Rolling Meadows

Rolling Meadows homes originally brought people to this northwestern community. And today, the suburb continues to grow, as more entertainment, bars, restaurants, and recreation have followed.

Residents and families love the area’s excellent schools- which drive up property values. And area colleges and universities provide higher education and bring many students to the area.

Rolling Meadows shopping makes it easy for holiday shopping or summer trips to the nearby Woodfield Mall or other area shopping centers. Included in these areas are fine dining and restaurants local to the area.

Whether you are looking to catch the latest movies, go bowling, or enjoy live horse racing, Rolling Meadows entertainment makes weekends fun and busy for people of all ages. Bars and pubs also add plenty of fun and excitement. Click here for more

Location

Rolling Meadows is located in Cook County and 28 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop and a forty minute commute to downtown Chicago. Rolling Meadows is located east of IL Route 53 and north of Interstate 90.

Neighboring communities in the northwest suburbs include Palatine, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove Village, and Prospect Heights.

Information

Population (2000)
Total 24,604

White 82.3%
Black 2.8%
Asian 6.6%
Hispanic 19.2%
Other 8.2%

Source US Census

History

The first landowners in the area was Orrin Ford in 1836. Originally called Plum Grove, Ford owned 160 acres of tranquil forests and rolling terrain. Many families came here to settle after leaving Vermont and eventually built a dam across Salt Creek.

In 1850, area settlers formed the Palatine Township as German immigrants began to settle in the area. By 1862, residents built Salem Evangelical Church and cemetery which still stand at the corner of Kirchoff and Plum Grove Roads until 1998.

H.D. Curly Brown purchased 1,000 acres of land in 1927 to build a golf course and racetrack. This golf land was sold in the 1950’s to Kimball Hill for residential home production. Hill named the area Rolling Meadows when the first family moved into the newly developed residential homes. Hill went on to establish a school, Homeowner’s Association, Clearbrook Home for Mentally Handicapped, and neighborhood parks.

Rolling Meadows was officially incorporated in 1955 and annexed local lands to development more homes. The town grew a lot in the 1950’s and 1960’s as a business district formed. Crawford’s Department Storeopened in the 1950’s and became the largest department store in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Industrial park was created in 1958 employing locals, and Western Electric employed nearly 1,500 local workers in the 1960’s. In the 70’s, many apartment building were created to help provide affordable housing in the area for single residents and small families.

By 2000, the population in Rolling Meadows was over 20,000 residents. Corporation like Helene Curtis, Charles Industries, and 3Com established offices in Rolling Meadows bringing corporate offices and jobs to Rolling Meadows.

Real Estate

Rolling Meadows homes for sale and single family residences can range in list price from $100,000 to $580,000. The median value of homes is $176,600.

Many Rolling Meadows homes include affordable prairie, split level, and ranch style homes. Larger homes include foursquare, brick, large front porches, and unique home architectures. All homes have spacious yards and updated appliances for growing families who want to live in comfort.

A great option for people buying their first home includes Rolling Meadows Condos which are priced anywhere from $40,000 to $260,000. Condos are typically found in newer brick mid-rise buildings. Many include heated parking, elevators, one to two bedrooms, spacious higher ceilings, and beautiful remodeled kitchens.

Rolling Meadows Townhouses range in price from $100,000 to $340,000 and offer more spacious homes than condos and are perfect for growing families. Many have open loft style layouts and include private parking, small yards, basements, and two to three large bedrooms.

Transportation

Rolling Meadows Parking is plentiful and always free. Parking is prohibited on streets from 2am til 6am with exceptions made for temporary overnight guests by calling (847) 255-2416. Other requests to park overnight have to be made by writing to the police sergeant.

For transportation to downtown Chicago, the Metra Union Pacific / Northwest Trains provide daily commuter trains that are fast, quiet, and convenient. Arlington Heights (Race Track) Metra Station and Arlington Heights Metra Station are the two nearest stations to Rolling Meadows. Both stations provide parking, waiting rooms, and a ticket agent.

Pace Bus Route 208 – Golf Road provides east to west daily buses on Golf Road from Skokie to Woodfield Mall. Other destinations include the Des Plaines Metra Station, Oakton Community College, and many corporate headquarters and jobs.

Another local route is the Pace Bus Route 606 – Northwest Limited. Some stops include Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg Corporate Centers, Roosevelt University, Meadows Corporate Center, and CTA Rosemont Blue Line Station.

Pace Bus Route 696 – Randhurst/Woodfield/Harper College provides fast service from Harper College to Randhurst Mall and includes many destinations in between like Cook County Courthouse, Prospect High School, Arlington Heights Metra Station, and Rolling Meadows Shopping Center.

