Oak Park, IL
Oak Park is widely known for historically significant architecture, support of the visual arts, performance arts, literature & culture. The village places a strong focus on historic preservation. The downtown streets have even been re-designed to fit the original, early 20th century character.
It was here that Frank Lloyd Wright built his Home and Studio. Tourists can view the largest collection of Wright-designed architectural masterpieces and Prairie School Style, Arts & Crafts works here. Oak Park also celebrates the life and written work of former resident Ernest Hemmingway at the Hemmingway Museum. Edgar Rice Burroughs, Charleton Heston, Marlon Brando once called Oak Park home.
The George W. Maher’s Pleasant Home, galleries, antique shops, acclaimed restaurants, intimate cafes & Oak Park Conservatory are just a few more popular reasons to live in or near Oak Park.
School Districts 2, 97, 200. Oak Pk/River Forest HS offers many advanced programs. www.Oak-Park.us
Oswego, IL
Oswego, Illinois is located just a few minutes from I-88 at the southernmost point of the Fox River Valley in Chicago’s west suburbs. The word Oswego is a Mohawk Indian term defined as, "the mouth of the stream."
Years ago, Oswego served as a main market to farms in the region, as it was located on some of the best major roads in the region, and this supported a growing community.
During Prohibition, Oswego was frequented by some of Chicago's famous gangsters such as John "Three Fingered Jack" Hamilton (named when two fingers were shot off). Hamilton met his demise in 1933 during the well-known Dillinger gang escape at Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Today, Oswego is a warm, friendly, safe area to live and work... true to their motto, "Genuine Warmth, All Year Long."
Oswego has an incredible and historic downtown area with restaurants, shopping, public library and of course, the scenic Fox River. Their local park district is called, "Oswegoland" and offers area residents bike trails, parks, swimming pool and festivals such as PrairieFest. The Fox Bend Golf Course has been rated in the top 20 courses in the Chicago area, and in the top 100 courses in America. The Hilltop Gardeners (founded in 1959) is the local garden club group, serving to beautify the city and bond with the plantlife. Visit the local landmarks, the Little White School Museum and Fox Valley Winery. Drive in to one of their many popular village festivals such as Wine on the Fox, Dragstrip Days or the local Art Fair. Oswego has more than 70 restaurants and many charming shops to explore!
The Village has excellent schools, high standards and wonderful reputation. Nearby hospitals include Rush-Copley Medical Center, Edward Hospital and Provena Mercy Medical Center.
School District: 308
www.oswegoil.org
Plainfield, IL
Lincoln Highway (formerly Lockport Street) in Plainfield was the first paved transcontinental highway, stretching from New York to San Francisco. Famous Route 66 was later built and it crossed Lockport Street in Plainfield, making it the intersection of the two longest highways in the world (and heart of the US).
1990 brought a devastating tornado to Plainfield, but the strong community rebuilt. Today, it’s a modern suburb of Chicago and a wonderful community for living, working and leisure. Plainfield just celebrated its 125th anniversary. A Riverwalk is being developed along the DuPage River and will add even more value to this picturesque village. Shop and dine beautiful historic downtown. Visit Settler’s Park with its Amphittheater and walking trails. Swim, fish, canoe, ice skate at one of the district’s facilities or 41 parks. School Districts 202 and 204. www.Plainfield-IL.org
Romeoville, IL
In the 18th Century a canal was built to connect Lake Michigan and the Illinois River. The communities on each side were later named Romeo (later becoming Romeoville) and Juliet (later re-named Joliet to honor the famous American explorer). Romeoville was once a quarry and farm town. It’s now a thriving city with recreation, resorts, golf courses, fishing lakes, hiking and biking trails.
Isle a la Cache Museum is a popular attraction featuring music, historical dramatizations of fur trading and exploration, black powder gun exhibitions, crafts and artifacts. Visit The Heritage Theater performing arts house and the 1899 Romeo Road Swing Bridge (135th Street bridge) on Centennial Trail. It’s the only remaining example of a swing bridge in the state of Illinois.
