Nov 11, 2008 7:03 pm US/Central
Best Place For Kids: Local Suburb Gets Top Rating
MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Business Week magazine says Mount Prospect is the best place in the United States to raise your children.
CBS
If you're looking for the best place in the entire United States to raise your kids, it turns out you don't have to go very far. Business Week magazine says Mount Prospect, a suburb about 24 miles northwest of the Loop is as good as it gets. CBS 2's Jim Williams took a trip there to find out why.
This is the look of a winner: a thriving town square, good transportation, affordable homes, high-achieving schools.
"People are ecstatic," said Mt. Prospect Village Manager Michael Janonis. "They just can't believe it."
Of all the communities in America, Business Week calls Mt. Prospect the best place to raise children.
"People grow up here, they have kids, then come back here," Janonis said.
You hear that often: several generations - grandparents, parents, children all together.
"My parents still live in town. My wife's parents actually still live in town," said Gregory Sill, Mt. Prospect cop.
And yet Mt. Prospect has become increasingly diverse - a favorite destination for recent immigrants.
While the downtown has new, trendy businesses, modest homes make it attractive to working class families.
Business Week only considered towns with at least 50,000 residents with median incomes between $40,000 and $100,000. In other words - solidly middle class communities.
Mt. Prospect's schools are ranked among the state's best. The principal of Prospect High School praises parental involvement.
"Truly the work in the homes is making the difference. Parents care about how well their kids do, but more than that, they care about being a part of a community that is successful and supportive," said Principal Kurt Laakso.
Children said they're never bored.
"There's a lot of activities for everyone to do. There's always something fun to do around town," said Nate Schroeder.
After this high praise, Mt. Prospect may see a lot more new residents.
"We hope so, and anybody who wants to make Mt. Prospect a home, we would welcome them with open arms," Janonis said.
If you want to see the entire ''best places'' list from Business Week,
click here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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