Moving to Illinois- general advice or location?

Spouse and I expect to move to IL in early 2025. We have some leeway where, but primarily started looking mostly in Lake, McHenry, and northern Cook counties. Hoping for a balance of rural and not too far from civilization. We're pretty liberal so don't do well in deep christian nationalist red but get along fine in purple. Any favorite small towns? We've had Gurnee and Dundee recommended to us so far. Anything you think new residents should know?