Northern Cook County Regional Synopsis

Regional Synopsis

The Greater Chicago area includes the City of Chicago and the "Collar Counties" (Suburban Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, and Will). The Highway system includes the Edens, Kennedy, Eisenhower, and Stevenson Expressways, as well as the Tri-State (I-294), East-West (I-88), and North-South (I-355) toll-ways. Public transportation consists of the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), 1-800-972-7000, which includes Metra, www.metrarail.com (train service to & from the suburbs), PACE (bus service in the suburbs), and CTA (bus & train service in the city and certain close-by suburbs). ComEd (1-800-334-7661) provides electric service to most communities in the area, and similarly for NICOR (1-888-642-6748) with gas service. Ameritech (1-800-244-4444) and AT&T (1-800-362-9689) both provide local telephone service. The 911 system serves most communities for emergency police and fire department calls.

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Note: The private school count for each community uses two sources: 1) Schools included in ParentLink's publication School's In-Chicago, and 2) the State of Illinois list of recognized private schools. The child care count for each community uses two sources: 1) centers and preschools included in ParentLink's publication Child Care Connections and 2) centers and preschools listed in the State of Illinois (Dept. of Children & Family Services) list of centers and/or various online directories (Yahoo yellow pages listings), web sites, etc.

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Community Synopses for City of Chicago, Northern Cook & Southern Lake Counties (Alphabetical order after Chicago)

City of Chicago: Population 2,701,926 (2005 estimate +/- 35,660)

Government: City Hall, 120 N. LaSalle St., 312-744-6861 (City Clerk) Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: District 299, Grades K-8: District 299. About 350 private schools are located in Chicago.

Child Care: About 400 child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Chicago.

Public Library: Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., 312-747-4396.

Park District: Chicago Park District, 312-742-7529

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 44/56.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $245,000*. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,678**. Median Rent: $783

*2005 Estimate, +/- $3,824 ** 2005 Estimate, +/-$185 ***2005 Estimate, +/-$10

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Bannockburn: Population 1,400. Zip Code 60015

Location: 27 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: Deerfield Rd., Waukegan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-945-6080 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Highland Park District 113. Grades K-8: Bannockburn District 106, Deerfield District 109. No private schools are located in Bannockburn.

Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Bannockburn.

Public Library: Deerfield Public Library: 920 Waukegan Rd., 847-945-3311.

Park District: Deerfield Park District, 836 Jewett Park Dr., 847-945-0650

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 82/18.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $933,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $4,000+. Median Rent: $684

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Deerfield: Population 18,500. Zip Code 60015

Location: 21 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: Deerfield Rd., Waukegan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-945-5000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Highland Park District 113. Grades K-8: Deerfield District 109. One private school is located in Deerfield.

Child Care: Eleven child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Deerfield.

Public Library: Deerfield Public Library: 920 Waukegan Rd., 847-945-3311.

Park District: Deerfield Park District, 836 Jewett Park Dr., 847-945-0650

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 90/10.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $342,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,208. Median Rent: $1,018

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Evanston: Population 74,000. Zip Codes 60201, 60202

Location: Shares the Northern Border (Howard St.) with Chicago, located in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Sheridan Rd., Dempster St.

Government: City Hall, 847-328-2100 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Evanston District 202. Grades K-8: Evanston C.C. District 65. Ten private schools are located in Evanston.

Child Care: Twenty-eight child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Evanston.

Public Library: Evanston Public Library: Main Branch - 1703 Orrington Ave., 847-866-0300. North Branch – 2026 Central St.,

847-866-0330. South Branch – 949 Chicago Ave, 847-866-0333

Park District: Evanston Recreation Department, 2100 Ridge Avenue, 847-866-2910

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 53/47.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $290,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,942. Median Rent: $856

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Glencoe: Population 8,800. Zip Code 60022

Location: 22 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 68-Dundee Rd., Green Bay Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-835-4114 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: New Trier District 203. Grades K-8: Glencoe District 35. No private schools are located in Glencoe.

Child Care: Five child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Glencoe.

Public Library: Glencoe Public Library: 320 Park Ave. 847-835-5056

Park District: Glencoe Park District, 999 Green Bay Rd., 847-835-3030

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 93/7.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $667,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,523. Median Rent: $1,091

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Glenview: Population 41,800. Zip Code 60025

Location: 20 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Lake Ave., Waukegan Rd., Willow Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-724-1700 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Northfield District 225, New Trier District 203, Maine District 207. Grades K-8: Glenview C.C. District 34, Avoca District 37, East Maine District 63, West Northfield District 31, Northbrook/Glenview District 30, Evanston C.C. District 65. Four private schools are located in Glenview.

Child Care: Twelve child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Glenview.

Public Library: Glenview Public Library: 1930 Glenview Rd., 847-729-7500

Park District: Glenview Park District, 1930 Prairie Street, 847-724-5670

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 88/12.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $336,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,988. Median Rent: $828

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Highland Park: Population 31,400. Zip Code 60035

Location: 26 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: I-22, Sheridan Rd.

