Skokie

Located just 16 miles north of the Loop, Skokie is popular with home-buyers who want a quick trip into the city. Residents also appreciate the diverse, family-oriented, lifestyle that Skokie offers. The community has 800 service businesses and 1,100 retail stores, generating more than $600 million in retail sales annually. This revenue, along with industry tax dollars, helps to keep property taxes low. Surveys have indicated that Skokie residents have one of the three lowest tax bills of all the greater Chicago communities.

Skokie is an ideal destination promising a new experience with every visit. Stroll through Westfield Shoppingtown's Old Orchard, a premier outdoor shopping center offering over 140 department stores, specialty shops and restaurants. Major stores include Marshall Fields, Bloomingdale, Carson Pirie Scott, Sax Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Experience the shapes and colors of more than 70 outdoor works of art at the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park. Thrill to the sounds of the symphony or the latest theatrical production at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Recreation. The Skokie Park District has nearly 500 programs at its community centers. Facilities include nicely maintained swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and an indoor ice skating facility.

Housing. Includes Georgians, split-levels, ranches, Colonials and Cape Cods.

Schools. Elementary school districts 65, 68,69,72,73 and 73.5 all serve Skokie and all provide a variety of comprehensive programs. High school students attend district 219, which operates the highly-regarded Niles North and Niles West high schools. The 1998 average composite ACT scores were 23.3 and 22.4,respectively.

Transportation. The Edens Expressway (I-94) runs through the western edge of the village. Drive time to the Loop is 30 minutes. The newly renovated CTA Skokie Swift station is handicapped accessible and offers commuters a 32-minute ride into the Loop. Metra trains from the Park Ridge station reach the Loop in 24 minutes by express,30 minutes by local. O'Hare Airport is a 20- minute drive, and Midway is a 45-minute drive. Bus service is available.

Population (2000 census): 63,348
Square Mileage: 10.2

http://www.skokie.org

[Photo: Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie]