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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 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 Northwestern Cook 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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Arlington Heights: Population 76,000. Zip Codes: 60004, 60005
Location: 27 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
U.S. 12/Rand Rd., U.S. 14/Northwest Hwy., IL. 58/Golf Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-368-5000 Community Web Sites: Northstarnet
Arlington Heights, Village
Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Township District 214. Grades K-8: C. C. District 59,
Arlington Heights District 25, Wheeling C. C. District 21, Palatine C.C.
District 15. Five private schools are located in Arlington Heights.
Child Care: Thirteen child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Arlington Heights.
Public
Library: Arlington Heights Memorial
Library: 847-392-0100
Park District: Arlington Heights Park District, 410 N. Arlington
Heights. Rd., 847-577-3000
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
77/23.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$240,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,633. Median Rent: $933
More Information:
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Barrington Area: Population 10,168 (Barrington), 3,915 (Barrington Hills), 4,757 (Lake Barrington), 2,918 (North Barrington). Zip Code: 60010
Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County &
Southwest Lake County. Local roads: I-59, Rt. 62/Algonquin Rd., Brinker Rd.,
County Line Rd.
Government: Village Halls: 847-304-3400 (Barrington), 847-551-3000 (Barrington
Hills), 847-381-6010 (Lake Barrington), 847-381-3393 (North
Barrington). Community Web Sites: Barrington
Area Info, Village
Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Barrington C U District 220, Grades K-8: Barrington C U
District 220. Two private schools are located in the Barrington Area.
Child Care: Thirteen child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in the Barrington Area.
Public Library: Barrington Area Public Library: 505 N. Northwest
Hwy. 847-382-1300, www.barringtonarealibrary.org
Park District: Barrington Park District, 235 Lions Drive,
847-381-3500
Housing Statistics: Barrington: Percentages (%) of
Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 78/22.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$329,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,989. Median Rent: $931
Barrington Hills: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
94/6.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$661,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,935. Median Rent: $1,792
Lake Barrington: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
96/4.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$343,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $2,310. Median Rent: $1,406
North Barrington: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
97/3.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$528,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,166. Median Rent: $1,563
More Information:
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Buffalo Grove: Population 43,000. Zip Codes 60089, 60090
Location: 30 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County & Southwest
Lake County. Local roads: Dundee Rd., I-83/Elmhurst Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-459-2500 Community
Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Stevenson District 125, Arlington District 214. Grades
K-8: Kildeer Countryside C C District 96, Aptakisic-Tripp District 102,
Wheeling C. C. District 21. One private school is located in Buffalo Grove.
Child Care: Eight child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Buffalo Grove.
Public
Library: Indian Trails - 335 S.
Schoenbeck Rd., Wheeling, 847-459-4100, Vernon Area - 300 Olde Half Day Rd.,
Lincolnshire, 847-634-3650
Park District: Buffalo Grove Park District, 530 Bernard Dr.,
847-459-5700
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
87/13.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$236,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,734. Median Rent: $1,079
More Information:
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Des Plaines: Population 59,000
Location: 17 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
U.S. 45/Des Plaines River Road, I-58/Golf Rd., U.S. 14/Northwest Hwy., U.S.
12/Rand Rd.
Government: City Hall, 847-391-5300 Community Web Sites: Des Plaines Welcome, Village Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Maine District 207. Grades K-8: C. C. District 59, Mt.
Prospect District 57, River Trails District 26, East Maine District 63, Des
Plaines C.C. District 62. Eightr private schools are located in Des Plaines.
Child Care: Sixteen child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Des Plaines.
Public
Library: Des Plaines Public Library: 1501
Ellinwood St.. 847-827-5551
Park District: Des Plaines Park District, 2222 Birch St.,
847-391-5700
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
79/21.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$184,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,364. Median Rent: $764
More Information:
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Elk Grove Village: Population 34,700. Zip Code 60007
Location: 22 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
Arlington Heights Road, I-72/Higgins Rd., I-83/Busse Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-439-3900 Community Web Sites: Elk Grove
Community Network, Village
Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Arlington District 214. Grades K-8: Schaumburg District
54, C. C. District 59. Two private schools are located in Elk Grove Village.
Child Care: Nine child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Elk Grove Village.
Public
Library: Elk Grove Village Public
Library: 1001 Wellington Ave. 847-439-0447
Park District: Elk Grove Village Park District, 499 W. Biesterfield
Rd., 847-437-8780
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
77/23.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$189,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,407. Median Rent: $825
More Information:
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Hanover Park: Population 38,000. Zip Code 60103
Location: 30 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
North Ave.,
Government: Village Hall, 630-372-4200 Community
Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Glenbard District 87, Lake Park District 108. Grades
K-8: Keeneyville District 20, Schaumburg District 54, School District U-46,
C.C. District 93. No private schools are located in Hanover Park.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Hanover Park.
Public Library:
Schaumburg Public Library, Hanover Park Branch: 1570 Irving Park Rd.,
847-372-7800
Park District: Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Ave.,
630-837-2468
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
82/18.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$141,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,321. Median Rent: $750
More Information:
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Hoffman Estates: Population 49,500. Zip Code 60195
Location: 29 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
I-59, Higgins Rd., I-72.
Government: Village Hall, 847-882-9100 Community
Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Palatine District 211, Barrington C U District 220.
Grades K-8: Schaumburg District 54, Palatine District 15. One private school is
located in Hoffman Estates.
Child Care: Nine child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Hoffman Estates.
Public Library: Schaumburg Public Library, Hoffman Estates Branch:
1890 Hassell Rd., 847-885-3511
Park District: Hoffman Estates Park District, 1685 W. Higgins Rd.,
847-885-7500
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
77/23.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$181,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,432. Median Rent: $888
More Information:
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Lake Zurich: Population 18,100. Zip Code 60047
Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
U.S. 12/Old McHenry Rd.,
Government: Village Hall, 847-438-5141. Community Web Sites: Lake Zurich Area Online, Village Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Lake Zurich C U District 95. Grades K-8: Lake Zurich C U
District 95. Two private schools are located in Lake Zurich.
Child Care: Six child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Lake Zurich.
Public Library: Ela Area Public Library: 135 S. Buesching.
847-438-3433
Park District: Lake Zurich Recreation Department, 70 E. Main St.,
847-438-5146
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
91/9.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$225,100. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,672. Median Rent: $786
More Information:
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Long Grove: Population 6,800. Zip Code 60047
Location: 34 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwest Lake County and Northwest
Cook County. Local roads: U.S. 12/Old McHenry Rd, I-83/Elmhurst Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-634-9440 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Stevenson District 125, Grades K-8: Kildeer Countryside
District 96, Fremont District 79. One private school is located in Long Grove.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Long Grove.
Public
Library: Vernon Area Public Library,
300 Olde Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire, 847-634-3650
Park District: Long Grove Park District, 3849 RFD, 847-438-4743.
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
96/4.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$555,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,193. Median Rent: $716
More Information:
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Mt. Prospect: Population 56,300. Zip Code 60056
Location: 22 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
I-83/Elmhurst Road, I-58/Golf Rd., U.S. 14/Northwest Hwy., U.S. 12/Rand Rd.
Government: Village Hall, 847-392-6000 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Arlington District 214. Grades K-8: C. C. District 59,
Mt. Prospect District 57, Wheeling C. C. District 21, River Trails District 26.
Five private schools are located in Mt. Prospect.
Child Care: Ten child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Mt. Prospect.
Public Library: Mt. Prospect Public Library: 10 S. Emerson Ave.
847-392-6000
Park District: Mt. Prospect Park District, 420 W. Dempster St.,
847-255-5380, River Trails Park District, 1500 E. Euclid Ave., 847-298-4445.
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
72/28.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$217,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,524. Median Rent: $786
More Information:
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Palatine: Population 65,500 Zip Code 60067
Location: 30 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
I-53, Rand Rd/Rt. 14, Dundee Rd./Rt. 68.
Government: Village Hall, 847-358-7500 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Palatine District 211. Grades K-8: Palatine C.C.
District 15. Five private schools are located in Palatine.
Child Care: Twenty-one child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Palatine.
Public
Library: Palatine Public Library: 700
N. Court. 847-358-5881
Park District: Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St.,
847-991-0333
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
69/31.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$199,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,553. Median Rent: $884
More Information:
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Prospect Heights: Population 17,100. Zip Code 60070
Location: 26 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
I-83/Elmhurst Rd., U.S. 12/Rand Rd., U.S. 45
Government: Village Hall, 847-398-6070 Community Web Sites: Prospect Heights Area Info, Village Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Arlington District 214. Grades K-8: Prospect Heights
District 23, Wheeling C. C. District 21, River Trails District 26. Two private
schools are located in Prospect Heights.
