Southern 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 and Southern 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

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Alsip: 19,700. Number Zip Code 60803

Location: 17 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 50/Cicero Ave., 127th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-385-6902 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Community District 218. Grades K-8: Alsip-Hazelgreen-OakLawn District 126, Atwood Heights District 125, Blue Island District 130. No private schools are located in Alsip.

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

Public Library: Alsip Public Library: 11960 S. Pulaski Road. 708-371-5666

Park District: Alsip Park District, 12521 S. Kostner, 708-389-1003

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $141,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,196. Median Rent: $646

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Bedford Park: Population 600. Zip Code 60501

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Cicero Ave., 79th. St., 87th. St., Central Ave., Narragansett Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-458-2067.

Schools: Grades 9-12: Reavis District 220. Grades K-8: Summit District 104. No private schools are located in Bedford Park.

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

Public Library: Bedford Park Public Library: 7816 W. 65th. 708-430-3688

Park District: Burbank Park District, 8050 Newcastle Ave., 708-599-2070

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $135,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,145. Median Rent: $508

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Blue Island: Population 23,500. Zip Code 60406

Location: 18 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Crawford Ave., 159th. St.

Government: City Hall, 708-597-8602 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Community District 218. Grades K-8: Blue Island District 130, Calumet District 132, West Harvey-Dixmoor District 147. Three private schools are located in Blue Island.

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

Public Library: Blue Island Public Library. 2433 York St., 708-388-1078

Park District: Blue Island Park District, 12804 Highland Ave., 708-385-3304

Housing Statistics:

Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 54/46.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $99,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,062. Median Rent: $578

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Bridgeview: Population 15,300. Zip Code 60455

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Cicero Ave., 95th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-594-2525 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Argo District 217. Grades K-8: Indian Springs District 109. Two private schools are located in Bridgeview.

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

Public Library: Bridgeview Public Library: 7840 W. 79th. St. 708-458-2880

Park District: Bridgeview Park District, 8100 S. Beloit Ave., 708-594-1818

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $144,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,232. Median Rent: $670

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Burbank: Population 27,900. Zip Code 60459

Location: 15 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Cicero Ave., 79th. St., 87th. St, Central Ave. Narragansett Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-599-5900 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Reavis District 220. Grades K-8: Burbank District 111. Four private schools are located in Burbank.

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

Public Library: Prairie Trails Public Library: 8449 Moody Ave. 708-430-3688

Park District: Burbank Park District, 8050 Newcastle Ave., 708-599-2070

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 83/17.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $137,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,174. Median Rent: $682

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Burnham: Population 4,200. Zip Code 60633

Location: 23 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Crawford Ave., 159th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-862-9150 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Thornton District 205. Grades K-8: Burnham District 154-5. No private schools are located in Burnham.

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

Public Library: Dolton Public Library: 14037 Lincoln Ave. 708-849-2385

Park District: Dolton Park District, 721 Engle, 708-841-2111.

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 74/26.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $90,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $968. Median Rent: $621

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Calumet City: Population 39,000. Zip Code 60409

Location: 30 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southeastern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Crawford Ave., 159th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-891-8110 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Thornton Fractional District 215. Grades K-8: Dolton District 149, Hoover-Schrum District 157, Lincoln District 156, Calumet City District 155. Three private schools are located in Calumet City.

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

Public Library: Calumet City Public Library: 660 Manistree. 708-862-6220

Park District: Calumet Memorial Park District, 612 Wentworth Ave., 708-862-6440

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 63/37.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $90,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,012. Median Rent: $630

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Calumet Park: Population 8,500. Zip Code 60827

Location: 21 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 1, 127th. St

Government: Village Hall, 708-389-0850 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Community District 218. Grades K-8: Calumet District 132. One private school is located in Calumet Park.

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

Public Library: Blue Island Public Library. 2433 York St., 708-388-1078

Park District: Blue Island Park District, 12804 Highland Ave., 708-385-3304

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 68/32.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $91,600. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,017. Median Rent: $621

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Chicago Heights: Population 32,800. Zip Code 60411

Location: 28 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Governors Hwy., Western Ave., Lincoln Hwy., Crawford Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-756-5315 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Bloom District 206, Homewood-Flossmoor District 233, Rich District 227. Grades K-8: Chicago Heights District 170, Flossmoor District 161, Park Forest District 163, Brookwood District 167. Five private schools are located in Chicago Heights.

