Why Mount Prospect is a Great Place to Live: A Comprehensive Guide to This Chicago Suburb

An aerial view image of a Mount Prospect suburban neighborhood

Mount Prospect is a popular northern suburb right outside of Chicago, attracting local and out-of-state residents to move into this neighborhood. It’s only 30 minutes from the Windy City, making it a sought-after location to live. You can travel into the city easily while still enjoying the balance of a quieter suburban lifestyle.

Learn more about the Village of Mt. Prospect, available activities, and why it’s considered a great place to live.

Benefits of Living in Mount Prospect, Illinois

An aerial view image of a Mount Prospect suburb with surrounding houses and trees

Mt. Prospect is one of the most trending neighborhoods near Chicago for many reasons. It offers a small-town charm with plenty of activities and is a great family-friendly community. Whether you’re looking for diverse places to eat or explore recreational destinations, this neighborhood offers something for everyone.

Recently Renovated Mount Prospect Village

The Village of Mt. Prospect was recently renovated and has over 400 acres of parks, restaurants, recreation facilities, and retail shops. The “Village Green” is a central hub for the nearby communities to gather under the newly updated building facades, flower displays, and street banners to support local businesses and socialize.

 

Plenty of Things to Do in Mount Prospect

While Mt. Prospect is close to Chicago, you don’t need to leave this neighborhood to find fun activities. Mt. Prospect offers plenty to do, including four park districts, two golf courses, sled hills, and multiple ice skating rinks. From nature trails to sports venues, this suburb offers so much for locals and residents.

Some fun things to do in Mt. Prospect, IL, include:

• Downtown Mount Prospect: Separate from the Village of Mt. Prospect, this downtown area has community events, like free movies at the park, car shows, and seasonal food festivals. There are also local restaurants, shops, services, and a library within walking distance of the Mt. Prospect Metra station.

• The Lion’s Club Farmers’ Market: Every Sunday, from 8am to 1pm, over 40 vendors from the tri-state area offer diverse food, seasonal produce, specialty crafters, and more.

• The Mount Prospect Ice Arena: Located at the Nicholas Sportsplex, you can enjoy public ice skating sessions, watch adult and youth hockey leagues, and grab some pizza with two NHL-sized arenas.

• Forest Preserves of Cook County: With over 70,000 acres of scenic landscapes, you’ll become fully immersed in the beautiful nature surrounding Mt. Prospect. You can go camping, visit the nature center exhibits, or explore the hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

 

Highly-Rated Public Services

Did you know the public service departments in the Village of Mt. Prospect are highly rated by the State of Illinois? The fire department has one of the best ratings in the state, and the police have international policing accreditations.

The Public Works department also has recycling and urban deforestation programs, serving as community sustainability models.

 

Community Development & Local Business Growth Programs

A group of people listening to a man speak at an educational workshop for a local community

The Village of Mt. Prospect continuously concentrates on housing diversification and social improvements. These development plans include infrastructure renovations, public transit expansions, and bicycle path networks. 

They also have supportive economic growth programs for local business owners, such as the Mt. Prospect Entrepreneurs Initiative (MPEI), providing resources like networking events and educational webinars—which are free or low cost! Its proximity to Chicago, the O’Hare International Airport, and regional transit networks ensure its continued economic growth.

According to the Village Board of Trustees, “Mount Prospect is a wonderful community with outstanding services, schools, and amenities.” The Village even has several new resident services designed to help you settle in.

This community’s ongoing improvements to the quality of life for residents and business owners are what sets Mt. Prospect apart.

You’ll soon discover the true meaning of the Village motto: “Where Friendliness is a Way of Life.”

 

Where is Mount Prospect, IL?

Mt. Prospect is about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Its central position makes it easily accessible to Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, O’Hare, and Des Plaines. This neighborhood experiences all four seasons, so you can expect a wide range of weather all year round, including humid summers and freezing winters.

 

What County is Mount Prospect, IL In? 

Mt. Prospect is in Cook County, IL. Depending on where you live, the Mt. Prospect zip code is either 60005 or 60056.

 

Population of Mount Prospect, IL

he Mt. Prospect population has over 56,000 residents, with data showing that it’s an attractive area to live in. This suburb has a 95% occupancy rate and is a highly educated community, with almost half of residents obtaining a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Popular job sectors include manufacturing, healthcare/social assistance, and scientific/technical services.

 

How to Travel From Mount Prospect, IL to Chicago

An image of a Chicago public train traveling into the city with the Chicago skyline in front of it

As mentioned above, the drive from Mt. Prospect to Chicago only takes 30 minutes. You can take a few driving routes with toll rates ranging from $0.55 to $5.50, depending on vehicle size and overnight hours.

The most direct route is via I-90 E to S Franklin St in Chicago, where you’ll arrive around the West Loop neighborhood. The total mileage is almost 24.5 miles for around 33 minutes.

Another way to get into Chicago from Mt. Prospect is from I-294 S in Park Ridge from Rand Rd to I-90 E, then I-94 to W Ida B. Wells Dr in Chicago. Total mileage is under 24 miles for around 33 minutes.

Lastly, you can take IL-83 S/S Main St to I-90 E, then I-94 To W Ida B. Wells Dr in Chicago. Total mileage is 24 miles for around 35 minutes.

If you don’t want to drive into the city, there are multiple Chicago public transit options available:

 

Directions From Mount Prospect to Chicago via Metra Train

Traveling from Mt. Prospect to Chicago via Metra train is simple and convenient! All you have to do is take a direct train from the Mt. Prospect Metra station, and it’s an hour’s ride to Chicago Ogilvie Transportation Center (OTC) in downtown Chicago via Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW)—depending on if you take the express route.

On weekdays, inbound Mt. Prospect trains arrive from 5:00am to 12:30am, around every 30 minutes. On weekends, they arrive from 7:00am to 10:30pm, around every 30 minutes. Metra train fares range from $3.75 to $10. These include one-way tickets, $10 unlimited day passes, $30 unlimited Regional Connect Passes, and $100 unlimited monthly pass options.

 

Move Into Your Dream Mount Prospect Apartment with TLC Management

Does moving to Mt. Prospect sound like the suburb for you? At TLC Management, we own and manage over 36 rental properties within and around Chicago. With local expertise and hands-on involvement with our tenants, we can help you find you find the best place to live while providing an elevated renting experience—as it should be.

Our Forest Cove Apartments in Mt. Prospect offers upscale amenities, including a scenic lagoon with walking paths, large balconies, and custom cherry cabinets.

Ready to find your dream apartment?

Browse all of our Chicago suburb listings or contact us  at info@chicagorentals.com for more information today!

 

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