Waukegan, located just north of Chicago along Interstate 94 near the Wisconsin/Illinois border, is one of the friendliest and fastest-growing cities in the Land of Lincoln. With its stunning views of Lake Michigan and its diverse population, Waukegan is both urban and suburban, boasting plenty of job opportunities and cultural attractions as well as a quaint, residential lifestyle. The well-rounded atmosphere of this northern Illinois city ensures that you and your family will have great experience living here.
Waukegan is one of the oldest communities in Illinois. The city started as a French trading post and the site of the Potwatomie Indian Settlement known as "Little Fort," and records show that the land was ceded over to the federal government as early as 1829.
Today, this bustling community has a population that surpasses 88,000, and with a thriving economy and plenty of popular events and attractions, the city shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you're renting an apartment here, you will be sure to appreciate of the popular events that bring the community together, including ArtWaulk and HolidayWauk. For a casual night on the town, head over to Downtown Waukegan, the urban center of Lake County that has many restaurants, bars and shops to explore.
If your interests skew towards the performance arts, you'll want to visit the historic Genesee Theatre, which is both a vaudeville theatre and cinema as well as the site of many memorable musical performances.
Sports fans will appreciate the proximity to all of the major sporting events in Chicago, which is less than an hour and a half away.
In terms of public transportation, the Metra provides service between Waukegan and downtown Chicago via the Union Pacific/North Line, and Pace provides public bus service through Waukegan and neighboring cities.
If higher education is bringing you to Waukegan to look at apartments for rent, there are plenty of options, including the world-renowned Northwestern University, College of Lake County and Harper College.
The predominant employment sectors in Waukegan include government, education, and healthcare, with primary employers including Lake County, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, and Cardinal Health, among others.