Many postdocs say living in Lake County offers the best of both worlds. While you have easy access to bustling, world-class Chicago - it’s just an hour’s drive or a commuter train ride away - Lake County offers a quality of life that is more affordable and slower-paced, with quaint towns, miles of hiking trails, and Lake Michigan's shoreline nearby.

Lake County, which includes North Chicago, includes both rural and suburban communities, allowing for a wide range of extracurricular activities and lifestyles. The public schools are good, the crime-rate is low, and quality of life is pleasant.

A variety of recreational activities are available in Lake County all year round. There are many beautiful beaches along the lakes; swimming, sailing, fishing, tennis, and golf are favorites among local residents. The Lake County Forest Preserves comprises more than 30,000 acres set aside for conservation and recreation, including almost 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

Trains and highways leading to Chicago are numerous. Most places in Lake County are about an hour away from the many exciting cultural and sports activities in Chicago and Milwaukee. RFU is located near the Metra Union Pacific North Line making trips into Chicago easy.

Learn more about Lake County and the surrounding areas.