Government: City Hall, 847-432-0880 Community Web Sites: Highland Park Info Gateway, Village Profile

Schools: Grades 9-12: Highland Park District 113. Grades K-8: North Shore District 112. No private schools are located in Highland Park.

Child Care: Sixteen child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Highland Park.

Public Library: Highland Park Public Library: 494 Laurel Ave., 847-432-0216

Park District: Park District of Highland Park, 636 Ridge Road, 847-831-3810

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 82/18.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $380,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,418. Median Rent: $931

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Highwood: Population 4,200. Zip Code 60040

Location: 28 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: I-22, Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-432-1924

Schools: Grades 9-12: Highland Park District 113. Grades K-8: North Shore District 112. One private school is located in Highwood.

Child Care: Two child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Highwood.

Public Library: Highwood Public Library: 102 Highwood Ave., 847-432-5404.

Park District: Highwood Recreation Department, 428 Green Bay Rd., 847-432-6633

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 43/57.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $229,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,833. Median Rent: $811

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Kenilworth: Population 2,500. Zip Code 60043

Location: 16 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads:

Government: Village Hall, 847-251-1666.

Schools: Grades 9-12: New Trier District 203. Grades K-8: Kenilworth District 38. No private schools are located in Kenilworth.

Child Care: One child-care center and/or preschool is located in Kenilworth.

Public Library: Winnetka Public Library: 768 Oak St., 847-446-7220

Park District: Kenilworth Park District, 419 Richmond Road, 847-251-1666

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 96/4.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $972,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $4,000+. Median Rent: $1,141

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Lake Bluff: Population 6,300. Zip Code 60044

Location: 31 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: I-120/Belvidere Rd, I-45/Lake St.

Government: Village Hall, 847-234-0774

Schools: Grades 9-12: Lake Forest District 115. Grades K-8: Lake Bluff District 65, Rondout District 72. One private school is located in Lake Bluff.

Child Care: One child-care center and/or preschool is located in Lake Bluff.

Public Library: Lake Bluff Public Library: 123 E. Scranton Ave. 847-234-2540.

Park District: Lake Bluff Park District, P.O. Box 95, 847-234-4150

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 91/9.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $439,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,503. Median Rent: $869

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Lake Forest: Population 20,000. Zip Code 60045

Location: 31 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 41/Skokie Blvd., I-43/Waukegan Rd.

Government: City Hall, 847-234-2600 Community Web Sites: Lake Forest Library Gateway, Village Profile

Schools: Grades 9-12: Lake Forest District 115. Grades K-8: Rondout District 72, Lake Forest District 67, Lincolnshire-Prairieview District 103. Five private schools are located in Lake Forest.

Child Care: Fourteen child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Lake Forest.

Public Library: Lake Forest Public Library. 360 E. Deerpath, 847-247-0636

Park District: Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hasting Rd., 847-234-6700

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 87/13.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $662,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,551. Median Rent: $1,005

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Lincolnshire: Population 6,100. Zip Code 60069

Location: 29 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: I-22/Prairie Ave., I-21/Milwaukee Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-883-8600 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Stevenson District 125, Grades K-8: Lincolnshire-Prairieview District 103. No private schools are located in Lincolnshire.

Child Care: Five child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Lincolnshire.

Public Library: Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, 847-634-3650

Park District: Lincolnshire Public Works/Recreation Department, 1 Old Half Day Rd., 847-883-8606

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 96/4.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $442,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,671. Median Rent: $1,188

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Morton Grove: Population 22,500. Zip Code 60053

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Milwaukee Ave., Waukegan Rd., Touhy Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-965-4100 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Maine District 207, Niles District 219. Grades K-8: Skokie District 69, Golf District 67, East Maine District 63, Morton Grove District 70. Four private schools are located in Morton Grove.

Child Care: Three child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Morton Grove.

Public Library: Morton Grove Public Library: 6140 Lincoln Ave, 847-965-4220

Park District: Morton Grove Park District, 6834 Dempster St., 847-965-1200

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 94/6.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $217,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,540. Median Rent: $691

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Niles: Population 30,000. Zip Code 60714

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Milwaukee Ave., Waukegan Rd., Touhy Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-588-8000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Maine District 207, Niles District 219. Grades K-8: East Maine District 63, Park Ridge District 64, Niles District 71, Golf District 67. Eight private schools are located in Niles.

Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Niles.

Public Library: Niles Public Library: 6960 Oakton St., 847-967-8554.

Park District: Niles Park District, 7877 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-967-6633

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 77/23.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $204,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,372. Median Rent: $747

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Northbrook: Population 33,400. Zip Code 60062

Location: 25 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Dundee Rd.,Waukegan Rd., Milwaukee Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-272-5050 Community Web Sites: Northbrook Info, Village Profile

Schools: Grades 9-12: Northfield District 225. Grades K-8: Sunset Ridge District 29, Northbrook District 28, Northbrook/Glenview District 30, Northbrook District 27, West Northfield District 31, Wheeling C. C. District 21. Six private schools are located in Northbrook.

