chicago suburb is composed to many communities within close proximity. if your workstation is in lake forest then you don't necessarily need to live in lake forest. i work in north chicago which is lil north to lake forest. But i live even north to north chicago. If you have your own vehicle, then it will be flexible for you to find the apartment in the surrounding communities. Otherwise you need to find the route where bus/train route is feasible. Bus and train are good but not that great.
Before I move here, I was out of illinois and found the apartment going online, contacted the manager and reserved the room through phone/email. But i had enough time to do this. As you stated that you are moving next week, you better call all the apartment office rather than email.
good luck