About Some of the Towns I Service in the Northwest Chicagoland IL Suburbs 

STREAMWOOD 

The Village of Streamwood IL is one of the fastest growing communities within the Chicagoland IL metropolitan area. Located within the rapidly growing northwest suburban Illinois corridor, Streamwood is ideally located just minutes from O’Hare Airport. 

Streamwood's population has grown to nearly 36,500 in its short 45 year history. And, it is geared for additional growth. The population of Streamwood IL is attractive to both commercial and residential property development. Ninety-three percent (93%) of the residents live in a traditional two-parent household with children. The median age is 30 years. The median household income is nearly $75,000. Yet, the average home price in Streamwood IL is only $154,000. Affordable homes, coupled with two-income families, adds up to a high level of discretionary income. 

Although Streamwood is predominantly a residential community, it enjoys a thriving business community. The Village supports over 600 businesses. The Village of Streamwood is an active participant in the business community as a member of the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce. And, it aids business development through a streamlined approvals process and through the provision of quality local services. 

Helpful Streamwood Links
Streamwood Chamber of Commerce
Village of Streamwood Detailed Profile
Local Streamwood Businesses
Streamwood Park District
Streamwood Chamber of Commerce
 

St. Charles 

St. Charles IL has a large mixture of homes in all price ranges to fit every income level. There are many small homes selling in the $200,000 to $299,000 price range as well as luxury real estate listings selling for over a million dollars. According to a local real estate office, the median price of a home in St. Charles IL is approximately $386,099.  

St. Charles has long enjoyed strong, steady property and home value appreciation. This trend continues, rewarding home buyers with increasingly large home valuations. Such appreciation, coupled with an attractive per capita real estate tax, continues to enhance St. Charles's image as a desirable place to live. 

Not only does the city have one of the lowest tax rates in the Chicagoland IL area, but the overall tax rate (all governments combined) is extremely competitive. With its historic origins, St. Charles boasts many period homes showcasing the handsome, unique architecture of bygone eras. 

Helpful St. Charles Links
City of St. Charles
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce
St. Charles Park District
St. Charles Library
Community Website 

ELGIN  

From Victorian mansions to city lofts to new construction, Elgin's diversity of housing offers something for everyone. 

Within the Elgin Historic District east of downtown lies the original plat of land that James Gifford claimed as Elgin. Many of the old dwellings lining its streets sprung up in the boom of the dairy and watch industries during the late 1800s. 

The Spring/Douglas Historic District, located north of the city, also benefited from this boom. An 1884 local newspaper referred to Douglas Avenue as "Elgin's Fashionable Avenue" because it was home to many of the city's leading citizens. Today, many of the "Painted Ladies" lining Douglas, Spring and other streets in this area are still at the height of Victorian fashion. 

The Elgin National Watch Historic District, located south of the city's center, was home to cottages and other housing for watch factory workers. The Elgin National Watch Company Observatory (which set the time for clocks and watches by the stars during the days of the watch factory) is also in this district. 

Elgin's growth during the 1960s led to another explosion of rooftops throughout the city - including apartment buildings, townhouses and duplexes to provide more families with quality, affordable homes and extended the city's borders to the countrysides east and west of the river. 

In recent years, downtown historic buildings have undergone a renaissance of residential living, with upper floors being renovated into chic, city-style lofts. River Park Place, a new urban residential development along Kimball Street, is at the forefront of the city-living trend. All of these city dwellings are a just a short walk to Pace bus stops and the Metra station. 

Elgin's new frontier lies in its Far West Plan near Randall Road. The city estimates that new construction will bring in approximately 15,000 new homes in the coming years, adding on average 800 to 1,000 each year. These new developments offer homes for every lifestyle, from competitively priced townhomes and condos to luxury executive homes with large lots and upscale amenities. 

So, whether your taste is Queen Anne's lace or Warhol retro, there's no place like home in Elgin! 

Helpful Elgin Links
City of Elgin
Elgin Chamber of Commerce
Gail Borden Public Library
Local Elgin Businesses
Train Schedules 

SOUTH ELGIN 

South Elgin's residential community, where homes combine affordability with comfort, contrasts nicely with its vigorous business climate. A wide spectrum of housing types are available, offering something for everyone in South Elgin. Thoughtful planning has created residential unity by cleverly combining original properties with new developments. Families can choose older, well-maintained neighborhoods that still exhibit the charm of yesteryear. Or there are areas where entire new subdivisions boast the latest in comfortable living. Various architectural styles in many sizes are proudly displayed throughout quiet subdivisions, whose property taxes are among the most attractive anywhere.  

