Evanston
From its location just 12 miles north of bustling downtown Chicago, Evanston, Illinois, has been recognized as a great place to start a small business. Part of the reason for that is it is the home of Northwestern University. The 12 colleges that make up heavily endowed Northwestern University receive about $500 million in research grants each year. The large campus is also home to the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, training United Methodist pastors, deacons, and elders. Other schools in the area include Pivot Point International Academy and NorthShore University HealthSystems School of Nurse Anesthesia. The plethora of schools give the city a young, vibrant atmosphere.