Chicago Western Suburbs Information

Check Out the Western Suburbs 

ST. CHARLES 

Quality schools and appreciating home values are attracting more buyers than ever before to St. Charles, located 40 miles west of the Loop. Residential development has grown remarkably from the Native American encampments of its early beginnings. St. Charles shows pride in its heritage, which is demonstrated by the meticulous upkeep of its historical buildings and landmarks. 

The opulent Arcada Theater, first opened in 1926, was the most famous vaudeville house in the Fox River Valley and today is one of only a few theaters with its original décor, stage and balcony intact. The theater is still in operation today, showing first-run movies with a state-of-the-art sound system. 

The Art Moderne Municipal Center is the piece de resistance of the community's architectural offerings. The center is a repository of more than 5,000 local photos, clippings, military items and memorabilia dating from 1830 to the present, courtesy of the city's Historical Museum. There are several museums in St. Charles and the surrounding areas that show life as it used to be in the area. The Durant-Peterson House is a restored and furnished 1843 farmhouse that is open summer through fall. The Main Museum consists of more than 20 rotating exhibits and several permanent displays that depict the history of St. Charles. 

The St. Charles Park District has more than 1,200 acres of parkland and an array of recreational programs. Facilities include picnic areas, lakes, playing fields and walking trails. Bike paths run along the river and criss-cross through valleys, forests and park. Pottawatomie Park, located on the grounds of the Ward estate, offers golf, fishing, canoeing, field sports, picnic facilities and paddlewheel riverboat touring. The park also is the site of the 4th of July fireworks display and many other town festivals. 

St. Charles offers a broad spectrum of housing styles that range from sprawling three-bedroom ranches to older Colonials and historical Victorians. There is an abundance of elegant housing on sprawling wooded lots, in addition to cozy, well-kept bungalows. New developments feature upscale two-story Colonials and Tudors, as well as more affordable bi-levels and townhouses.  

LA GRANGE 

The development of La Grange can essentially be attributed to F.D. Cossitt, a former cotton planter from La Grange, Tennessee. Cossitt moved to Illinois after his cotton farm was destroyed in the Civil War and was determined to build a residential community where families could live safe and prosperous lives. Cossitt set aside land for schools and churches, and prevented La Grange from becoming a "saloon town" by placing liquor restrictions on land deeds. When La Grange was incorporated in 1879, 70 families lived in the community, and Cossitt was elected as its first village president. Today, the Village of La Grange boasts hundreds of businesses, thousands of residents, and is famous for its rich history, fabulous homes, and exceptional standard of living.
 

WESTERN SPRINGS 

The territory which Western Springs now occupies was primarily Indian until 1836, shortly after the Black Hawk Wars, when the Potawatomie sold their lands for $30,000 in trade goods. Many of the area's early settlers were immigrants from England, Germany, Sweden, and northern Europe. Quakers were one of the largest groups to settle in Western Springs. Thomas Clarkson Hill, a leader in the Quakers, was instrumental in convincing the Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington Railroad to make Western Springs a regular stop on the line, and is often referred to as the founding father of the village.  

Incorporated in 1886, Western Springs derives its name from the cool mineral springs which once erupted throughout the area. Today, village residents enjoy a charming downtown shopping district and tree-lined streets.
 

CAROL STREAM 

Carol Stream, 27 miles west of the Loop, was the idea of 1950s developer Jay Stream. His vision of a village consisting of a mix of residential homes and light industrial businesses has proven to be a great success. The Park District operates the Michael Collins indoor pool, the Gretna Museum and the Simkus Recreation Center. Home styles are varied and range from ranches to split-levels and Colonials.  

ELMHURST 

Elmhurst, 17 miles from the Loop, is an attractive, established community with a perfect mix of commerce and quiet suburban living. Recognized as "Tree City, U.S.A", Elmhurst was the 14th community in the state to be named an Illinois Certified City. The community has three industrial parks housing more than 1,900 businesses and is home to a variety of cultural facilities that provide family entertainment. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art features gems and gemstone carvings dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The Elmwood College Arboretum features more than 1,000 plants representing 270 species and varieties.  

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