Bordered by two major highway intersections, Itasca is a center of commerce in northwestern Chicagoland. With a trade history that goes back to the railroads of the 19th century, economic strength has been part of this village's makeup for more than a century. “We’ve only got about 10,000 people living here, but we have thousands of hotel rooms,” says Mayor Jeff Pruyn. “People travel here for work very regularly.” This steady progress hasn't stopped an appreciation for the past, and strict ordinances are in place to prevent the decay of important architecture and landmarks. This combination of job security, a rustic atmosphere and a central location is a major draw for residents interested in moving to the area. “The joke around here is that when you move to Itasca, you’ll never need to move again,” says Sabrina Conti Erangey, a team lead with Baird & Warner and lifelong resident. “Everything’s a half-hour drive away.”
Itasca is the home of several business headquarters, including Jewel-Osco, Knowles Corporation and Seko Logistics. “We’re the home of Willy Wonka Candy, actually,” says Mayor Pruyn. “The candy Nerds were invented right here in Itasca.” Other significant industries include education, distribution, manufacturing and retail.
North Itasca is a mix of residential and manufacturing areas.
Celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks and fun at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca.
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Historic homes in South Itasca
The median price for single-family real estate in Itasca is in the mid-$400,000 range, higher than the national median price. Residential zones collect near the railroad tracks that cut east to west, dividing the village into north and south sides. North Itasca is known for its collection of midcentury-era ranch-style homes and neo-traditional townhouses. Historic Tudors, Colonials and French Provincials line the streets in South Itasca . “Architecturally, there’s a little bit of everything,” says Erangey. “It all just hangs together really well.”
North Itasca is filled with tree lined residential streets.
Tudors sit beside stately colonials with expansive yards in South Itasca.
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Ten miles from O'Hare
The busiest thoroughfares in Itasca are Interstates 290 and 355, along with Illinois Route 390. Chicago is 30 miles southeast, though commuters often take advantage of the Metra Station in town. Located 10 miles east, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the Midwest, seeing over 800 direct flights a day. The nearest hospital is Ascension Alexian Brothers, three miles north in Elk Grove Village.
Nature trails through Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary
The Itasca Park District manages over a dozen public parks, community centers and athletics facilities. Washington Park has an athletic focus, featuring basketball courts, softball fields and batting cages. The Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary has a walking trail through a peaceful forest preserve, while the Barking Lot Dog Park is a popular place for letting four-legged friends off the leash. During the warmer months, the Itasca Waterpark has multiple pools, a lazy river and a water slide. “Usher Park is really the centerpiece of the city,” says Mayor Pruyn. “It’s not the sort of park that has playgrounds, but it’s got beautiful scenery, and it’s peaceful — it’s a favorite place for people to take photos.”
Usher Park will be undergoing a full renovation in the summer of 2025, with changes including an increase in the size of its well-loved gazebo and widening paths for accessibility.
Wesley G. Usher Memorial Park features a festive gazebo.
Washington Park in Itasca, IL is 6 acres of field, picnic, playground, and softball for use.
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19th-century history at Itasca Historical Depot
Serving as the community's train station for over 100 years, the Itasca Historical Depot Museum is now a relic of the area's beginnings, with exhibits, artifacts and more. Lucky's Flashlight Hunt is a St. Patrick's Day tradition with local kids searching Washington Park in the evening for candy and prizes. Other annual holiday events include the Memorial Day Parade and Easter Eggstravaganza. “Every dollar we make on hotel taxes has to be put back into the tourism department,” says Mayor Pruyn. “So we’re well known for our festivals — we throw a lot of them.”
Take a trip down memory lane at Itasca Historical Depot.
Carnival-goers try their luck playing games at the annual Itasca Fest.
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Shopping on Irving Park Road
Most of the city's retail, big-box and grocery stores follow Irving Park Road. Locally owned taverns and cafes are popular near the town center, including a wide selection of Italian and Greek options.
Tree Guys Pizza in South Itasca offers pizza and for a bit of fun, Vegas-style slot machines.
Antonio Ristorante Italiano is a casual restaurant with artful decor in South Itasca, IL.
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Top ratings at Lake Park High
Itasca School District Number 10 serves elementary and middle school students, earning a B-plus from Niche. High schoolers will attend Lake Park High School in Roselle, which has an A from Niche, which counts it among the state's top 50 public high schools.
Lake Park High School has an overall Niche grade of A plus.
Raymond Benson Primary School is a well-rated public school in Itasca, serving grades PK, K-2.
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Important to know
According to FBI data, violent crime in Itasca has been on the upswing since 2020, while property-related crime has been lowering since 2020.
Summers in Itasca are hot and rainy, while winters are windy and snowy. Itasca's annual snowfall is higher than the national average but comparable to the Northern Illinois average.
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