Northwestern University - Downtown Campus

although the main campus of northwestern university is located in evanston, its law school, its medical school, and a division of its business school serving part-time students are all nestled into the heart of the streeterville neighborhood of chicago.  streeterville encompasses the giant swath of territory sandwiched between the southern half of the "magnificent mile" and the shores of lake michigan.  it's city living, pure and simple.

the north half of streeterville is dominated by northwestern memorial hospital and the sea of doctor's offices, health clinics, and rehabilitation centers that thrive in its domain.  apartment options are sparse.  the south half of streeterville, by contrast, is overwhelmingly residential and includes a generous array of high-rise and mid-rise condominium and apartment buildings, many of recent vintage, although there's plenty of commercial stuff too -- like the tribune tower, the time-life building, navy pier, nbc tower, the embassy suites and sheraton hotels, and restaurants for all major ethnic tastes.  many of the new luxury condominium units are available for rent, typically with fantastic finishes and spectacular views. 

the shopping ranges from the upscale to the ritzy, and the restaurants range from fast food to casual dining to steak houses to haute cuisine.  streeterville also plays host to a 21-screen multiplex, several health clubs, an ultra-modern bowling alley, and plenty of gourmet grocery options. 

park space is perhaps in short supply, although in the summer you're never more than a short walk to the beach along lake michigan where you can pick up a trail that extends past the museum of science and industry on the south and meanders all the way to evanston on the north.