Harwood Heights, IL

Before the beautifully groomed country club and prosperous residential areas popped up, Harwood Heights was a quiet rural area in which Israel Smith settled in 1835. Neighbors and friends soon followed, but the farming community offered few amenities because Chicago's street cars stopped just short of the area. Muddy streets plagued the area, but neighborhood residents assumed Chicago would annex their land and improve their situation as it had with other neighboring communities. When the city rejected the bid for annexation in the 1940s, Harwood Heights began charting its own path, remaining an independent village to this day.

Most of Harwood Heights' growth took place during the 1950s and 1960s, so the neighborhood exhibits a modern feel. The area's history and heritage remain in the records of the Eisenhower Public Library, a common meeting place for the communities of Norridge and Harwood Heights.

Nearby neighborhoods offer plenty of museums, theaters and other cultural attractions. When summer rolls around, head to the Harwood Heights annual community picnic for some neighborhood bonding and a taste of the village's own culture.

Just like the home of any family in the Midwest, Harwood Heights never lets you go hungry with its generous spread of buffet-style and international eateries. Although you find a few upscale restaurants and cheap eats, most of the neighborhood restaurants serve up mid-priced fare. Explore the corner of Harlem and Lawrence to find neighborhood favorites such as Cucina Biagio and Old Warsaw Buffet.

Whether you crave a romantic evening or a relaxing dinner after work, step into Cucina Biagio to transport yourself to a beautiful slice of Italy. The family-owned restaurant has captured the heart of the neighborhood with its selection of unique recipes, and even the Chicago Tribune has sung its praise. If you're not sure what to order, go for the hand-made pizza. The locals don't hesitate to tell you it's the best in Chicago. If you still have room after your hefty portion, order the bread pudding served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat.

For more casual dining, follow the red and yellow canopy into Old Warsaw Buffet, an old-fashioned eatery that pays tribute to Harwood Heights' Polish heritage. Don't let the dim lighting and old European decor throw you off; the buffet selection features a lively blend of authentic dishes. When loading up your plate, be sure to try the stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes.

If you're looking for nightlife, there isn't much within the borders of Harwood Heights, but restaurants such as Cucina Biagio and Vince's Italian restaurant offer some great mixed drinks at their built-in bars. For more lively bars and pubs, take a short drive to one of the bordering neighborhoods.

Quick access to downtown Chicago and low traffic make Harwood Heights a commuter's paradise. The Kennedy Expressway takes you west to Chicago O'Hare International Airport or southeast to the metropolitan area, and you always find plenty of free street parking. If you need a ride to the airport, call up a taxi or an Uber driver for a fast pickup.

Despite the neighborhood's secluded setting, the CTA maintains bus routes through the community. You can also enjoy a free ride to in-town areas via the Village Helper Bus. Bicycle enthusiasts may not find many dedicated lanes or bike-friendly roads here, but pedestrians can take advantage of the well-kept sidewalks to reach shopping centers and amenities located just a few minutes from home.

From the bustling activities of Norridge Park to the picturesque golf courses of Ridgemoor Country Club, Harwood Heights' spacious parks have become the focal point of the community.

Bike, walk or jog along the winding paths of Norridge Park, or bring your kids to the big playgrounds. You can also enjoy a workout at the fitness center or use the park's heated pool complete with water slides and wading pool. Just keep in mind that these facilities and other park programs charge a fee, so go for the membership to enjoy discounts year-round. You can also take advantage of special events such as free outdoor movies during the summer. Feel free to take your canine companion to play in the wide grassy areas as long as you keep your pet leashed.

Its prime location between the airport and downtown Chicago coupled with the tranquil village's unique charm place the cost of living in Harwood Heights at the high end for the Chicago area. You come across beautiful, newly built apartment towers scattered throughout the village. If you want to rent, expect to shell out around $900 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

When you're in the mood for big discounts or high fashion, explore the little shops and shopping centers that give Harlem Avenue its unique flavor. Options run the gamut from trusted brands to European fashion retailers, but locals have come to love the village for its selection of thrift stores and used fashion boutiques.

To find big bargains, walk into Plato's Closet for gently used clothing, jewelry and accessories featuring some of the latest styles. Watch out for any stains and defects that the dedicated staff may have missed, and try on your selections in the big dressing rooms. Browse carefully to find top brands such as Juicy Couture and Ambercrombie hiding on the racks for just a few bucks.

Locals agree that the concentration of shopping centers in a single area is one of the best features of the neighborhood, creating an ideal environment for shoppers on foot. After finding some deals at 4600 Plaza's Plato's Closet, check out dozens of other stores at Harwood Commons and Grand Plaza.