Child Care: Six child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in Prospect Heights.
Public
Library: Prospect Heights Public
Library: 12 Elm St., 847-259-3500
Park District: Prospect Heights Park District, 110 W. Camp McDonald
Rd., 847-394-2428
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
73/27.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$243,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,597. Median Rent: $698
More Information:
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Rolling Meadows: Population 24,300. Zip Code 60008
Location: 25 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
I-53, Euclid Ave., Kirchoff Rd., Northwest Hwy.
Government: City Hall, 847-394-8500 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Arlington District 214, Palatine District 211. Grades
K-8: Palatine C.C. District 15, Schaumburg District 54. One private school is
located in Rolling Meadows.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Rolling Meadows.
Public
Library: Rolling Meadows Public
Library: 3110 Martin Lane, 847-259-5319
Park District: Rolling Meadows Park District, 3705 Pleasant Dr.,
847-818-3200
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
76/24.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$176,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,461. Median Rent: $867
More Information:
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Schaumburg: Population 75,400. Zip Codes 60193, 60194, 60195
Location: 29 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
Woodfield Rd.,
Government: City Hall, 847-895-4500 Community
Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Palatine District 211. Grades K-8: Schaumburg District
54. Two private schools are located in Schaumburg.
Child Care: Twenty-three child-care centers and/or preschools
are located in Schaumburg.
Public Library: Schaumburg Public Library, Central Branch: 130 S.
Roselle Road, 847-985-4000
Park District: Schaumburg Park District, 235 E. Beech Dr.,
847-985-2115
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
69/31.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$178,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,343. Median Rent: $981
More Information:
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South Barrington: Population 3.800. Zip Code 60010
Location: 35 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
Barrington Rd.,
Government: Village Hall, 847-381-7510 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: Barrington C U District 220. Grades K-8: Barrington C U
District 220, Palatine C.C. District 15. No private schools are located in
South Barrington.
Child Care: No child-care centers and/or preschools are located
in South Barrington.
Public
Library: Barrington Area Public
Library: 505 N. Northwest Hwy. 847-382-1300
Park District: South Barrington Park District, 30 South Barrington
Road, 847-381-7515
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
99/1.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $678,800.
Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $3,067. Median Rent: $2000+
More Information:
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Streamwood: Population 36,500. Zip Code 60107
Location: 33 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
Rt. 59, U.S. 20, Schaumburg Road.
Government: Village Hall, 630-837-0200 Community Web Site
Schools: Grades 9-12: School District U-46. Grades K-8: School District U-46.
No private schools are located in Streamwood.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Streamwood.
Public Library: Poplar Creek Library, 1405 South Park Ave., 630-837-6800, Gail Borden Library, 200 North Grove Ave. in Elgin,
847-742-2411, Schaumburg Public
Library, Central Branch: 130 S. Roselle
Road, 847-985-4000
Park District: Streamwood Park District, 777 Bartlett Rd.,
630-372-7275
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
90/10.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $143,500.
Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,296. Median Rent: $1,130
More Information:
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Wauconda: Population 9,500. Zip Code 60084
Location: 40 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwest Lake County. Local roads:
Old McHenry Rd., Rt. 176, Main St.
Government: Village Hall, 847-526-9600 Community Web Sites: Wauconda Area Info, Village Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Mundelein District 120, Wauconda C. U. District 118. Grades
K-8: Wauconda C. U. District 118. Two private schools are located in Wauconda.
Child Care: Five child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Wauconda
Public
Library: Wauconda Public Library: 801
N. Main St., 847-526-6225
Park District: Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St.,
847-526-3610
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
81/19.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$161,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,405. Median Rent: $824
More Information:
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Wheeling: Population 34,500. Zip Codes 60089, 60090
Location: 26 miles from Downtown Chicago in Northwest Cook County. Local roads:
Dundee Rd., I-83/Elmhurst Rd.,
Government: Village Hall, 847-459-2600 Village Profile
Schools: Grades 9-12: Township District 214. Grades K-8: Wheeling C. C.
District 21. One private school is located in Wheeling.
Child Care: Four child-care centers and/or preschools are
located in Wheeling.
Public Library: Indian Trails Public Library: 355 Schoenbeck Rd.,
847-459-4100
Park District: Wheeling Park District, 222 S. Wolf Rd.,
847-465-3333
Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing:
67/33.
Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied):
$160,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,327. Median Rent: $885
More Information: