Des Plaines (pronounced “dess planes”) is a great place to rent an apartment in the Chicago area, because of its superior location, access to transportation, and small-town feel. The medium-sized suburb 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago sits on the Des Plaines River, and features a cozy and comfortably walkable downtown strip with a variety of good restaurants. The city has about 58000 residents within its roughly 14 square miles.
Des Plaines is a great place for all-season outdoor activities. The Cook County Forest Preserve District features biking and hiking trails, picnic facilities, and many other activities. Golf fans can enjoy Lake Park Golf Course (18 holes, municipal) and Golf Center of Des Plaines (9 holes, municipal) in Des Plaines and the Park Ridge Country Club (private) and Mount Prospect Golf Club (municipal) in neighboring suburbs.