When starting a new career, location plays a big factor. In addition to having a wide range of career opportunities, it’s important to live in a town that can offer much to its residents. For most that means a town that’s safe, affordable and vibrant with plenty to do.

These factors are what make the Chicagoland area a top choice for many professionals, particularly those in the health care field. The Chicago area is home to a very large health care community with an abundance of patients, providers, and services. So when NUHS students graduate, they have countless local opportunities to pursue a career at hospitals, specialty clinics, universities or in private practice. Chicago also has many wonderful suburbs, which provide safe and convenient places to live for its citizens.

Chicago suburbs are some of the safest in the nation

Lombard, where National University is located, is a desirable place to live and work. In a National Citizen Survey,

Lombard residents ranked safety as one of the most important facets of the community. About 9 in 10 residents consider Lombard a safe place to live, and virtually all rated the Lombard Police Department as competent in keeping it that way.

Suburbs adjacent to Lombard have superior ratings, as well. Nearby Wheaton, Carol Stream, and Elmhurst are among the safest cities in the country according to Neighborhood Scout, a local real estate database.

Suburbs are more affordable places to live

Since Lombard is located just 15 miles outside of Chicago, residents have access to big city opportunities without the high cost of living. So that means students earning a degree at National University, can live affordably while easily accessing Chicago and all it has to offer. Many students take advantage of the University’s on-campus housing. In addition, several quiet apartment complexes and residential areas along with several grocery stores and shopping districts are located within five miles of the university.

By living in the suburbs instead of a major city, recurring costs for various utilities, groceries and sales tax are significantly lower.  In the suburbs, you can also travel anywhere by car without having to worry about the extra cost of parking.

Chicago’s attractions are a short train ride away

Living close to a major city means having access to world-class museums, superior shopping and vibrant nightlife venues. From Lombard, Chicago is just a 30-minute drive or a 45-minute train ride away. On weekends you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy popular attractions like Navy Pier, Willis Tower and the Hancock Building, along with the many concerts and events that take place at Millennium Park and Grant Park.

Chicago is home to some of the best sports teams in the nation. Hockey, baseball and football games are held at a variety of top venues like the historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, U.S. Cellular field, home of the Chicago White Sox, Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears and the United Center, home to both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.

Because Chicago is culturally rich, you can experience several different ethnicities all in one city. Some popular ethic neighborhoods include Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Little Village and the Polish Triangle. Touring these neighborhoods, you’ll get to explore new kinds of cuisine and shopping.

Discover the best the suburbs have to offer

Locally in Lombard, you can find top-reviewed restaurants and unique Chicago fare like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and Chicago-style hot dogs. You can also explore beautiful parks and forest preserves including Lombard’s own Lilacia Park, the Morton Arboretum in nearby Lisle, and Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Over the summer, the suburbs host many festivals and activities such as the popular Ribfest in Naperville, Swedish Days in Geneva, and the Wheaton French Market.

Nearby suburbs like Naperville, Hinsdale, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Elmhurst are frequently rated as some of the best places to live in the nation byMoney magazine,Business Insiderand other publications. These towns boast vibrant downtown areas within walking distance from their residential neighborhoods along with high quality public schools and affordable housing.

Whether you’re a student completing a degree or a new graduate searching for your first job, Lombard and the surrounding Chicago suburbs are unique and exciting places to begin your career in health care.