For access to the near west areas of Chicago suburbs, Pace Bus Route 757 – Northwest Connection provides access to Forest Park and Oak Park neighborhoods. Some stops include Woodfield Mall, CTA Green Line Trains, Bensenville community, and Streets of Woodfield.

Rolling Meadows Walk Score is rated at 74% and ranked very walkable. The average walk score in Rolling Meadows is 54% making some residential areas car dependent.

Schools

Rolling Meadows schools include many area colleges and institutions of higher education for fresh high school graduates and adults looking to continue their education. Local public and private elementary schools provide great education and after school athletic programs for local children and growing families.

Area Colleges/Universities:
DePaul University – Rolling Meadows Campus 2550 Golf Road # 255, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Northwest Suburban College 5999 South New Wilke Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Roosevelt University 1400 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Harper College 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067

Rolling Meadows Public Schools
Community Consolidated School District 15 580 North 1st Bank Drive, Palatine, IL 60067
Central Road Elementary School (K-6) 3800 Central Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Kimball Hill Elementary School (K-6) 2905 Meadow Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Willow Bend Elementary School (K-6) 4700 Barker Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Carl Sandburg Junior High School (7-8) 2600 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Plum Grove Junior High School (7-8) 2600 Plum Grove Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Rolling Meadows Private Schools
St. Colette School (K-8) 3900 Pheasant Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Christian Liberty Academy (K-12) 502 West Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
St. Viator High School (9-12) 1213 East Oakton Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Quest Academy (PK-8) 500 North Benton Street, Palatine, IL 60067

Nightlife

Rolling Meadows nightlife includes many bars and pubs with a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Many have full dinner menus, live music, and friendly service. Many offer carry out services for their food menu.

For relaxing during the sports game, Stadium Sports Club (4015 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 847-397-2440) serves as both a family restaurant and nightclub. The menu includes a lunch buffet, kid’s menu, pasta, pizza, and large calzones. The bar includes 20 micro-brews on tap, a large selection of bottled beers, and a fully stocked hard liquor shelf.

Lamplighter Inn Tavern (60 N Bothwell Street, Palatine, IL 60067 847-991-2420) is one of the areas funnest bars and taverns. The Lamplighter has a menu of delicious food, live music, open mic on Wednesdays, and an open blues jam every month. Daily specials make this Palatine hangout affordable.

Entertainment

Rolling Meadows Shopping includes a variety of local shopping centers including Meijer Department Store. But the best place for a day of shopping is at nearby Woodfield Shopping Mall. Woodfield is one of the biggest west suburban malls and has plenty of dining, fashion

One great source of Entertainment in Rolling Meadows can be found at the Rolling Meadow Lanes. This bowling alley is great for beginners and experienced bowler looking to join leagues and bowl every week. Also, stop by Gio’s Pizza or their grill for lunch or dinner after bowling.

For catching the newest movie releases, AMC Loews Streets of Woodfield Movie Theater is the nearest theater for Rolling Meadows residents. The theater includes IMAX screen, RealD 3D, concession stands, and midnight showings for any big new release.

Restaurants

Rolling Meadows restaurants include many flavors and cuisines from Japanese, American, Barbeque, Chinese, Italian, and many more. Whether looking for fast food or a fine dining experience, Rolling Meadows has a restaurant for everyone.

Sakura Restaurant (4011 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 847-397-2166) is family owned and operated and includes a lunch and dinner menu. Although Sakura is closed on Sundays, people love their affordable and always fresh sushi. Their menu includes lots of sushi entrees, appetizers, rice soup, and many more.

For delicious breakfast and lunch, Egg’lectic Cafe (2905 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 847-577-5552) is one of the favorite spots for pancakes, hash browns, and eggs. With plenty of parking in their private lot, Egglectic is the perfect place for brunch and their menu is large and includes all types of food.

Russell’s Barbecue (2885 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 847-259-5710) is perfect for anyone craving good barbecue food at a good family restaurant. Russell’s has been a part of Rolling Meadows since 1930 and includes a menu of delicious favorites including ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, sweet potato fries, pulled chicken, and Eli’s cheesecake.

Festivals/Parks

Rolling Meadows Park District is responsible for maintaining parks and playgrounds throughout the suburb and residential communities. The park district also runs the Rolling Meadows Ice Arena and organizes athletic programs for both children and adults.

Another great place for entertainment is at Arlington Park Racetrack. The park hosts many events, regular horse races, free parking, and an outdoor cafe. The park also permits non-alcoholic beverages and coolers to be brought inside and to certain seating areas.

Rolling Meadows Annual Corn Fest is the local festival thrown every year since 1955 when it began as a back-yard cook-off between neighbors. Food is the main attraction and some options include watermelon, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh boiled corn on the cob. The fest is sponsored by the Community Church of Rolling Meadows.