Whether you've found a job in town or you've decided to commute from Skokie to the "Windy City," you'll find a lot to love about living here. Skokie was ranked one of the top 100 places to live in the entire U.S. by Livability.com, and it was the only municipality in Illinois to earn this distinction. At this point, you're probably asking, "Well, what makes Skokie so great?" Continue reading to find out.

What's So Cool About Skokie?

While Skokie is certainly more peaceful than nearby Chicago, it definitely isn't boring. And when you're living here, you'll find a vast array of highly rated restaurants, bars and cafes.

If you're all about trying out a variety of international foods, then you're in luck! Recently, Skokie's been attracting new residents from all around the world, and this new influx has done plenty to liven up the local restaurant scene. You can try Afghan, Armenian, Caribbean, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Pakistani food without venturing far at all. Just head toward Dempster or Oakton Street to find the highest concentration of eateries.

Skokie's bar scene is also thriving, and you can check out all the Irish pubs, cocktail bars, dive bars and sports bars around town. Lincoln Avenue is home to many great establishments, but there are plenty of other bars throughout Skokie.

Is It Easy to Get Around Skokie?

If you're living close to the city center, then Skokie is remarkably walkable. Public Transit is acceptable but not extensive. Skokie boasts 16 bus lines and one subway line that'll take you to Chicago. If you're commuting to the big city, try to live near the Oakton-Skokie or Dempster-Skokie stops. Otherwise, you may find it easier to commute by car.

Which Neighborhoods Have the Best Studio Apartments?

Studios are wonderful for singles. The open layout gives any apartment a laid-back and artistic vibe, and it's also convenient for new residents. Living in a studio feels more casual, and this will give you the chance to test-drive a city before making any long-term commitments. Here are a few neighborhoods teeming with studios:

Crawford and Oakton: This is the most central neighborhood in Skokie, and it's close to numerous restaurants and bars. This is also where you'll find several well-priced studios, which average around $1,000 a month.

Gross Point** Road:** While this neighborhood is fairly far from the center of town, it's close to Harms Woods, Chick Evans Golf Course and Westmoreland Country Club. The area around Gross Point Road is marked by several expansive apartment complexes, many of which feature luxe studio apartments. However, living near Gross Point Road isn't cheap. Expect to spend at least $1,500 a month for a studio here.

Howard Street: The area surrounding Howard Street is close to neighboring Lincolnwood, as well as several grocery stores and shopping centers. It's also more walkable and accessible by public transit than most neighborhoods in Skokie. There's even a stop on the CTA Yellow Line that'll take you directly to Chicago. You'll find several available studio apartments here, but be aware that they can cost over $6,000. While this sounds expensive, imagine having a studio that's almost 7,000 square feet. That'll give you ample room to roam!