Child Care: Twenty-three child-care centers and/or preschools (including 4 day care homes) are located in Northbrook.

Public Library: Northbrook Public Library: 1201 Cedar Lane, 847-272-6224

Park District: Northbrook Park District, 1710 Pfingsten Rd., 847-291-2960

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 92/8.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $370,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,093. Median Rent: $1,279

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Northfield: Population 5,400. Zip Code 60093.

Location: 17 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Lake Ave., Willow Rd., Waukegan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-446-9200 Community Web Sites: Village Guide, Village Profile

Schools: Grades 9-12: New Trier District 203, Northfield District 225. Grades K-8: Sunset Ridge District 29, Avoca District 37, West Northfield District 31, Glenview C.C. District 34. Three private schools are located in Northfield.

Child Care: Three child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Northfield.

Public Library: Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District: Northfield Branch 1785 Orchard Lane 847-446-5990,

Park District: Northfield Park District, 405 Wagner Rd., 847-446-4428

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 92/8.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $411,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,482. Median Rent: $1,158

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Park Ridge: Population 37,800. Zip Code 60068

Location: 14 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Touhy Ave., Greenwood St., Dempster St./Rt 14

Government: Village Hall, 847-318-5208 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Maine District 207. Grades K-8: Park Ridge-Niles District 64, Golf District 67. Four private schools are located in Park Ridge.

Child Care: Three child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Park Ridge.

Public Library: Park Ridge Public Library: 20 S. Prospect Ave. 847-825-3123

Park District: Park Ridge Park District, 2701 Sibley Ave., 847-692-5127

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 88/12.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $295,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,806. Median Rent: $858

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Riverwoods: Population 3,900. Zip Code 60015

Location: 21 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Lake County. Local roads: Deerfield Rd., Waukegan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-945-3990 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Highland Park District 113. Grades K-8: Bannockburn District 106, Deerfield District 109. No private schools are located in Riverwoods.

Child Care: One child-care center and/or preschool is located in Riverwoods.

Public Library: Vernon Area Public Library. 300 Olde Half Day Road, 847-634-3650

Park District: Deerfield Park District, 836 Jewett Park Dr., 847-945-0650

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 97/3.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $522,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,075. Median Rent: $639

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Rosemont: Population 4,200. Zip Code 60018

Location: 14 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 72/Higgins Rd., U.S. 45/Mannheim Rd., Touhy Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-825-4404 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Maine District 207, Leyden District 212. Grades K-8: Des Plaines C.C. District 62, Rosemont District 78. No private schools are located in Rosemont.

Child Care: One child-care center and/or preschool is located in Rosemont.

Public Library: Park Ridge Public Library: 20 S. Prospect Ave. 847-825-3123

Park District: Rosemont Park District, 6140 N. Scott, 847-823-6685

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 29/71.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $259,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,711. Median Rent: $602

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Skokie: Population 63,400. Zip Code 60076, 60077

Location: 13 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Skokie Blvd., Dempster St., Touhy Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-673-0500 Community Web Sites: Skokie Net, Village Profile

Schools: Grades 9-12: Niles District 219, Evanston District 202. Grades K-8: Skokie District 69, East Prairie District 73, Skokie District 73-5, Skokie District 68, Skokie Fairview District 72, Evanston C.C. District 65. Seven private schools are located in Skokie.

Child Care: Sixteen child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Skokie.

Public Library: Skokie Public Library: 5215 Oakton St., 847-673-7774

Park District: Skokie Park District, 4400 Grove St., 847-674-1500

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 75/25.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $217,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,556. Median Rent: $800

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Wilmette: Population 27,700. Zip Code 60091

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Lake Ave., Skokie Blvd./U.S. 41, Willow Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-251-2700 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: New Trier District 203. Grades K-8: Avoca District 37, Wilmette District 39. Four private schools are located in Wilmette.

Child Care: Eleven child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Wilmette.

Public Library: Wilmette Public Library: 1242 Wilmette Ave., 847-256-5025

Park District: Wilmette Park District, 1200 Wilmette Ave., 847-256-6100

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 87/13.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $441,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,499. Median Rent: $1,028

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Winnetka: Population 12,400. Zip Code 60093

Location: 16 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Cook County. Local roads: Green Bay Rd., Willow Rd., Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-501-6000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: New Trier District 203. Grades K-8: Winnetka District 36, Avoca District 37. Three private schools are located in Winnetka.

Child Care: Six child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Winnetka.

Public Library: Winnetka Public Library: 768 Oak St., 847-446-7220

Park District: Winnetka Park District, 510 Green Bay Rd., 847-501-2040

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 90/10.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $756,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,629. Median Rent: $1,038

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