Northern Lake 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 and Northern Lake 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

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Antioch: Population 8,800. Zip Code 60002

Location: 54 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-83, U.S. 45

Government: Village Hall, 847-395-1000

Schools: Grades 9-12: Antioch High School District 117. Grades K-8: Grass Lake District 36, Emmons District 33, Antioch C C District 34. Two private schools are located in Antioch.

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

Public Library: Antioch Public Library: 757 Main. 847-395-0874

Park District: Antioch Parks & Recreation Department, 874 Main St., 847-395-1000

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 67/33.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $166,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,478. Median Rent: $678

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Beach Park: Population 10,100. Zip Code 60099 (Zion)

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-137/Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-746-1770

Schools: Grades 9-12: Zion-Benton District 126. Grades K-8: Beach Park C C School District 3. Five private schools are located in Beach Park and nearby Zion.

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

Public Library: Beach Park Public Library: 2400 Gabriel Ave. 847-872-4680.

Park District: Zion Park District, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, 847-746-5500

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $144,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,254. Median Rent: $718

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Fox Lake/Ingleside: Population 9,200. Zip Code 60041

Location: 53 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-83, U.S. 45.

Government: Village Hall, 847-587-2151 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grant District 124. Grades K-8: Fox Lake District 114, Big Hollow District 38, Gavin District 37. No private schools are located in Fox Lake.

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

Public Library: Fox Lake Public Library: 225 E. Grand Ave. 847-587-0198

Park District: Round Lake Area Park District, 814 Hart Road, 847-546-8558

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 65/35.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $137,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,234. Median Rent: $685

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Gages Lake: Population 10,400. Zip Code 60030 (Grayslake)

Location: 54 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 45, I 83, Belvidere Rd., Washington St.

Government: Village Hall, 847-223-8515 (Grayslake).

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grayslake District 127. Grades K-8: Woodland C C District 50. Three private schools are located in neighboring Grayslake (none in Gages Lake).

Child Care: Six child-care centers and/or preschools are located in neighboring Grayslake (none in Gages Lake).

Public Library: Gages Lake Public Library: 148 Center, 847-223-5313.

Park District: Grayslake Park District, 243 Harvey Ave., 847-223-4404

Housing Statistics: Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $161,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,429. Median Rent: $778

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Grayslake: Population 20,000. Zip Code 60030

Location: 40 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 45, I 83, Belvidere Rd., Washington St.

Government: Village Hall, 847-223-8515 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grayslake District 127. Grades K-8: Grayslake C C District 46, Woodland C C District 50. Three private schools are located in Grayslake.

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

Public Library: Grayslake Area Public Library: 100 Library Lane. 847-223-5313

Park District: Grayslake Park District, 243 Harvey Ave., 847-223-4404

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 79/21.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $192,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,723. Median Rent: $820

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Gurnee: Population 29,000. Zip Code 60031

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 45, Rt. 131, Rt. 21, Washington St.

Government: Village Hall, 847-623-7650

Schools: Grades 9-12: Warren District 121, Grades K-8: Gurnee District 56, Woodland C C District 50. Four private schools are located in Gurnee.

Child Care: Thirteen child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Gurnee.

Public Library: Warren-Newport Public Library: 224 N. O’Plaine Road. 847-244-5150

Park District: Gurnee Park District, 4374 W. Grand Ave., 847-623-7788

Note: Gas service supplied by North Shore Gas: 847-336-7400.

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 78/22.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $199,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,657. Median Rent: $806

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Hawthorn Woods/Kildeer: Population 6,000 (Hawthorn Woods), 3,460 (Kildeer). Zip Code 60047

Location: 40 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 12/Old McHenry Rd., Midlothian Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-438-5500 (Hawthorn Woods), 847-438-6000 (Kildeer)

Schools: Grades 9-12: Stevenson District 125, Mundelein District 120, Lake Zurich C U District 95. Grades K-8: Kildeer Countryside C C District 96, Fremont District 79. No private schools are located in Hawthorn Woods.

