May have to relocate quickly for a job in the Skokie/Old Orchard area (about a mile from the shopping center) - Chicago north suburbs. Any info on places to live would be greatly appreciated. Will be renting for a while and may or may not drive to work so public transportation may be needed for work and fun. Thanks.

Public transportation is a big problem getting from Skokie to other places. Suggest you live in Evanston which is a wonderful old city just north of Chicago and east of Skokie on the lake. A very diverse community. You could easily drive to work at Old Orchard from there and you would have access to good schools, restaurants and shops in the town. About 30 minutes by car to downtown Chicago. Less expensive would be Glewview or Lincolnwood. Good luck.

For public transportation, you are going to be limited to the Pace bus system (www.pacebus.com), and I do mean limited. If you must rely on it, try to find an apartment on the bus route. There are reasonably priced places in Skokie. See pioneerpress.com for listings. Evanston also has many apartments, although the area closest to the Old Orchard tends to be single family homes. Central Street in Evanston is worth a try. Glenview has fewer apartments, and these tend to be at the western edge of town. Lincolnwood has almost no apartments.

Sorry, the local paper reference should be www.pioneerlocal.com

ttt