School Districts 365u and 202. Lewis University is a highly rated four-year college with post-grad programs. It started as an aeronautical school and it was used in WWII by the U.S. Navy to train pilots. It later re-opened as a university. www.Romeoville.org
South Elgin, IL
South Elgin is a 100+ year old Village, filled with culture, history and incredible beauty of the Fox River. South Elgin is in the northeastern part of Kane County, about 40 miles from Chicago and a 30 minute drive to O'Hare International Airport. There are a wide range of wonderful housing options, which include River Place Townhomes, the LaFox Corridor developments, Cambridge Bluffs, Prairie Pointe, Parkside Woods, Raymond Square, Sterling Woods.
The Village has made smart decisions in keeping a mixed-use focus for the riverfront space. Parks, paths and streetscapes have been well-balanced with the area development of residential homes, industry and retail stores. Fishing, trail biking, jogging, in-line skating, canoeing, hiking, soccer, softball and golfing are just a few of the seasonal activities in town. The Library branches in town are outstanding, offering state-of-the-art computer center and a new 24/7 DVD dispenser and gardens area at the Rakow Branch.
South Elgin residents partake in the annual Fourth of July Parade, Tuna Kahuna fishing derby at Panton Mill Park and SEBA Park, Riverfest Express (August), "An Almost Winter Day" Fest with hay rides, trolley rides and bon fire, Harvest Hustle 7K run and autumn Pumpkin Patch event. The Fox River Trolley Museum on Route 31 is a unique place to view antique trolleys of yesteryear (some dating back to 1896). They even offer a four-mile ride that takes passengers along the Fox River. www.foxtrolley.org The Peaslee House is another museum in town, showcasing 1836 architecture and pre-civil war artifacts.
South Elgin offers free transportation programs for disabled residents and senior residents. The Village also offers PACE bus service to Elgin, Geneva Metra station, St. Charles Mall, Business Park and Charlestown Centre Mall. Nearby hospitals include Provena Saint Joseph Hospital on Airlite Street in Elgin (with emergency trauma center) and Sherman Hospital in Elgin and Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva.
School Districts: 46 and 303 North Central College, Aurora University, Elgin Community College are all within driving distance.
www.southelgin.com
Sugar Grove, IL
The wooded village of Sugar Grove, Illinois (located approximately 50 miles west of Chicago) has quite a history. Settlers stumbled upon this forested area in 1834. At the time it was an abandoned "Sin-Qua-Sip" camp (translation from the native Indian language, "Sugar Grove camp.") In the early 1890’s, Kitty Lorah was the owner and proprietor of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, known to all the locals as the "Old Hotel." It is said that she prepared Sunday dinners that were to die for, attracting folks from all over the region. Over time, as Sugar Grove grew and got it’s first train depot and added modern amenities like electricity, gas, water/sewer and phones, the Old Hotel was THE centralized hub for literally all of those aforementioned services. The House of Plenty was another hugely popular dining establishment and it’s still in operation today under the name of "the Fireside Grille," located at Route 47 and Junction 30 (www.thefiresidegrillesugargrove.com)
Sugar Grove originally had a volunteer fire department (1942). In 1972, the village had 13 active firewomen and it was the very first department in the entire Midwest area to have active women on their fire squad.
Sugar Grove is a beautiful, friendly place to live. Every summer, residents look forward to the annual Corn Boil, a three-day festival (centered around corn) of fun food, music, fireworks, arts and crafts and a variety of entertainment for adults and kids alike. Other popular attractions include a Family Fun Center (go-carts, mini golf, golf range) and a summer Farmer’s Market.
Commuter train stations are located in nearby Elburn (just north of Sugar Grove) or in Aurora (east) and may be used as means to get to downtown Chicago. Interstate I-88 runs along the northern border of Sugar Grove.
School District: 302 Community College Waubonsee Community College (in nearby Aurora)
www.sugar-grove.il.us
Warrenville, IL
The City of Warrenville has many great things to offer, including reasonable home prices and property taxes (relative to other area towns), access to the scenic Prairie Path trail, wonderful diversity, proximity to major highways and wide range of shopping and dining choices, both in town and in nearby Naperville and Wheaton. Warrenville sits in a beautiful, wooded setting, filled with parks, lakes and streams. The Ferry Creek Wetland area at Summerlakes Park is an amazing six-acre plot, devoted to water conservation and wildlife.
The Park Districts within Warrenville are affiliated with the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) to offer opportunities to residents with physical or developmental disabilities. They provide assistance and organize trips and special events (including Special Olympics programs) for preschool students to seniors. The WSDRA is also a two-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award.
Incredible Fine Art is found in public areas, all over Warrenville, from bronze sculptures to silk tapestries, to stained glass and oil paintings by well-known international and local artists. A range of entertainment options may be found in town, including the 30-screen theater on Diehl Road, Acorn Community Theater and Folk-Lore performing arts center, offering music lessons and concerts for new and veteran folk musicians. www.Folk-Lorecenter.com.
Talented oil-painters, Adam and son Ivan Albright created work featuring Warrenville scenes. Adam was famous for his impressionistic paintings, Ivan was known for painting young children in outdoor play. He became known for his "magic realism" style of painting and most of the children depicted in his art were his own or residents in town. In 1997, Chicago's Art Institute opened a major show for the work of Ivan Albright (celebrating the 100th anniversary of Ivan's birth date). Visit the City Hall in Warrenville, to see Ivan's most best known piece, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" or stp by the Albright Studio at 3S530 Second Street Historical Society. Next door to the studio is the historic Warren Tavern, (1838) originally a hotel, built by the founder of Warrenville, Colonel Julius Morton Warren.
The Warren Tavern Museum was built in 1838 as a hotel and dance hall (moved from its original location and now sits one block northwest of Warrenville and Winfield Roads). The Founder of Warrenville, "Colonel" Julius Morton Warren, built this historic landmark of DuPage County. The building may be rented for smaller functions such as family parties, craft events and community lectures. Approximately 15 Warrenville homes in the city have been awarded a special historic bronze plaque. Each was built in 1866 or earlier and each has been deemed a well-preserved icon of the city's past. There are countless reasons to move to or visit Warrenville, Illinois, too many to mention here!
School Districts: 94, 200
www.warrenville.il.us
Westchester, IL
In 1924, a public utilities magnate, Samuel Insull led a group of English businessmen in purchasing 2,000+ acres in this west suburban area. As a result, the village name and most of the street names are English in origin. By 1928, the village had all the modern conveniences, even an elevated train! Westchester currently has convenient access to Chicago’s major expressways and is near to some of the finest area restaurants and shopping. This friendly community is filled with housing styles ranging from Georgian to Ranch to Cape Cod.
Forest preserves are plentiful on the southern end of Westchester. Biologists today say that the expanse of true black prairie soil (an agriculturally productive soil) is the largest and best preserved remnant, east of the Mississippi River.
School Districts 92.5 and 209 (Proviso West). www.Westchester-IL.org
Western Springs, IL
You’ll love this historic and stately, 105 year old community with colorful community and culture. The amazing Garden Club dates back to 1926! The Western Springs Theater is a 52-year-old institution with widely acclaimed programs for children. The local park district operates Spring Rock Park, community pool and numerous sports programs, including soccer, football, baseball, tennis and lacrosse.
The local Western Springs Social Club welcomes social people in their 20’s through their 80’s. The club was formed in 1910, when many social clubs were being created in communities along the Burlington-Northern Rail Line. It’s the only club to survive the Great Depression. Today, rail service is still a village asset and expressways leading to Chicago and suburbs add to that convenience. School Districts 106, 106, 204 (Lyons Township). www.Wsprings.com
Westmont, IL
In 1871, after the Great Fire in Chicago, bricks from Westmont were used to rebuild the city. This community continues to contribute to the metropolitan area as residents commute to jobs downtown. Commuter trains reach downtown in 45 minutes (28 on the express). Residents have quick, convenient access to I-294, I-55, I-355, I-88 expressways. Their Park District is one of the best in the suburbs.
Visit Ty Warner Park where you’ll find a children’s water park, baseball fields, walking paths, sled hills, concert center and 4th of July all-day picnic with a giant fireworks display nothing short of spectacular. Fun local events include the award-winning "Taste of Westmont" with Muddy Waters (former resident) Blues Tribute, "Cruisin’ Nights" classic car gatherings, the summer park concert series, "Artists in Action" event showcasing local artist talents, the annual Homecoming Parade and more.
Our very own Elaine Pagels painted a mural at the Muddy Waters Museum in Westmont! Schools Districts 201, 58, 60, 201, 99, 86. www.Westmont.IL.gov
Wheaton, IL
Wheaton is the sprawling giant of DuPage County. As the county seat, it is one of the four largest cities in the county. A stone county courthouse building is an architectural treasure in central Wheaton. This is a village of old and new. Chicago Magazine ranked Wheaton as, "healthiest of Chicago’s largest suburbs" for its low crime, proximity to downtown and open space. The Wheaton public library is rated in the top 10 in the nation.
In town, you’ll find 52 parks and bounds of recreational activities, a Saturday French Market, popular community theater and 1925 Wheaton Grand Theater. School District 200 serves the area. Wheaton College (former Illinois Institute) is a historic campus with nationally accredited programs in Fine Art and "Artist Series" concerts, which bring world talent to the area. www.Wheaton.IL.us
Willowbrook, IL
This community has seen amazing growth and success over the last ten years. It’s an upscale community just 18 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop, named for the willow trees along area creek beds.
Famous Route 66 runs along the southern edge, where in 1946 the "Nationally Famous Chicken Basket" restaurant (now Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket) opened, complete with rooftop skating rink, which attracted professional skaters, bands and tourists passing through town. Patrons would watch the
helicopters land at the adjacent Hinsdale Airport, which is now Willowbrook Executive Plaza; filled with many successful high-tech corporations. Route 83 (the main local thoroughfare) bustles with restaurants, boutiques and four large shopping centers.
Visit the new Indian Prairie Library. Get a free "Fun Guide" from the village. School Districts 60, 62, 181, 86 www.WillowbrookIL.org
Woodridge, IL
Careful planning has allowed Woodridge to maintain a peaceful, small-town environment, along side a booming business sector. This is DuPage County’s "high-tech" corridor. Employment, open living space and home affordability make it a popular choice for residents. I-355 passes right through Woodridge. Metra rail access to Chicago, I-55 and I-88 highways are just a few minutes away.
The Village has a beautiful Community Center and Park District that offer scenic lakes, lighted tennis courts, swimming pools, 20-mile bike trail, frisbee, golf, water park and cricket. Woodridge alone has three golf courses within the city limits and there are many more in the area. See a movie at the wild and creative Hollywood Boulevard Theater, a dine-while-you-watch movie theater.
School Districts 58, 65, 66, 68, 203, 86, 99, 203. Scholastica and Montessori private schools all serve children in Woodridge. www.vil.woodridge.il.us
Yorkville, IL
The town of Yorkville is located in Kendall County and it's 50 miles west of the City of Chicago. It's just a quick drive to Interstate 80, 55 and 88, all of which lead to downtown. The county is the fastest growing in the United States! The population in Yorkville alone is expected to double in the year 2012. The locals in Yorkville enjoy a variety of community activities, from hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing in the parks, to fine dining and shopping. The performing arts center and village green have been terrific additions to an already fantastic community.
Yorkville - "The City with a River in its Heart." Above all else, the Fox River in Yorkville is the true beauty in town. There is no better location for a summer picnic than Silver Spring State Park or the Hoover Education Center.
Festivals in town (many free) include Music Under the Stars, Hometown Days, Holiday Under the Stars, Art in City Hall, Date Night with the Yorkville Big Band, our favorite Tax Dodge 5K run/walk, Farmers' Market on Saturdays during summer months, 4th of July Celebration and Patriots Walk! So much more great information on their official web site, www.yorkville.il.us, so check it out.