Des Plaines is one of the largest northwest suburbs in Cook County, Illinois. The city is located approximately seventeen miles from the Chicago Loop and five miles from O’Hare International Airport. Residents and businesses have direct access to Metra commuter trains, the Pace Suburban Bus System, the CTA subway system and Interstates 90, 94 and 294.
Diversity gives "The City of Destiny" a unique flavor. In addition to an ethnically diverse community, the city is home to several Fortune 500 companies as well as many industrial, commercial, retail and service businesses -- giving residents low property taxes with a wide variety of city services.
Des Plaines has much to offer. The Des Plaines Park District maintains two golf courses, driving range, a water park as well as a full range of programs and activities. The Des Plaines Senior Center offers an array of services and events for local seniors. The city has also begun "The Taste of Des Plaines," an annual event featuring local entertainment and restaurants.
One such resource for Des Plaines is the Metropolitan Square development. The City of Des Plaines is finished with major construction with Metropolitan Square, its new downtown redevelopment project. The project is anchored by a new 40,000 square foot Shop & Save Marketplace grocery store and include an additional 56,000 square feet of retail space, 22,000 square feet of office space and 135 condominium and loft units situated on automobile/ pedestrian lanes and walkways in a "Main Street" setting.
The Cook County Forest Preserve maintains nearly 1,000 acres of parks and open space, which have idyllic walking and biking trails. In the winter, the trails are great for cross-country skiing. Picturesque lakes, adventure miniature golf, family aquatic centers, bike and hiking paths, 18 hole par 3 and 9 hole par 3 golf courses, golf center with year round driving range, and the world's largest non-residential YMCA provide outstanding leisure and recreational service to the community and visitors.
Housing Cost
A variety of housing options are available, ranging from affordable to luxurious. The range of homes is great with a median value of $342,000. Contemporary high-rise condominiums; upper scale new single family homes with classic, traditional designs; quaint tree-lined neighborhoods with storybook homes; spacious town homes and congregate care rental apartments for seniors provide comfortable living for all lifestyles and income levels.
Des Plaines is a very economically diverse city, with home values ranging from $30,000 to more than $1,000,000.
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 57,033. Des Plaines covers 14.4 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 640 feet above sea level.
Weather
Des Plaines, IL climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 83.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 14.30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Des Plaines is 36.27 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 4.62 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
