Highland Park

Highland Park, 26 miles north of the Loop, is a lovely lakeside suburb with winding tree-lined streets and a charming downtown area. Highland Park was first settled in 1854 as the Lake Michigan Shipping Center of Port Clinton. Contributing to the community's fine quality of life is the Ravinia Festival, highlighting summer performances of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other top musicales. The Festival also features recitals, chamber music, popular attractions and kids shows on featured Saturdays.  Located along the Metra tracks, Ravinia is a convenient and favorite outing for over 500,000 Chicago area residents every summer.

Recreation. There are numerous cultural and recreational opportunities in town.

Housing. This "All American City" is a prestigious residential community with one of the North Shore's most diverse assortment of housing from stately Southern Colonials to soaring contemporaries, impressive lake front estates to sprawling multi levels, trim bungalows to luxurious townhomes and condominiums. Victorians, Tudors, Colonials, split-levels and ranches are prominent house styles, but virtually all popular styles are available. The newest housing is the development of the former Ft. Sheridan lakefront property.

Schools. Elementary school students attend North Shore School district 112; High school students attend Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools in district 113.

Transportation. U.S.41 becomes the Edens Expressway (I-94) in Highland Park. Drive time to the Loop is 40 minutes; O'Hare Airport is a 30-minute drive; while a drive to Midway takes 40 minutes. Rail commuters may board the train from Highland Park, Ravinia, Braeside and Old Elm/Fort Sheridan stations. Express trains reach the Loop in 33 minutes, locals in 51 minutes. Bus service is available.

Population (2000 census): 31,365
Square Mileage: 12.4
http://www.cityhpil.com/

[Photo: Ravinia Summer Music Festival, Highland Park]