Arlington Heights, Illinois is a village that is considered a suburb of Chicago. Twenty five miles northwest of Chicago, it has a population of about 14,000. Summers in Arlington Heights are hot and humid with temperatures in the high 70s and winters are quite cold with temperatures in the low 30s with an average snowfall of nine inches. Arlington Heights also enjoys a low crime rate. Anyone thinking of moving to Arlington Heights will find a village that is proud of its small town charm and its loyal citizens.
Economy:
The median household income for Arlington Heights is quite a bit higher than the state average. The cost of living there is slightly higher than the national average. Unemployment in Arlington Heights is 6 percent. The top employer in the village is Arlington Park, a race track. Other top employers include Level 3 Communications (a local internet provider), Paddock Publications (newspapers) and health care providers.
History:
The area originally attracted settlers due to its notable lack of trees. The original settlers were German farmers who began growing potatoes in the area. In 1845 William Dunton built his home there and in 1853 persuaded the railroad to create a stop there. He then laid out the plans for a town to be named Dunton. The town became known as a truck farm by the late 1850s, shipping vegetables and dairy products to Chicago. The town grew slowly, but in 1927 millionaire H. D. Brown built a horse race track there. This race track is still in operation. The village is only 17 square miles big and most of the available land is already in use. In 1999, the village won a prestigious award for excellence in planning.
Tourism:
The Arlington Heights Historical Museum is a five-suilding complex and has exhibits that blend the village's past with the present. The Metropolis Performing Arts Center puts on more than 50 productions a year. The Arlington Park Racetrack has horse racing all summer. The Mitsuwa Marketplace is the largest Japanese marketplace in the Midwest and is a must-see when in Arlington Heights. Arlington Heights Frontier Days is held the end of June, and features entertainment, a carnival, food and a parade. Also in June is the Promenade of Art, where you can view and purchase art. In May there is the Chef Fest, which spotlights food and drink from the best the area has to offer. In April, young local musicians perform at the Spring Music Festival. This is all in addition to the four golf courses, and all that Chicago has to offer close by.