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

Public Library: Chicago Heights Public Library: 25. W. 15th St. 708-754-0323

Park District: Chicago Heights Park District, 1400 Chicago Road, 708-755-1351

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 63/37.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $94,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,035. Median Rent: $566

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Chicago Ridge: Population 14,100. Zip Code 60415

Location: 20 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 12/20, Rt. 43 - Harlem Ave., Rt. 50 - Cicero Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-425-7700 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Community District 218. Grades K-8: Chicago Ridge District 127-5, Ridgeland District 122. One private school is located in Chicago Ridge.

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

Public Library: Chicago Ridge Public Library: 6301 W. Birmingham Ave/512 Chicago Ridge Mall. 708-423-7753/2227.

Park District: Chicago Ridge Park District, 10736 S. Lombard, 708-857-2653

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 52/48.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $138,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,154. Median Rent: $676

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Country Club Hills: Population 16,200. Zip Code 60477

Location: 22 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Cicero Ave., 183rd. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-798-2616 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Bremen District 228, Rich District 227. Grades K-8: Country Club Hills District 160, Prairie Hills District 144. Two private schools are located in Country Club Hills.

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

Public Library: Grande Prairie Public Library 3479 W. 183rd. Street in Hazel Crest, 708-798-5563

Park District: Hazel Crest Park District, 2600 W. 171st. St., 708-335-1500

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $109,400. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,205. Median Rent: $972

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Crestwood: Population 11,300. Zip Code 60445

Location: 21 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Rt. 12/20, Rt. 43 - Harlem Ave., Rt. 50 - Cicero Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-371-4800 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Community District 218. Grades K-8: Blue Island District 130, Forest Ridge District 142, Midlothian District 143. No private schools are located in Crestwood.

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

Public Library: Crestwood Public Library: 4955 W. 135th. St. 708-4371-4090

Park District: Alsip Park District, 12521 S. Kostner, 708-389-1003

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $149,000. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,108. Median Rent: $640

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Dolton: Population 25,600. Zip Code 60419

Location: 23 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southeastern Cook County. Local roads: Lincoln Ave., Indiana Ave.

Government: City Hall, 708-849-4000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Thornton Twp. District 205. Grades K-8: Dolton District 148, Dolton District 149. One private school is located in Dolton.

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

Public Library: Dolton Public Library: 14037 Lincoln Ave. 708-849-2385

Park District: Dolton Park District, 721 Engle, 708-841-2111

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $92,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,082. Median Rent: $686

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Evergreen Park: Population 20,800. Zip Code 60805

Location: 17 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Western Ave., 95th. St., Pulaski Rd.

Government: Village Hall, 708-422-1551 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Evergreen Park District 231, Grades K-8: Evergreen Park District 124. Two private schools are located in Evergreen Park

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

Public Library: Evergreen Park Public Library: 9400 S. Troy Ave. 708-422-8522

Park District: Evergreen Park Recreation Department, 3450 W. 97th. St., 708-499-0041

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 85/15.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $134,900. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,160. Median Rent: $623

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Flossmoor: Population 9,300. Zip Code 60430

Location: 25 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Governors Hwy., Western Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-798-2300 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Homewood-Flossmoor District 233, Grades K-8: Flossmoor District 161. Two private schools are located in Flossmoor.

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

Public Library: Flossmoor Public Library: 1000 Sterling Ave. 708-798-4006.

Park District: Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Rd., 708-957-0300

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 95/5.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $216,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,947. Median Rent: $989

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Ford Heights: Population 3,500. Zip Code 60411

Location: 28 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Governors Hwy., Western Ave., Lincoln Hwy., Crawford Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-758-3131

Schools: Grades 9-12: Bloom District 206, Rich District 227Grades K-8: Ford Heights District 169. No private schools are located in Ford Heights.

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

Public Library: Chicago Heights Public Library: 25. W. 15th St. 708-754-0323

Park District: Chicago Heights Park District, 1400 Chicago Road, 708-755-1351

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 32/68.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $42,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $668. Median Rent: $465

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Glenwood: Population 9,000. Zip Code 60425

Location: 23 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Glenwood-Lansing Rd., Cottage Grove Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-753-2400

Schools: Grades 9-12: Homewood-Flossmoor District 233, Bloom District 206. Grades K-8: Brookwood District 167. One private school is located in Glenwood.

