DeKalb is a lively, affordable college town anchored by Northern Illinois University with a walkable downtown, regular arts and music, local breweries and coffee shops, parks and a friendly community—ideal for multi-week travel assignments where you want social life and local character instead of being isolated.
For weekend variety, Chicago is about 65 miles northeast for big-city dining and culture, and Rockford (~35 miles) adds extra museums, shopping and entertainment within a short drive.