Installations / Midwest & Plains

Naval Station Great Lakes

North Chicago, IL · Navy

Moving to Naval Station Great Lakes

Naval Station Great Lakes is the Navy's only recruit training command on the Lake Michigan shore north of Chicago, with technical schools and a large joint medical center nearby. Families enjoy suburban Lake County living with Chicago and Milwaukee within reach, though winters are cold.

BranchNavy
Nearest cityNorth Chicago, IL
AirportsChicago O'Hare (ORD), about 35-45 minutes; Milwaukee Mitchell about an hour
ClimateFour distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm humid summers.
Cost of livingAbove the national average, rising with distance toward Libertyville.
On-base housingHunt Military Communities (Neighborhood Management Office, 1710 Cavin Dr.)
Medical careNaval Health Clinic Great Lakes / Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Family support centerFleet & Family Support Center Great Lakes

Official installation website

Where families live

North Chicago / Waukegan

About 5-15 minutes to Gate 1 · North Chicago SD 187 / Waukegan CUSD 60

Lowest prices and shortest commutes; school quality varies by street.

Gurnee

About 10-20 minutes · Woodland SD 50 / Warren Township HSD 121

Family suburb near I-94 with shopping and an amusement park.

Grayslake

About 15-25 minutes · Grayslake CCSD 46 / Community HSD 127

Well-regarded schools and a mix of established and newer homes.

Lake Villa / Lindenhurst

About 20-35 minutes · Lake Villa ESD 41 / Antioch CHSD 117

Larger lots, lake access and a quieter feel.

Libertyville

About 20-30 minutes · Libertyville SD 70 / Libertyville Township HSD 128

Upscale suburb with a walkable downtown and historic homes.

Schools

North Chicago School District 187 serves the area around the station, and Forrestal Elementary sits on the installation. Many families choose nearby suburban districts. Illinois has no DoDEA schools here, so check boundaries by address.

On the installation: Forrestal Elementary School

Great Lakes School Liaison through Fleet & Family Support.

Things to do near Naval Station Great Lakes

  • Lake Michigan lakefrontoutdoors
    Beaches and parks along the Lake County shoreline.
  • Chicagoday-trip
    Museums, sports and dining about an hour south by train or car.
  • Six Flags Great Americafamily
    Large amusement park in Gurnee.
  • Illinois Beach State Parkoutdoors
    Dunes and beach on the lake near Zion.
  • Gurnee Millsfamily
    Big outlet mall near the base.
  • Lake County forest preservesoutdoors
    Trails and lakes throughout the county.
  • Milwaukeeday-trip
    Museums and festivals within an hour north.

Realtors & local services

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PCS tips for Naval Station Great Lakes

  • Winter prep matters: snow tires, cold-weather gear and a plan for lake-effect storms.
  • The Navy Housing Service Center (847-688-3440) processes applications before you contact Hunt.
  • Gate traffic on I-94 and local roads is heaviest at shift changes; test your commute before choosing a suburb.
  • Check your home's school boundaries by address; quality varies between districts.

Benefits to use on this move

See every program and benefit

Other installations in the Midwest & Plains

Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.

Sources