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

Public Library: ELA Public Library: 135 S. Buesching (Lake Zurich). 847-438-3433

Park District: Village Park & Recreation Department, 2 Lagoon Drive, 847-438-5520

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 98/2.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $459,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,686. Median Rent: $775

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Lake Villa: Population 5,900. Zip Code 60046

Location: 42 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-83, I-132.

Government: Village Hall, 847-356-6100

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grayslake District 127, Antioch District 117, Grant District 124. Grades K-8: Lake Villa C C District 41, Gavin District 37, Grayslake C C District 46. Three private schools are located in Lake Villa.

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

Public Library: Lake Villa Public Library: 1001 East Grand Ave. 847-356-7711

Park District: Round Lake Area Park District, 814 Hart Road, 847-546-8558

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $207,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,718. Median Rent: $816

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Libertyville/Green Oaks: Population 21,000 (Libertyville), 3,500 (Green Oaks). Zip Code 60048

Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-176/Park Ave., I-21/Milwaukee Ave., I-137/Buckley Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-362-2430 (Libertyville), 847-362-5363 (Green Oaks) Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Libertyville District 128. Grades K-8: Libertyville District 70, Hawthorn C C District 73, Oak Grove District 68. Five private schools are located in Libertyville.

Child Care: Fifteen child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Libertyville.

Public Library: Cook Memorial Public Library 413 N Milwaukee Ave. 847-362-2330.

Park District: Libertyville Parks and Recreation Dept., 625 W. Winchester Road, 847-918-2074

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 81/19.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $263,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,933. Median Rent: $835

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Lindenhurst: Population 12,500 Zip Code 60046

Location: 42 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-120/Belvidere Rd, Fairfield Rd., Rollins Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-356-8252

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grayslake District 127, Antioch District 117, Grant District 124. Grades K-8: Lake Villa C C District 41, Millburn C C District 24. No private schools are located in

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

Public Library: Lake Villa Public Library 1001 East Grand Ave. 847-356-7711

Park District: Lindenhurst Park District, 2301 E. Sand Lake Rd., 847-356-6011

Housing Statistics: Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $167,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,503. Median Rent: $862

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Mettawa: Population 350. Zip Codes: 60048 (Libertyville), 60045 (Lake Forest)

Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads:

Government: Village Hall, 847-949-4015

Schools: Grades 9-12: Libertyville District 128, Grades K-8: Rondout District 72. No private schools are located in Mettawa.

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

Public Library: Cook Memorial Public Library 413 N Milwaukee Ave. 847-362-2330.

Park District: Libertyville Park District, 870 Country Club Drive, 847-362-7490

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $823,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,875. Median Rent: $925

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Mundelein: Population 31,000. Zip Code: 60060

Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: Lake St., I-176/Maple Ave., I-60/Townline Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-949-3200 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Mundelein District 120. Grades K-8: Fremont District 79, Mundelein District 75, Diamond Lake District, Hawthorn C C District 73. Four private schools are located in Mundelein.

Child Care: Ten child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Mundelein.

Public Library: Fremont Public Library: 470 N. Lake. 847-566-8702

Park District: Mundelein Park District, 100 N. Seymour Ave., 847-566-0650

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 80/20.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $164,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,515. Median Rent: $774

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North Chicago: Population 42,000 Zip Code 60064

Location: 36 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: Lewis Ave., I-137/Sheridan Rd., Buckley Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-596-8680

Schools: Grades 9-12: North Chicago District 187. Grades K-8: North Chicago District 187. One private school is located in North Chicago.

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

Public Library: North Chicago Public Library: 2100 Argonne Dr. 847-689-0125.

Park District: North Chicago Park District, 1730 Lewis Ave., 847-689-7480

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 36/64.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $100,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,204. Median Rent: $670

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Round Lake Area (Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park): Population: 5,842 (Round Lake), 25,859 (Round Lake Beach), 1,347 (Round Lake Heights), 6,038 (Round Lake Park). Zip Code 60073

Location: 46 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-120/Belvidere Rd, Fairfield Rd., Rollins Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-546-5400 (Round Lake), 847-546-2127 (Round Lake Beach), 847-546-1206 (Round Lake Heights), 847-546-2790 (Round Lake Park). Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Round Lake Area District 116. Grades K-8: Round Lake Area District 116. One private school is located in the Round Lake Area.

Child Care: Six child-care centers and/or preschools are located in the Round Lake Area.

Public Library: Round Lake Public Library: 906 W. Hart. 847-546-7060

Park District: Round Lake Area Park District, 814 Hart Road, 847-546-8558

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $150,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,459. Median Rent: $576

Round Lake Beach: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 85/15.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $123,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,241. Median Rent: $827

Round Lake Heights: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 85/15.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $101,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,121. Median Rent: $815

Round Lake Park: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 87/13.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $115,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,092. Median Rent: $849

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Vernon Hills: Population 20,000. Zip Code 60061.

Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 45, I-21/Milwaukee Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 847-367-3700 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Stevenson District 125, Libertyville District 128. Grades K-8: Hawthorn C C District 73. No private schools are located in Vernon Hills.

Child Care: Seven child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Vernon Hills.

Public Library: Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville 847-362-2330

Vernon Area Library District 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire 847-634-3650

Park District: Vernon Hills Park District, 635 N. Aspen Dr., 847-367-7270

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 80/20.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $223,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,731. Median Rent: $866

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Wadsworth: Population 3,000. Zip Code 60083.

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-137/Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847- 336-7771

Schools: Grades 9-12: Zion-Benton District 126, Grades K-8: Millburn C C District 24. One private school is located in Wadsworth.

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

Public Library: Zion-Benton Public Library: 2400 Gabriel Ave. 847-872-4680

Park District: Zion Park District, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, 847-746-5500

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $249,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,699. Median Rent: $786

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Waukegan: Population 88,000. Zip Codes: 60085, 60087

Location: 39 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: Lewis Ave., I-137/Sheridan Rd., Grand Ave.

Government: City Hall, 847-599-2500 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Waukegan C U District 60, Grades K-8: Waukegan C U District 60. Seven private schools are located in Waukegan.

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

Public Library: Waukegan Public Library: 128 N. County. 847-623-2041

Park District: Waukegan Park District, 2000 Belvidere St., 847-360-4700

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 81/19.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $118,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,193. Median Rent: $647

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Wildwood: Population (No figures available). Zip Code 60030

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 45, I 83, Belvidere Rd., Washington St.

Government: Village Hall (Grayslake), 847-223-8515

Schools: Grades 9-12: Grayslake District 127. Grades K-8: Grayslake C C District 46, Woodland C C District 50. Three private schools are located in Grayslake (none in Wildwood).

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

Public Library: Warren-Newport Public Library: 224 N. O'Plaine Road. 847-244-5150

Park District: Wildwood Park District, P.O. Box 375, 847-223-7275

Housing Statistics: No statistics are available.

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Winthrop Harbor: Population 6,700. Zip Code 60096.

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: U.S. 41, Rt. 173/Rosecrans Rd., Rt. 137/Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-872-3846

Schools: Grades 9-12: Zion-Benton District 126. Grades K-8: Winthrop Harbor District 1. No private schools are located in Winthrop Harbor.

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

Public Library: Zion-Benton Public Library: 2400 Gabriel Ave. 847-872-4680

Park District: Zion Park District, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, 847-746-5500

Note: Gas service supplied by North Shore Gas: 847-335-9300.

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 84/16.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $143,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,306. Median Rent: $727

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Zion: Population 20,000. Zip Code: 60099.

Location: 45 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northern Lake County. Local roads: I-173/Rosecrans Rd., I-137/Sheridan Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 847-746-4000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Zion-Benton District 126. Grades K-8: Zion District 6, Beach Park C C District 3. Four private schools are located in Zion.

Child Care: Number child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Zion.

Public Library: Zion-Benton Public Library: 2400 Gabriel Ave. 847-872-4680

Park District: Zion Park District, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, 847-746-5500

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 59/41.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $115,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,186. Median Rent: $651

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