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

Public Library: Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library. 320 Glenwood-Lansing Road, 708-758-00909

Park District: Chicago Heights Park District, 1400 Chicago Road, 708-755-1351

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 86/14.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $126,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,199. Median Rent: $702

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Harvey: Population 30,000. Zip Code 60426

Location: 20 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: 159th. St., Indiana Ave., Halsted St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-210-5300. Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Thornton District 205, Bremen District 228 Grades K-8: Harvey District 152, West Harvey-Dixmoor District 147, South Holland District 151. One private school is located in Harvey.

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

Public Library: Harvey Public Library: 155th. & Turlington Ave. 708-331-0757

Park District: Harvey Park District, 15335 Broadway Avenue, 708-331-3857

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $70,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $879. Median Rent: $593

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Hazel Crest: Population 14,800. Zip Code 60429

Location: 22 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Crawford Ave., 159th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-335-9600 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Bremen District 228, Thornton District 205, Homewood-Flossmoor District 233. Grades K-8: Prairie Hills District 144, Hazel Crest District 152-5, Homewood District 153. Two private schools are located in Hazel Crest.

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

Public Library: Grande Prairie Public Library: 3479 W. 183rd St. 708-798-5563

Park District: Hazel Crest Park District, 2600 W. 171st. St., 708-335-1500

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $98,700. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,158. Median Rent: $934

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Hickory Hills: Population 13,900. Zip Code 60457

Location: 19 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: Harlem Ave., 95th. St., Rt. 45, 79th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-598-4800 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Consolidated District 230, Argo District 217. Grades K-8: North Palos District 117, Indian Springs District 109. One private school is located in Hickory Hills.

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

Public Library: Green Hills Library 8611. W. 103rd. St. 708-598-8446 (Palos Hills)

Park District: Hickory Hills Park District, 8047 W. 91st. Place, 708-598-1233

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 73/27.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $164,200. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,354. Median Rent: $646

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Hodgkins: Population 2,100. Zip Code 60525

Location: 18 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: U.S. 45/Mannheim Rd., 55th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-579-6700 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Argo District 217. Grades K-8: LaGrange District 105 (South). No private schools are located in Hodkins.

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

Public Library: Hodgkins Public Library: 6500 Wenz Ave. 708-579-1844

Park District: Hodgkins Park District, 8997 Lyons St., 708-354-6563

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $160,800. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,236. Median Rent: $604

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Homewood: Population 19,500. Zip Code 60430

Location: 25 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Western Ave.

Government: Village Hall, 708-798-3000 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Homewood-Flossmoor District 233. Grades K-8: Homewood District 153, Flossmoor District 161. One private school is located in Homewood.

Child Care: Nine child-care centers and/or preschools are located in Homewood.

Public Library: Homewood Public Library: 17917 Dixie Hwy. 708-798-0121

Park District: Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Rd. in Flossmoor, 708-957-0300

Housing Statistics: Percentages (%) of Owner-Occupied/Rental Housing: 85/15.

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $137,300. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,319. Median Rent: $741

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Justice: Population 12,200. Zip Code 60458

Location: 18 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southwestern Cook County. Local roads: 79th. St, Archer Ave

Government: Village Hall, 708-458-2520 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Argo District 217. Grades K-8: Indian Springs District 109. No private schools are located in Justice.

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

Public Library: Justice Public Library: 7641 Oak Grove Ave., 708-496-1790

Park District: Justice Park District, 7747 S. Oak Grove Ave., 708-458-1370

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

Median Price of Housing (Owner-Occupied): $143,500. Median Mortgage/Selected Owner Costs: $1,199. Median Rent: $712

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Lansing: Population 28,300. Zip Code 60438

Location: 26 miles from Downtown Chicago in Southeastern Cook County. Local roads: Dixie Hwy., Crawford Ave., 159th. St.

Government: Village Hall, 708-895-7200 Community Web Site

Schools: Grades 9-12: Thornton Fractional District 215. Grades K-8: Sunnybrook District 171, Lansing District 158. Seven private schools are located in Lansi