Park City is an independent little tyke: residents of the city initiated its incorporation in 1958 purely to prevent annexation by Waukegan, the neighboring city. (Another little-known fact is that Park City holds its own hand when it crosses the street -- just kidding!)
Park City is a city in Lake County, Illinois, small and sweet at just 1.19 square miles in area. It's two miles from Waukegan, 37 miles from Chicago, and is home to 7,570 people, according to the 2010 census. The temperatures here are a little lower than the national average -- the city barely hits 80 degrees even in the middle of July -- so if you think most other parts of the country are just too darn hot, Park City's climate might suit you pretty well.
Moving to Park City
There are around 2,800 housing units in Park City, with a mix of houses and apartments, and a large number of mobile homes; however, townhouses for rent are thin on the ground here. Park City is a little over 50 percent rental properties, which is quite a bit higher than the average, especially for a city of its size. Most houses and apartments are of fairly recent construction, built in the 1970s or later. However, there are a few hundred mostly single-unit houses dating to the 1960s and earlier, if you're looking for an older house to rent in Park City.
The large percentage of rentals in the city means that it's relatively easy to find a place, though that doesn't necessarily mean you can leave it till the last minute. Whether you're looking for a house, an apartment, or a studio for rent, it's always better to allow yourself a minimum of two to four weeks.
Park City Neighborhoods
You wouldn't think a city of 1.19 square miles could be subdivided any further, but Park City is divided into three legislative wards, and several small neighborhoods.
Bartlett North Woods: This subdivision is comprised mostly of somewhat newer homes, built in the 1990s. This area is in the western third of Park City, and has a high percentage of rentals. Nearby, you can visit O'Plaine Community Park, or head to the el Dorango Mexican Grill for the best tacos in town.
Greenleaf Creek: Situated between Greenleaf Avenue and Route 41, also known as the Skokie highway, this area roughly corresponds to the central portion of Park City. Most homes here were built in the 1970s and 1980s. In the south of this neighborhood is Robert H. Allen, where you can head for a game of basketball or just to hang out.
Cornell Highlands: This small, mostly owner-occupied neighborhood just north of Belvidere Road is located near the Fountain Square of Waukegan, so it's convenient to lots of retail stores and chain restaurants, including Sweet Tomatoes and the Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Apartment Communities in Park City
Colonial Park Apartments is a new apartment complex in Park City, with construction completed around 2010. Residents have access to a gym and indoor swimming pool, and there's quite a big range of apartment rentals available here. You can rent apartment units of one to four bedrooms, and there are studio apartments for rent here too.
Maple Grove Estates features one and two bedroom apartments, each with its own washer and dryer, and some utilities are included.
Park Terrace Apartments offer apts for rent with one or two bedrooms, and residents have access to tennis courts and covered parking. Each unit has a private patio or balcony, and glory of glories, they all have plenty of closet space too.
Living in Park City
Most people in Park City commute to work via car, and the majority of workers have a commute time of less than 30 minutes. There are several major employers in the area, which has helped fuel the demand for rental accommodation in and around the city.
Most of the retail and grocery stores are in the eastern section of the city, but since it's a small place and close to other major cities, residents don't have to travel far to shop. While there isn't much in the way of dining and entertainment within the city limits, there are plenty of places to eat, shop, and be entertained in nearby Waukegan. You can spend the day enjoying nature at Greenbelt Forest Reserve, then eat at Brown's Chicken & Pasta on Belvedere Road, then round the evening off at J's Reggae Bar or Muggy Smalls Sports Bar. Lake Michigan is less than a 15 minute drive away beyond Waukegan, along with other outdoor destinations like Illinois Beach State Park, and North Dunes Nature Preserve.