Itasca is a Chicago suburb located about 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Ranked by Business Weekly as the "Best Affordable Suburb" for the Chicagoland area in 2009, this community is the financially savvy way to get away from Chicago's urban congestion. Enjoy the small town feel and the family-friendly environment as you settle into this welcoming suburb of nearly 9,000 residents. Pristine and historic homes, beautiful shopping districts, and more are waiting for you to explore in Itasca.
Top-ranked schools, child-friendly public library, and engaging community events all make Itasca a family-friendly suburb. Elmer H Franzen Intermediate School and F E Peacock Middle School are top-rated public schools in Itasca. There are also several private school choices such as the Lutheran School of Saint Luke and St Philip The Apostle School. The Itasca public library provides both an extensive collection of books and internet archives. They also host many family-centric events such as Trivia Night and Drop-in Family Storytime. The community also puts on spectacular events for all ages. The best known community events are the Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games and the Itasca M.A.R.K.E.T. People throughout Chicagoland bring their families to enjoy Chicago's recreation of the ancient Scottish feats of strength or enjoy the music and food of the Itasca M.A.R.K.E.T.
Itasca history is very important to the community. The entirety of the originally incorporated village is now a historic district. Residents that live within the bounds of the historic district can be awarded for exceptional restoration work by the Itasca Historic Commission. Anyone living in the historic district can request a historic plaque that features the year the house was built to display as they see fit. The result is a beautiful downtown area filled with gorgeous pre 20th century and early 20th century homes that have been restored to their glory days.
Itasca is a suburb with a small town feel and big city entertainment. Whether you're a history buff, theater critic, or nature lover, Itasca has something to keep you entertained. As part of Itasca's ongoing effort to preserve its historic roots, the city maintains a train station depot museum. The Itasca Historical Depot Museum and 1939 Milwaukee Road Rib-Side Caboose provide visitors with a glimpse into the early to mid 20th century railroad. Special exhibits such as "Birth of the Village" and "Businesses of Itasca" also provide a look into day-to-day life in early Itasca.
If you prefer the arts to the humanities, then be sure to catch a show at the Overshadowed Theater Productions. Dedicated to family-friendly drama, the theater has recently put on shows that range from Alice in Wonderland to Guys and Dolls. The theater also hosts trivia nights and special events like a child-friendly Breakfast with the Mad Hatter.
Itasca also provides residents with numerous ways to enjoy the great outdoors. In the summer residents can take advantage of the city waterpark. Named by the Chicago Parent Magazine "Best Waterpark in the Area for the Entire Family" in 2011, the Itasca Waterpark is a sprawling park with several pools, slides, and other attractions for adults and children alike. When the winter closes down the Itasca Waterpark, Itasca sets up an outdoor ice skating rink. Using the ice skating rink is free and if you go during the Itasca Historical Depot Museum hours of operation, then you can also get free hot chocolate. If you don't feel like taking a dip or spinning around the ice rink, then you can visit the Springbrook Nature Center. There is a stone camping fire ring, picnic tables, and indoor facilities you can use if the weather turns bad. Wherever you decide to spend your outing, you should get there via the Itasca Riverwalk. The Itasca Riverwalk winds along the Spring Brook River and connects all the downtown Itasca parks with the Springbrook Nature Center and the Itasca Waterpark. Feel free to walk, jog, bike, or even snowshoe along the path.
If you are looking to get some shopping in look no further than the downtown historic district. Locally owned shops sell items that range from fine jewelry to beautiful flower arrangements to a new set of golf clubs. It's a short drive to some of the largest malls in the Chicagoland. Oakbrook Center and Yorktown center provide upscale shopping destinations and world class eateries.
Itasca is a relatively small Chicago suburb, which helps lend it a small town neighborly vibe. However, its location--so near O'Hare Airport and right off several main Chicagoland transportation arteries, including the I-90--keep all of the big city's amenities within easy reach. Most of Itasca's nearly 9,000 residents commute into Chicago for work via a 25-minute car ride or 45-minute Metra ride. Commute times during rush hour are highly variable and residents are happy to pull into the drive for a quiet night in their Itasca homes. The relative affordability and the commitment to city beautification make it hard to regret setting up home in this gorgeous community.
For family-friendly environment, affordability, and commitment to city preservation you can't beat an Itasca home.
