This 5-bedroom brick-and-stone home in Palatine, IL features 20-foot ceilings, a theater with stadium seating, and a ground pool. View more details here.
Palatine is a village in Cook County, IL that calls itself “A Real Home Town.” With a population of around 69,000, this place justifies this self-proclaimed distinction.
A brief history
The earliest days of the village date back to the 1830s. The area’s lush green prairies attracted pioneer settlers from cities like New York and New England. They built homes in groves of trees that people today may recognize as Deer Grove, Englishman’s Grove, Highland Grove, and Plum Grove.
The Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad systems initially connected Palatine to other locations, before they were replaced by another railroad system, one which would later become part of today’s the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. The village took root in the area surrounding the train station.
Palatine was formally established in 1866 and chartered by the state three years later. It experienced its largest population growth during the 1960s and 1970s, alongside the growth of the Chicago suburban sprawl.
A refreshing suburb that keeps everything within reach
Palatine boasts an excellent location – the village offers its residents a genuine “small town feel, big city convenience” package. Home options here include a wide variety of single-family homes. Condominiums and townhouses in the downtown areas are also steadily growing.
Palatine’s wooded marshland location makes its suburbs pleasant and refreshing. Lush greens and sparkling streams abound, with plenty of parks and open spaces in close proximity to the neighborhoods. There are even two golf courses built within village boundaries.
A healthy selection of commercial, office, and light industrial business operations provide the village with a stable tax base, but residents are not limited to local employment opportunities. Palatine homeowners can drive to the bustling Chicago Loop, located 30 miles to the southeast, in roughly 35 to 45 minutes. The O’Hare International Airport is also just 14 miles away.
Quality education is a source of pride
Families considering looking for a home in Palatine will be pleased to find a diverse range of local educational facilities, including several award-winning schools.
Students are served by a total of 16 public schools (10 primary, 3 middle school, and 3 high schools). Palatine is home to two of the secondary schools, as well as the William Rainey Harper Community College.
Things to do and see in Palatine, IL
- Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Located at the northwest boundary of Palatine, Deer Grove is a 1,800-acre nature park that has attracted visitors since 1916. It’s an excellent recreational and educational destination for birdwatchers, botanists, joggers, hikers, and even cross-country skiers.
- Downtown Palatine Street Fest. Palatine’s annual downtown party includes everything from live music and entertainment, to local cuisine showcases, to pet parades. Hundreds of volunteers from around the village come together each year to organize this grand summer event.
- The George Clayson House. A landmark that commemorates the village’s long history, this preserved and restored residence is one of Palatine’s oldest homes. At least 125 years old, it is built in the Second Empire architecture style. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and currently operates as a museum three days a week.
Find a home in Palatine, IL
Would you like to explore real estate options in Palatine? Call Hot Illinois Homes for up-to-date market insights and expert buying advice. Reach us at 847-971-0674 or email rjames@askunique.com.