Charming retreats that overlook the Fox River's meandering beauty offer panoramic vistas. Large, upscale dwellings and carefully restored mansions exhibiting traditional grace mingle amid the greenery of stately trees. New subdivisions offering a wide range of amenities have quickly grown on West Spring Street, along McLean Boulevard, and on the southwest side of town at the Thornwood development, South Elgin's newest gem.  

Living the American Dream is an everyday reality in South Elgin, where the median home price follows statewide averages and construction costs for new housing is affordable for prospective buyers. Here in South Elgin, residents enjoy quiet surroundings, a clean environment and good company. 

Helpful South Elgin Links
City of South Elgin
South Elgin Chamber of Commerce
Local South Elgin Businesses
Metra Schedule
Park District Information 

Algonquin 

The Village of Algonquin was settled in 1834 and incorporated in 1890, and sits in both Kane and McHenry Counties. Located approximately 47 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop, the Village has seen significant growth over the last decade. Throughout development and growth of the community, the Village aims to maintain its friendly and community-oriented atmosphere.

Pottowatomi Indians originally inhabited the Algonquin area. Algonquin has a rich history; in 1834, the first settler, Samuel Gillilan, arrived in this area from Virginia. Fellow settlers Dr. Cornish, Dr. Plumleigh, Eli Henderson, Alex Dawson, and William Jackson soon followed. Often referred to as the "Gem of the Fox River Valley," Algonquin is nestled in the foothills of the Fox River Valley. In its early years, residents of the village had difficulty finding a name. Denny's Ferry, Cornish Ferry, Cornishville, and Osceola were all considered. Finally, the town fathers met and selected the name "Algonquin" on the suggestion of Mr. Samuel Edwards from the name of a ship he once owned. The name Algonquin became official on December 23, 1847.

The town saw some new growth with the construction of the railroad in 1855, which provided another means for farmers and producers of dairy goods to transport their products to Chicago markets. On February 25, 1890, Algonquin residents voted to incorporate as a Village. Along with its commercial trade, the town also became a popular summer vacation spot for Chicago residents.

A Village Hall was erected in downtown Algonquin (2 S. Main Street) in 1906, and was constructed by Blair and Summer of Janesville, WI for $6,848. The structure, which was completed on January 31, 1907, initially housed the sprinkling wagon and fire department, the jail, council chambers, clerk's office, and a vault for records. This building served municipal officials in various capacities (including a library, school, and municipal offices) until they moved to the current Village Hall, located at 2200 Harnish Drive, in 1996. Historic Village Hall now serves as a community facility and meeting center.

A highlight in Algonquin's diverse history is the period from 1906 to 1913, when the Algonquin Hill Climbs took place. In those days, if an automobile could successfully climb the hills of Algonquin, that machine immediately met with the stamp of public approval. The event had national participation, and the "Algonquin Cup" was a very prestigious and coveted award. The two hills used were Phillips Hill (Route 31 to the cemetery), and Perry Hill (south of town, now Lundstrom Lane). When use of Perry Hill was discontinued, the Village built a new road for the climbs in the vicinity of what is now known as Huntington Drive Hill. A new park, christened "Hill Climb Park," located at Circle Drive and Huntington Drive, opened in 2004. This park offers recreational opportunities and includes interpretive signage and other features in recognition of Algonquin's historic hill climbs.

Over the years, Algonquin has developed into a growing and thriving community, with its solid base of residential and commercial development as well as expanding industrial/business sector. Algonquin is five miles north of the Northwest Tollway (I-90). Major regional arteries through the Village include Illinois Route 31, Illinois Route 62 and Randall Road. Algonquin is located approximately 30 miles from O'Hare International Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations around the world. Neighboring Lake in the Hills Airport can accomodate light to medium twin-engine aircraft and many turboprops 24 hours per day. The airport also offers charter and rental services.

Quality education is available to Algonquin residents. School districts 158 and 300 serve students from elementary age through high school; there are also several private schools and quality child care centers in the area. A portion of the Village lies within Community College District 509, served by Elgin Community College. Community College 528, served by McHenry County College, also encompasses a segment of Algonquin. Both colleges offer technical, vocational, and two year associate degree programs. Algonquin is also within driving distance of a number of major colleges and universities within the Chicago area as well as satellite campus locations.  

Helpful Algonquin Links
Village of Alqonquin
Village of Algonquin Profile
Algonquin Chamber of Commerce
Nearest Metra Train Schedule
Local Algonquin Business 

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