Wilmette

The village of Wilmette, just 15 miles north of the Loop, is considered one of the most desirable of the Chicago suburbs. With its proximity to the city, excellent schools, diverse architecture, access to beaches and well-manicured lawns, it is easy to understand why. The community boasts scores of beautiful homes and a good variety of businesses and services. Wilmette is also home to one of the finest school districts in the nation, and has an extensive park district, which illustrates dedication to the families who live there.

The Wilmette Harbor is a haven for pleasure boating; in fact, a sunny summer day sees the lake filled with colorful sails. The beaches are a major attraction, and the community is extremely proud of its beach, the longest and one of the most popular ones in the area. Also on the lakefront is an outdoor arena at Gilson Park, which holds numerous programs including live theater and musical entertainment.

Recreation. The lake is not Wilmette's only recreational opportunity. The village also has two public and two private golf courses, two indoor ice rinks, a large outdoor pool, a variety of athletic fields and 19 public parks. The Baha'i Temple is the community's crowning landmark, drawing tourists from all over the world to its lakeside location. The design of the nine-sided domed temple took 40 years to complete. It is surrounded by nine flower gardens and nine fountains. The Wilmette Public Library is convenient to residents and has a large selection of various genres of reading materials and computer information. Weekly "Great Books" gatherings, artist receptions and workshops on subjects such as poetry, creative writing and computer awareness are some of the library sponsored programs. Wilmette's eastern section features an antique street lighting system, which was installed in 1925 using green cast-iron poles with ornamental luminary. This charming feature, along with its cobblestone streets, gives Wilmette a glowing link with its past.

Housing. Stately Victorians, Tudors and Colonials are the prominent home styles close to the lake. Colonials, split-levels, ranches, bungalows and some classic Victorian and Italianate homes are found in central and western Wilmette.

Schools. Wilmette's elementary students attend districts 37 and 39. Gifted education, computer classes and music and art instruction are some of the programs provided by both districts. Winnetka's New Trier High School district 203 serves the community. The 2001 average ACT composite score was 26.7.

Transportation. The Edens Expressway (I-94) is a quick hop for a half hour drive into the Loop. Local trains take 35 minutes to get to the Loop, 20 minutes by express. The CTA elevated train ride to the Loop is 40 minutes. O'Hare Airport is a 30-minute drive, and Midway is 45 minutes away. A neighborhood bus runs through Wilmette and the surrounding North Shore communities.

Population (2002 census): 27,651
Square Mileage: 5.3

http://www.wilmette.com

[Photo: Baih'i House of Worship, Wilmette]