About the Bloomingdale, Bartlett, and Carol Stream, Illinois Area
 

Bartlett

Bartlett is a vibrant, youthful community vitalized by the buzz of nearby Chicago, yet protected by a small town quality that nurtures a congenial and relaxed style of living. Situated just 35 miles northwest of central Chicago, Bartlett has a population of over 36,000, 30% of which are under the age of 30 creating an energetic atmosphere that pervades the city. Parts of Bartlett is situated in DuPage County, while additional sections rest in Cook County and Kane County.  Entry into Bartlett is accessed by the Northwest Tollway, the East-West Tollway, the Elgin O'Hare Expressway and Routes 20 and 59. Locals utilize Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport both less than 35 miles away. Over 92% of the adult population in Bartlett have graduated high school and over 38% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income is $79,000 and unemployment is at a low rate of 2.3%. The city of Bartlett is part of the U46 School District. With a strong commitment to excellence in every academic area, U46 employs a rigorous curriculum that combines standard subjects with a diverse set of electives meant to nurture individual growth and expression. The district's high standards challenge students to reach their greatest potential and thus help them to become responsible adults who will make a positive contribution to the community. Preparing for the future is the primary goal and the faculty actively addresses the needs of a large and diverse student population. The  District has a student enrollment of over 40,000 and employs over 2,600 teachers. Over 60% of the high school graduates continue in their pursuit of advanced education. Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola University and the University of Illinois are just a few of the illustrious institutes of higher learning located in the immediate area. In addition to the number of nationally recognized universities, the College of DuPage, the largest community college in the state, offers an extensive program of study through continuing education and vocational programs. Originally home to the native American population that inhabited the region, Bartlett changed hands several times before finally coming to rest as part of the state of Illinois. The forty acres that comprised the town proper were the property of one Luther Bartlett, a small business owner and former native of Massachusetts. Settling the area in 1844, he and his family used most of the acreage to store firewood. Being a successful businessman, Mr. Bartlett recognized the many advantages of connecting the town with the rest of the country. He became instrumental in bringing the railroad to Bartlett by offering a right of way through his property to the Chicago & Pacific Railroad in 1873. A short time following, a depot was added and the first train stopped through town in the fall of that same year. Mr. Bartlett's ambition was realized in 1891 when the village was officially incorporated and named in his honor. Since that time, the small town of Bartlett which had a population of only 360 in 1900, has burgeoned throughout the last century to its present size of over 36,000, a testament to the success and enviable lifestyle the area offers. From its humble 40- acre beginning, Bartlett has expanded to cover a land area of 14 square miles. Although the town continues to follow a consistent pattern of growth, plans for the future are carefully monitored in an attempt to protect the small town ambiance that is so valued by those that call Bartlett home.

Bloomingdale

The year of 1833 marked the arrival of the first official residents to the region of Bloomingdale. En route from Michigan, Lyman Meacham and his family were entranced by the resplendent scenery, wide-open fields and fertile valleys of the surrounding countryside and decided the area would be a perfect location to establish roots. The resulting homestead comprised over 1,200 acres of land that eventually came to be known as Meacham's Grove, and the family prospered. Growth was steady as more settlers continued to migrate into the region, farm the land and establish small businesses. Predominantly agricultural in scope, the community continued to flourish and in 1849 was officially recognized and renamed Bloomingdale thus becoming the first village in northern DuPage County. The southern and northern sections of the town were divided into two separate townships in 1923 creating Bloomingdale proper and the sister city of Roselle. The early 1870's welcomed the arrival of the Chicago & Pacific Railroad as it laid tracks connecting Bloomingdale and the surrounding townships of Bartlett and Elgin to the booming city of Chicago thus initiating a vital period of growth and expansion. The small community of Bloomingdale lies just 25 miles west of the Chicago Loop the focal point of downtown Chicago, and is easily accessed by Interstate 290 and Interstate 355. It is within 6 miles distance of Schaumburg, 4 miles from Carol Stream and 2 miles from Roselle. The mean travel time to work is 30 minutes and both the Metra and Union Pacific train lines provide an easy commute to Chicago for local employees. Bloomingdale has a population of over 22,000 with a median resident age of 38 years. Over 89% of the adult population have graduated high school and over 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income for the residents of Bloomingdale is estimated at $68,000 and unemployment is at a low rate of 3.9%. Today with a population well over 22,000, Bloomingdale has proven exemplary in finding the balance between a strong commercial base and quiet residential community. Reflecting the city motto "Growth with Pride", Bloomingdale's reliable planning commission has deftly managed the influx of new residents by applying careful criteria that support expansion while at the same time addressing environmental issues. The Bloomingdale community is family based and supportive of recreational facilities and community programs that enliven and sustain family living. Over 85% of the eight square miles that constitutes the town is zoned for residential building or protected open space thus keeping business and industry at a discrete distance. With one of the lowest and most enviable property tax rates in the state, not to mention the absence of utility taxes, Bloomingdale continues to attract prospective homeowners who are lured by the relaxed lifestyle that has come to define the community.

Carol Stream

The Village of Carol Stream is a young community both founded and incorporated in 1959 by land speculator Jay Stream who named the town after his daughter Carol. Mr. Stream envisioned a prosperous Chicago suburb, primarily residential but with a strong commercial foundation that would provide economic sustenance to the growing community. Carol Stream shares a similar youthful environment as neighboring Bartlett. Over 40% of the population is under the age of 25, imbuing Carol Stream with all the energetic character of a college town with an emphasis on culture, education and progressive thinking. Since its initial inception, the city has followed a rigorous program of carefully planned development. From a modest population of 832 residents in 1960 to its current residency of over 44,000, the leaders of Carol Stream have had to accommodate a rapid surge of growth in a relatively short period of time. Carefully restricted construction and monitored city planning are measures that have protected Carol Stream from the problems that have befallen other less fortunate cities. This pattern of orderly growth has resulted in a well-balanced mixture of business and residency. Over 762 businesses and 15,000 residences sustain a friendly cohabitation, with mutual advantages for each sector. One of the concrete benefits to the community is the absence of local property tax. Municipal services are instead funded by taxes on utilities and fuel revenues. A part of DuPage County, Carol Stream is within easy access of downtown Chicago. Located 27 miles west of the Chicago Loop, commuters traveling into the city have an easy hour drive via the North-South Tollway (I-355), the East West Tollway (I-88), the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway (I-204). Residents utilize both O-Hare International or Midway International Airport for their travel needs, each airport less than an hour away. Carol Stream is also well serviced by both Pace public bus system and Metra commuter rail each offering a full schedule of departures and arrivals. Carol Stream is centrally located and lies within 5 miles of Wheaton, 4 miles from Bloomingdale and 5 miles from Bartlett. It is 9 square miles in size, has a median annual household income of $64,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Over 90% of the adult population have graduated high school and over 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Carol Stream is a family friendly community. Safe and attractive neighborhoods, excellent schools and a large park system all help to promote a good quality of life for the children of Carol Stream. There are over 36 parks and playgrounds many of which offer after school programs, organized sports and recreational activities. Nearby Prairie Park, a 52-mile recreational system of trails provides pedestrians, bicyclists and horseback riders with hours of outdoor fun. Mr. Carol's dream of a prosperous suburban community has become a reality, as over 44,000 contented residents will attest.

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