wanting to live in Wisconsin is because the Chicago area is so expensive. Yes Wisconsin has high taxes but it's better than Illinois. Not sure how much it matters though. I'm 27, not married and no kids. Plus I'm just looking to rent an apartment and won't be buying property any time soon.

Thanks for any help or advice!

You would be hard pressed to find any good areas to live in North Chicago. You might find a few marginally good areas in Waukegan. Gurnee would be better. Libertyville is by far the best of any of the places you have listed, but far more expensive.

Many people who work along the I94/294 corridor further south than North Chicago, live in southern Wisconsin. You will see a lot of Wisconsin license plates in corporate parking lots near 94/294 around Town Line Road (Rt 60), Deerfield Road, Lake Cook Road, and even Willow Road. Kenosha to Route 137 would be a piece of cake if working at the Naval Base.

[lakecountylifer]

Seriously you are 27 and I take from your name you are a female....and your seriously considering living in Wisconsin? The first thing I would do if you would be to find a good doctor because you will soon need anti-depressants....and fast. You will also need to update your wardrobe to the typical Wisconsin woman's attire: Packers sweat suit outfit. 27 and living in SE Wisconsin while not having life long friends in the area is a real prescription for disaster. I mean go for it if you can handle talking about motorcycles, the Packers, all while enjoying the beautiful view of the Kenosha Power plant.

So if I were you I would look to a suburb with other single 20 somethings. Personally if I were in your shoes I would live in Evanston and take the train to Great Lakes every day...but that's just me.

[chicagoliz]

The above post is a bit extreme, but I can't say it's totally off base. If I were 27 and single, I'd also live in Evanston. Heck, now as a married old mom with 2 kids, I'd live in Evanston. Those northern suburbs, including those in southern WI are fine if you're looking for a larger place because you have a family. But I think, especially as a single person, you'd be bored to tears. (I would be, even now.)

I guess it depends on what you personally want. I love the city, and like to live in places that have cultural events and things/events of interest you can walk to. Strictly looking at commute, southern WI is fine. But consider your lifestyle. If you don't care at all about city life or meeting lots of people locally, and you like to keep to yourself and make your own fun, with a more isolated lifestyle, then it won't matter.

[Paragoon]

I go to school right next to the Naval base. I live in Gurnee, which during rush hour is about 20 minutes to the base. In the winter it can get worse but most major streets in and out of that area are plowed early in the day. Most of the nearby suburbs are pretty...suburban. There are some restaurants and shopping, plus the Gurnee Mall and Six Flags, but no nightlife to speak of. Weekend events are more geared towards families. However, for $1500 a month, not including my utilities of course, I am living in a three bedroom town home with a two car garage. Based on my old MA rents, it's ridiculous.

Don't live in Waukegan or North Chicago. There's no reason to unless you're dead broke.

I know a few students who commute to and from Evanston by train each day and it isn't too bad, though the occasional downed power line will delay things.