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GLEN ELLYN
Known as "The
New England of the Midwest", Glen Ellyn is an exceptionally wonderful place to
live, work and play. Verdant parklands, Lake Ellyn-a 10-acre natural
wonder-gracious homes on tree-lined boulevards, and a vibrant downtown and
southern business district create a Village that uniquely blends hometown
appeal with up-to-date convenience. Since the first settlers arrived in the
1830s, Glen Ellyn has continued to draw families looking for a distinctive way
of life.
A tour
around town takes you past architecturally significant homes built between the
1860s and 1930, the cupola-topped village hall, Glenbard West High School,
locally known as the Castle on the Hill, and the recently constructed public
library. With a population of 26,000 and a short commute to the hustle and
bustle of Chicago's downtown Loop, Glen Ellyn has successfully maintained its
small town character, making it always a great place to come home to.
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WHEATON
Downtown Wheaton Wheaton, 23
miles west of the Loop, has an old-town atmosphere that attracts developers and
house hunters alike. The community is concerned about the preservation of
its older structures. Accordingly, an ordinance now protects homes against
leveling.
Wheaton has
managed to maintain its reputation as a family-oriented community and hosts
a variety of community events throughout the year. In the spring, residents
participate in the "Cream of Wheaton", an annual family fun day.
The Wheaton
Park District maintains 47 parks totaling almost 800 acres. More than 750
programs, including crafts, athletic training, senior citizens' activities,
seasonal events and art classes, are available.
Wheaton is
home to three renowned golf courses. Arrowhead Golf Club, run by the park
district, is open to the public. It is a challenging 27-hole course set on 221
acres of wooded land.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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| REAL ESTATE TRIVIA |
| Q |
Into what category do forty-four percent of home buying households fall?
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| A |
Forty-four percent of home-buying households are made up of married couples with dependents. |
| More Real Estate Trivia |
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Tree Town USA - Glen Ellyn You'll love
the village ambiance!
Easy commute on Metra Trains. We serve
both Burlington- Northern and Chicago- Northwest- ern lines!
Enjoy the nature preserves and the
prairie path.
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