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