Palatine

About Palatine

Palatine is a large residential suburb of Chicago, home to a diverse population that's been steadily growing over the past several decades. Palatine is only about 30 miles from Chicago proper, which makes it a great location for accessing city life. The city offers a number of parks and residential areas, as well as industrial and office buildings where you'll find a range of job options.

Palatine was incorporated in April 1866 after the Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad came to the area. Through the years, the city has seen several population booms that have shaped it into a vibrant, engaging community.

Living and Working in Palatine

Since Palatine is within a half-hour drive from Chicago, it's a great option for anyone who works in the city but wants to live in a more suburban area. In addition, various companies in Palatine offer plenty of jobs options right at home. The village's major employers include the Community Consolidated School District 15, Township High School District 211, the U.S. Postal Service and Community College District 512. Weber-Stephen Products (maker of Weber grill) and circuit breaker manufacturer Square D are both headquartered in Palatine.

When it's time to enjoy your weekend, you'll find many different recreational opportunities to choose from. Bicycling is a popular pastime, with a network of trails crisscrossing many areas of the community. You can play a round of golf at one of the two golf courses in the village, the Palatine Hills Golf Course and Twin Lakes Golf Course. Or explore the local scenery at the Forest Preserve District, which covers nearly 70,000 acres and is the country's largest forest preserve district.

Local events and traditions are also a big part of the Palatine lifestyle. The annual Hometown Pride Awards recognize local homes with exceptional curb appeal and landscaping design, also including businesses, multi-family communities and subdivision entrances. The farmers market is an ongoing tradition, as are the Downtown Palatine Street Fest and the Hometown Fest.

Palatine Schools

The Community Consolidated School District 15 and Township HSD 211 School District manage the public schools of Palatine. Many of the local schools have received awards and national recognition for their academic achievements and student performance.

Resources for Moving to Palatine

As you plan your move to Palatine, you might find the following information helpful:

• Utilities: The city's primary energy supplier is Commonwealth Edison, while the local utilities department oversees water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recyclables are collected on a weekly basis. You're allowed to place an unlimited number of bags out for curbside collection.
• Transportation: The Pace Bus provides public transportation throughout Palatine, including a connection to the nearest Metra rail station.

Palatine Housing

The median home price in Palatine is slightly higher than the Chicago metro area, and expected to rise slowly over the next several years. Because the market is extremely active, however, you'll have many options to choose from. This makes it easier to find a home that fits your budget and needs. If you're planning to rent, prices can vary significantly based on the community you choose. Many of Palatine's apartment communities feature amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers and children's play areas.