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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
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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 Kane County & McHenry County (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
More Information:
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Algonquin: Population 23,300 Zip Code 60102
Location: 48 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: Rt.
31,
Government: Village Hall, 847-658-2700 Community Web
Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Community Unit District 300, Huntley School District 158.
Grades K-8: Community Unit District 300, Huntley School District 158. Two
private schools are located in Algonquin.
Child Care: Five child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Algonquin/Lake in the Hills.
Public Library: Algonquin Area Public Library 115 Eastgate St,
847-658-4343.
Park District: Algonquin Recreation Dept., 2200 Harnish Dr.,
847-658-2700
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
94/6.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$195,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,608. Median Rent: $795
More Information:
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Carpentersville: Population 30,600. Zip Code 60110
Location: 42 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Kane County. Local roads:
Northwest Highway, Randall Road.
Government: Village Hall, 847-426-3439 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Barrington C U District 220, Community Unit District
300. Grades K-8: Barrington C U District 220, Community Unit District 300. One
private school is located in Carpentersville.
Child Care: Two child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Carpentersville.
Public Library:
Dundee Township Public Library: 555 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee,
847-428-3661
Park District: Dundee Township Park District, 665 Barrington Ave.,
847-428-7131
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
80/20.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$116,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,200. Median Rent: $675
More Information:
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Cary: Population 15,500. Zip Code 60013
Location: 43 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: U.S.
14/Northwest Hwy.,
Government: Village Hall, 847-639-0003 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Crystal Lake District 155. Grades K-8: Cary C. C.
District 26, Prairie Grove District 46. One private school is located in Cary.
Child Care: Eight child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Cary.
Public
Library: Cary Public Library: 1606
Three Oaks Road 847-639-4210
Park District: Cary Park District, 255 Briargate Rd., 847-639-6100
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
91/9.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$184,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,551. Median Rent: $796
More Information:
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Crystal Lake: Population 38,000. Zip Code 60014
Location: 49 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: Rt.
14/Northwest Hwy., Rt. 31, Rt. 176.
Government: Village Hall, 815-459-2020 Community
Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Crystal Lake District 155. Grades K-8: Prairie Grove
District 46, Crystal Lake District 47.Three private schools are located in
Crystal Lake.
Child Care: Twenty-one child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Crystal Lake.
Public
Library: Crystal Lake Public Library:
126 Paddock St., 815-459-1687
Park District: Crystal Lake Park District, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave.,
815-459-0680
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
79/21.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$170,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,489. Median Rent: $855
More Information:
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East/West Dundee: Population 5,400 (West Dundee), 3,000 (East Dundee) Zip Code 60118
Location: 41 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Kane County. Local roads:
Rt. 31, Rt. 72.
Government: Village Hall, 847-551-3800 (West Dundee), 847-426-2822 (East Dundee) Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Community Unit District 300. Grades K-8: Community Unit
District 300. Three private schools are located in East/West Dundee.
Child Care: One child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in East/West Dundee.
Public Library:
Dundee Township Public Library: 555 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee,
847-428-3661
Park District: Dundee Township Park District, 665 Barrington Ave.,
847-428-7131
Housing Statistics: East Dundee: Percentages (%) of
Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 85/15.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$162,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,331. Median Rent: $766
West Dundee: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 71/29.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$209,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,669. Median Rent: $698
More Information:
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Elgin/South Elgin: Population 94,500 (Elgin), 16,100 (South Elgin) Zip Codes 60120, 60123 (Elgin), 60177 (South Elgin)
Location: 38 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Kane County. Local roads:
I-31, I-25, Golf Rd. (Rt. 58), Lake St. (Rt. 20), McClean Blvd., Middle St.
Government: City Hall, 847-695-6500 (Elgin). Village Hall, 847-742-5780 (South Elgin) Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: School District U-46, Grades K-8: School District U-46.
Fifteen private schools are located in Elgin/South Elgin.
Child Care: Twenty child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Elgin/South Elgin.
Public
Library: Elgin Public Library: 200 N.
Grove Ave. 847-742-2411
Park District: Elgin Parks & Recreation Department, 31 Fountain
Square Plaza, 847-931-6120.
Housing Statistics: Elgin: Percentages (%) of
Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 70/30.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$141,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,315. Median Rent: $675
South Elgin: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
89/11.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$154,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,388. Median Rent: $765
More Information:
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Fox River Grove: Population 4,900 Zip Code 60021
Location: 52 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: Rt.
14/Northwest Hwy., Rt. 22.
Government: Village Hall, 847-639-3170 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Barrington C U District 220, Lake Zurich C U District
95. Grades K-8: Barrington C U District 220, Lake Zurich C U School District
95, Fox River Grove District 3. No private schools are located in Fox River
Grove.
Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Fox River Grove.
Public Library: Fox River Grove Public Library: 407 Lincoln Ave.
847-639-2274.
Park District: Barrington Park District, 235 Lions Drive,
847-381-3500
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
84/16.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $175,300.
Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,460. Median Rent: $777
More Information:
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Hampshire: Population 2,900 Zip Code 60140
Location: 42 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Kane County. Local roads:
Dundee Rd., Huntley Rd., Routes 31 & 25.
Government: Village Hall, 847-683-2181
Schools: Grades 9-12: Community Unit District 300. Grades K-8: Community Unit
District 300. One private school is located in Hampshire.
Child Care: Two child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Hampshire.
Public
Library: Hampshire Public Library:
109 S. State St. 847-683-4490
Park District: Hampshire Park District, 390 South Ave.,
847-683-2690
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
81/19.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$157,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,399. Median Rent: $724
More Information:
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Harvard: Population 8,000. Zip Code 60033
Location: 60 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: Rt.
14, Rt. 173.
Government: City Hall, 815-943-6468
Schools: Grades 9-12: Harvard C.U. District 50. Grades K-8: Harvard C.U.
District 50. One private school is located in Harvard.
Child Care: Three child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Harvard.
Public
Library: Harvard Diggins Library, 900
E. McKinley St. 815-943-4671
Park District: No park district per se. Swimming pool at Lions
Park.
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
55/45.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$114,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,102. Median Rent: $679
More Information:
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Huntley: Population 3,500. Zip Code 60142
Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: Rt.
47, Rt. 62-Algonquin Rd., Huntley Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-669-9600 Community Web
Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Huntley C.U. District 158. Grades K-8: Huntley C.U.
District 158. No private schools are located in Huntley.
Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Huntley.
Public
Library: Huntley Public Library:
11620 Algonquin Road, P.O. Box 898 (Mailing), 847-669-5386
Park District: Huntley Park District, 11419 Rt. 47, 847-669-3180
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
80/20.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$191,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,333. Median Rent: $813
More Information:
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Marengo: Population 5,200. Zip Code 60152
Location: 60 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: I-176,
I-23.
Government: Village Hall, 815-568-7112
Schools: Grades 9-12: Marengo District 154. Grades K-8: Riley C.C. District
18, Marengo/Union District 165. One private school is located in Marengo.
Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Marengo.
Public
Library: Marengo Public Library: 200
S. State St. 815-568-8236
Park District: Marengo Park District, 825 Indian Oaks Dr.,
815-568-5126
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
65/35.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$140,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,253. Median Rent: $645
More Information:
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McHenry: Population Number Zip Code 60050
Location: 53 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads:
I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-83, U.S. 45.
Government: City Hall, 815-363-2100 Community Web
Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: McHenry High School District 156. Grades K-8: McHenry
District 15. Three private schools are located in McHenry.
Child Care: Ten child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in McHenry.
Public Library: McHenry Nunda Public Library, 813 W. State Rt. 120,
815-385-6303
Park District: McHenry Parks & Recreation Dept., 333 S. Green
St., 815-363-2160
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
63/37.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$150,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,309. Median Rent: $722
More Information:
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Sleepy Hollow: Population 3,600 Zip Code 60118
Location: 47 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Kane County. Local roads:
Rt. 31, Rt. 72.
Government: Village Hall, 847-426-6700 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Community Unit District 300. Grades K-8: Community Unit
District 300. No private schools are located in Sleepy Hollow.
Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Sleepy Hollow.
Public Library:
Dundee Township Public Library: 555 Barrington Avenue, East Dundee,
847-428-3661,
Park District: Dundee Township Park District, 665 Barrington Ave.,
847-428-7131
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
90/10.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$246,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,858. Median Rent: $821
More Information:
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Spring Grove/Richmond: Population 3,900 (Spring Grove), 1,100 (Richmond) Zip Codes: 60081 (Spring Grove), 60071 (Richmond).
Location: 65 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-83, U.S. 45.
Government: Village Hall, 815-923-4153 (Spring Grove), 815-678-4040 (Richmond). Community Web
Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Richmond-Burton District 157. Grades K-8: Nippersink
District 2, Fox Lake District 114. No private schools are located in Spring
Grove or Richmond.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Richmond (none in Spring Grove).
Public Library: Nippersink District Library, 5418 Hill Rd. in
Richmond, 815-678-4014.
Park District: No park district.
Housing Statistics: Spring Grove: Percentages (%) of
Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 96/4.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$241,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,783. Median Rent: $588
Richmond: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 70/30.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$140,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,220. Median Rent: $626
More Information:
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Woodstock: Population 20,200 Zip Code 60098
Location: 60 miles from Downtown Chicago in McHenry County. Local roads: I-120,
Rt. 47.
Government: Village Hall, 815-338-4300 Community Web
Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Woodstock C.U. District 200, Grades K-8: Woodstock C.U.
School District 200. Four private schools are located in Woodstock.
Child Care: Eight child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Woodstock.
Public
Library: Woodstock Public Library,
414 W. Judd St., 815-338-0542
Park District: Woodstock Recreation Department, 121 W. Calhoun St.,
815-338-4363
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
61/39.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$145,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,303. Median Rent: $699
More Information: