Visit Palatine
Visit Rolling Meadows
Visit Arlington Heights
Visit Schaumburg
The NW Suburbs of Chicago are a great place to live. Each have their own personality, but all feature fine schools, world-class shopping, affordable housing, and outstanding parks and forest preserves (plus Chicago is nearby too!).
Here is some general information on a few of these towns. In addition, I can compare any of all of these to your current town. Just email your request.
Palatine
Palatine is only 28 miles from Chicago's Loop and 14 miles to O'Hare airport, the international transport hub. Today, the village of palatine offers diverse life styles I a small town, family atmosphere with a flourishing downtown business atmosphere. Major business include Square D, Harper College and Motorola (Lake Cook Facility).
History:
Settled in 1835 and Incorporated as a in 1866 this village offers all of the comforts of the city along with a strong sense of community and history. Many of this areas original history remains in tacked with the preservation of historic buildings and the continual use of the old Indian trails that have evolved into present day main routes known as Algonquin Road and Rand Road. With a growing population and award winning schools tis no wonder that so many people chose palatine as the place to raise their families.
Libraries:
In 2004 the Palatine Public Library was awarded sixth in the nation for any library its size by Hennen American Public Library Ratings. It boasts a #1 Youth Services Department, circulating more materials than any other suburban library in Illinois. With over 96,000 square feet of space with parking for over 300 cars.
Parks:
There are 42 parks in palatine park District encompassing more than 700 acres, there are even dog parks for mans best friend to enjoy. This Community Park District includes Palatine Hills Golf Course, Palatine riding stables, 440 seat auditorium, walking paths, pools, and skate park as well as the Historical Museum and Community Center. The Park District also offers over 600 classes in fitness, sports, arts & crafts and general interest topics as well as numerous sports organizations.
Elementary Schools:
Elementary District 15 school students rank in the top 11% nationally and exceed state averages on all tests. A $100 million capital improvement program was completed in 1996 making all schools state of the art. The average teacher has an experience level is of 17 years of experience and 72% of the staff have masters degrees. In 2003 District 15 was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the countries highest honor for a school district. Seven District 15 schools have also been singled out and awarded the Blue Ribbon Award for educational excellence.
High Schools:
District 211 students attend Fremd High School of Palatine High School. Both schools have been recognized by the United States Department of Education with the Blue Ribbon Award for excellence. Palatine High School has been awarded the Blue Ribbon twice. Both Palatine and Fremd High Schools are among the "top 99 high schools" in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report. Both schools have over 60 clubs and organizations and 28 inter-scholastic sports. This district also holds a college acceptance rate of 82% for the entire student body.
Junior College:
William Rainy Harper Junior College services all of the surrounding area with a quality education. With its recent addition of the its state of the art Avante building for sciences and health there are sure to be alot more student drawn to attend college here.
Transportation:
Access to major highways, including Northwest Tollway (I-90), Illinois Route 53, and U.S. Highways 12 and 14 allow convenient access to major economic activity and nearby rural environments. Chicago and Northwestern Railroad (Metra) provides commuter service to the Chicago Loop.
Rolling Meadows
Rolling Meadows is a small community that lives big. It's located just 30 miles to Chicago's Loop, offering several fine industrial/commercial corridors and business parks. Rolling Meadows is another ideal location for those who require convenient access to Chicago, O'Hare Airport and the other industrial sectors in neighboring towns. Major companies include 3-Com and Squibb.
History
Designed by futurist Kimball Hill as a modest post World War II community, Rolling Meadows became a role model for other planned communities. 50 years later, that same company (now a world-renowned builder), is still building homes in Rolling Meadows as Kimball Hill Homes. The community recently welcomed the addition of the Rolling Meadows Historical Museum, with a 1950's House and the Kimball Hill Family Educational Center. This 1950's house was built to give the visitor the feeling of being transported to the 1950's. It retains original floor plan and showcases memorabilia, historical documents and photographs.
Library:
The Rolling Meadows Library owns over 160,000 items and circulates over 400,000 items annually. The library also maintains a computer lab, 34 computer stations, various library programs and a website with a Kid's Page. It also offers programs for children, adults and families.
Parks:
There are 11 parks and sports centers in Rolling Meadows. Park District sports centers include two pools, two ice skating rinks, roller skate park, teen center, a Golden Years Council and community center. This park district offers over one hundred outings and activities for people of all ages during the summer alone. Especially popular is the new West Meadows Ice Arena an indoor ice skating rink where figure skating and hockey teams practice and compete.
Schools:
Elementary District 15 school students rank in the top 11% nationally and exceed state averages on all tests. A $100 million capital improvement program was completed in 1996 making all schools state of the art. The average teacher has experience level of 17 years and 72% of the staff have masters degrees. In 2003 District 15 was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the highest highest honor for a school district. Seven District 15 schools have also been singled out and awarded the Blue Ribbon Award for educational excellence.
High Schools:
District 214 students attend Rolling Meadows High School as well as Fremd high School in District 211. Fremd High Schools is among the "top 99 high schools" in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report. District 211 (Fremd) also holds a college acceptance rate of 82% and offers over 60 clubs and organizations as well as 28 inter-scholastic sports. Fremd has also been awarded with the Blue Ribbon Award for Educational Excellence. Rolling Meadow High School also offers 28 inter-scholastic sports and over 50 student clubs. Over 75% of the teachers have earned a masters degree or better.
Transportation:
City of Rolling Meadows is served by direct access to the Northwest Tollway (I-90), which provides a connection to Chicago and points west, to the Illinois/Wisconsin border, and to the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290/State Route 53) which provides a general north-south connection around the region and into Chicago. Rail commuters utilize the Chicago & North Western line trains out of nearby Arlington Heights of Palatine.
Arlington Heights
The Village of Arlington Heights is proud to announce that it was chosen as the winner of the 1999 Burnham Award for excellence in planning from the Metropolitan Planning Council. This award commends to Village for its long-range vision and successful planning and implementation of housing, retail, and transportation projects for the downtown area. A major draw of the town is Arlington Park Race Track.
History:
Incorporated in 1887, Arlington Heights is a community with hometown appeal. A mature community of small town charm and charisma, the village is a unique combination of old and new. Major revamping of the downtown area has created destination shopping, nightlife and street cafes. This town has a historical museum complex including a soda pop factory.
Libraries:
75% of local residents have library passes. This library is 132,000 square feet and has a wide variety of services are available.
Parks:
There are 66 community parks, connector parks, district parks and neighborhood parks encompassing over 700 acres. It also includes swimming pools, senior centers, museums and gymnasiums. There are 57 outdoor tennis courts with 2 indoor facilities as well. There are 2 golf courses, one 9-hole and one 18-hole and a historical museum includes 5 buildings.
Schools:
Elementary students attend districts 21,23,25,57, and 59, all maintaining a tradition of excellence.
High School:
District 214 serves the area with Hersey, Rolling Meadows and Prospect High Schools. All of which have received Blue Ribbon Awards of Excellence.
Transportation:
Connections to Chicago and surrounding suburbs are made by Eisenhower expressway (I-290) via Route 53. Arlington Heights is approximately 30 miles west of Chicago's Loop. There are also 2 Metra Train stops for commuters.
Schaumburg
Schaumburg is more than just "suburban" even though it's approximately 30 miles west of Chicago. It has it's own skyline, commuter heliport and train station. Recent redevelopment of downtown has created a massive campus of shopping combined with a library, restaurants and an open air theater in Old Town Schaumburg. 15% of Schaumburg's residents commute to Chicago. One Schaumburg's biggest claims to fame is Woodfield Mall which has the most store fronts of any mall in America. As well as the Streets of Woodfeild, which is now connected to Woodfeild Mall by trolley cars for shoppers to hop from one shopping center to the next. IKEA is also a local sensation. This village has 9,527,597 square feet of commercial space. Many local restaurants are highly rated and feature diverse ethnic foods form fine steaks and seafood to unique dining experiences. A few major employers to note are Roosevelt University, Cingular Wireless and the world-wide headquarters Motorola. Schaumburgs' newest claim to fame in the Schaumburg Convention Center which will offer 4,500 new jobs.
Library:
Schaumburg is home to the District Library and is the second largest library in the state for circulation. It also boasts the largest business collection in the Chicago land area. With programs for all ages and capabilities.
Parks:
Schaumburg Park District has 72 parks on over 1000 acres. The park district also offers an array of activities for all interests and age groups, including adopt-a-park, Garden Plot rentals, 2 golf courses, The Tennis Plus Sports and Fitness Club. The all new Sports Center with 4 basketball courts, 6 volleyball courts, 2 indoor soccer fields, 1 indoor baseball field, and Gymnastics center. Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary which is a wildlife refuge of 135 acers including forest, march and prairie land. This village also boasts two water parks, Atcher Island and their indoor water park The Water Works. In the colder months they create over 16 outdoor ice skating rinks throughout the village.
High Schools:
Part of District 211, Schaumburg is serviced by Conant and Schaumburg High Schools. These schools generally achieve a composite ACT score of 22.3 with a 15:1:1 student teacher ratio that is very impressive. They have a 94.6% graduation rate is enviable with 80% of graduates advancing to college. Conant High School in a comprehensive high school and offers over 230 classes to its students. They are both dedicated to educational excellence and the well being of their student body.
Colleges:
Schaumburg also contains 9 colleges and universities. Including the University of Phoenix, The Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg, the Computer Learning Centers, Keller Graduate School of Management, The American College of Legal Medicine, Roosevelt University, Lewis University, Devry University and Argosy University.
Transportation:
The Northwest Tollway (I-90) and Illinois 53 are both easily assessable. Schaumburg is approximately 30 miles west of Chicago's Loop. O'Hare Airport is 20 minutes away, and Metra commuters can board trains in Schaumburg, Palatine or Arlington Heights.
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