Chesterton offers a relaxed lakeside vibe with immediate access to Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan—great for hiking, beach days, and refreshing downtime between shifts—plus a compact, walkable downtown with cafes and local shops that make multi‑week stays pleasant rather than isolating.
For weekend options, nearby Valparaiso provides a larger local scene (restaurants, arts and a university vibe) and downtown Chicago is an easy drive when you want big‑city dining, museums and flights.