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Student Housing in DeKalb, IL
About Student Housing in DeKalb
DeKalb is a mid-sized city of approximately 42,000 residents in north-central Illinois, located about 65 miles west of Chicago along Interstate 88. The city is best known as the home of Northern Illinois University, and NIU students make up a substantial share of the local population, giving DeKalb a distinct college-town character. The community was historically significant as the birthplace of barbed wire, and a small museum near downtown commemorates that history. Today, DeKalb's economy is anchored by the university, healthcare, and a handful of manufacturing employers along its industrial corridors. Lincoln Highway (US-30) serves as the city's main commercial spine, running east-west through the urban core and connecting campus to downtown and beyond. Downtown DeKalb has a modest but active commercial district with local restaurants, bars, and shops catering to students and long-term residents alike. The city is flat and bikeable, and the STAR Line Metra commuter rail station provides a connection to the Chicago suburb rail network. Rents in DeKalb are well below Chicago-area norms, making it an affordable option for students and young professionals who want a livable city with easy access to the broader metro region.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in DeKalb
Annie Glidden North
The area north of campus along Annie Glidden Road is one of the highest-density student neighborhoods in DeKalb, with apartment complexes ranging from budget studios to multi-bedroom units. Its proximity to NIU residence halls and academic buildings makes it a first choice for students moving off campus for the first time.
Lincoln Highway Corridor
The Lincoln Highway (US-30) stretch running east from campus toward downtown is lined with student apartments, retail, and dining options that serve everyday needs. Students here enjoy short commutes on foot or by bus and easy access to the handful of restaurants and shops clustered along this well-traveled road.