I understand - I'd like to know why.

For dual commutes to NMH and Northbrook, Evanston isn't bad. Multiple train options to the city and a not-horrible drive to Northbrook.

Of course, Glenview, Skokie, Wilmette, etc are probably easier to get to Northbrook and not too much longer by train. I'd say Glenview and Wilmette are nicer by a long shot than Skokie, but Evanston is nicer than any of them. It has a nice faux-city feel.