Facts about Wheeling
Cook County, 23 miles NW of the Loop.
Folklore attributes Wheeling's name to the rumble of wagon wheels bumping down the community's dusty main road,
but the village was actually named for Wheeling, West Virginia. The continuous stream of wag- ons did give rise
to numerous eateries along Milwaukee Avenue, earning the area a nickname of "Restaurant Row,"
a name it continued to carry into the 1990s.
Wheeling Population (year 2000): 34,496.
Wheeling Estimated population in July 2005: 36,641 (+6.2% change)
Males: 16,967 (49.2%), Females: 17,529 (50.8%)
Wheeling Zip code: 60090
Wheeling Median resident age: 34.5 years
Wheeling Median household income: $55,491 (year 2000)
Wheeling Median house value: $160,900 (year 2000)
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History of Wheeling, Illinois
Wheeling is located in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Most of Wheeling is in Cook County. A small portion is located in Lake County. Wheeling originated in the 1830's as a welcomed overnight stop for travelers heading from Chicago to the Wisconsin Territory over the trail now known as Milwaukee Avenue. It is a cluster of inns, taverns and places to eat established what is now Wheeling's world-renowned "Restaurant Row".
Recreation
The natural beauty of the Des Plaines River, as it extends through Wheeling, is enhanced by the acres of Cook County Forest Preserve surrounding it, providing hiking, biking, canoeing and horseback riding. The Wheeling Park District offers residents a fitness center, gymnasium, indoor track, indoor lap pool, Aquatic Center, numerous parks, and an 18-hole championship golf course.
Schools
Wheeling schools have consistently exceeded the state averages for reading and math skills. Wheeling students attend elementary schools in School District #21 and #23. High School students attend Wheeling or Buffalo Grove High School in Township High School District 214. National Louis University has a campus in Wheeling and William Rainey Harper College, a leading 2-year community college, serves the community.
Housing
Wheeling's diverse range of housing includes single family, townhouse, condominium and apartment. The 2000 median house value was $160,900 and the median rent cost is $885. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000)
Government Services
Residents are provided services by staff in Finance and Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Legal, Public Works, Senior Service, Fire and Police.
Transportation
Wheeling's location provides access via major roadways to the interstate system of Interstate 294, Route 53, I-290 and I-355. Metra's North Central Service, with station located in Wheeling, provides commuter service from Antioch to Chicago.
- Distance to the Chicago Loop: 27 miles
- Distance to O'Hare Airport: 7 miles
- Palwaukee Airport: located in Wheeling
- Distance to Lake Michigan: 9 miles