Welcome to Skokie, IL: Culture, Convenience, and Community in One

About Skokie

Located just 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, Skokie, Illinois is a vibrant, diverse suburb that offers the best of both city and suburban living. Once known as “The World’s Largest Village,” Skokie has grown into a cultural and economic powerhouse in the North Shore area, with a population of approximately 65,000.

Skokie blends walkable neighborhoods, outstanding schools, and thriving commercial districts with rich cultural institutions, making it one of the most livable and accessible suburbs in the Chicago metro area.

Living in Skokie

Housing and Neighborhoods:
Skokie offers a wide range of housing, from charming brick bungalows and ranch-style homes to new construction, mid-rise condos, and upscale townhomes. Neighborhoods like Devonshire, Skevanston, and Fairview offer quiet streets with proximity to parks, schools, and shopping.

The east side of Skokie, near Evanston, features more walkable, urban-style living, while the west side has spacious homes and a more residential feel. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, downsizing, or relocating for work or school, Skokie provides options at various price points.

Cost of Living:
While Skokie offers North Shore amenities, its cost of living is more reasonable than neighboring Wilmette or Evanston. Property taxes are on par with other Chicago suburbs, and residents benefit from strong municipal services, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.

Education:
Skokie is served by multiple high-performing school districts, including:

Skokie School District 68
District 69
District 73.5
Niles Township High School District 219

Notably, Niles North and Niles West High Schools are nationally recognized for their academic programs, STEM focus, and extracurricular offerings. Private and parochial schools also operate throughout the area.

Nearby higher education options include Oakton College, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago.

Business and Economy

Skokie has a dynamic local economy supported by healthcare, retail, education, manufacturing, and technology. The village is home to:

NorthShore University HealthSystem – Skokie Hospital
Westfield Old Orchard Mall – A major retail and dining destination
The Illinois Science + Technology Park – A 23-acre life sciences and tech campus
A growing number of local businesses, restaurants, and startups

With easy access to I-94, CTA and Metra rail lines, and a strong workforce, Skokie continues to attract companies seeking a strategic location near Chicago without the congestion or cost of downtown.

The Skokie Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in supporting business development and organizing events, workshops, and community networking opportunities.

Things to Do in Skokie

Parks and Recreation:
Skokie has an award-winning park district that manages more than 240 acres of parkland. Residents enjoy:

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park – A two-mile outdoor museum along the North Shore Channel
Emily Oaks Nature Center – A natural oasis with trails, a pond, and educational programs
Skokie Water Playground – A seasonal favorite for families with slides, pools, and splash zones
Skatium Ice Arena – A full-service ice rink for hockey, figure skating, and open skate sessions

The Skokie Park District also offers hundreds of classes, fitness programs, camps, and leagues throughout the year.

Arts and Culture:
Culture is at the heart of life in Skokie. The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts hosts live theater, concerts, comedy, and more. It’s also home to Northlight Theatre, one of the top regional theaters in the country.

Other cultural highlights include:

Skokie Public Library – An award-winning institution offering events, tech tools, and community resources
Skokie Heritage Museum – Exploring the village’s local history
Annual Festival of Cultures – A community event celebrating Skokie’s diversity with music, food, and traditions from around the world

Dining and Shopping:
Skokie’s food scene is global, diverse, and delicious. From long-standing delis and kosher bakeries to new fusion restaurants and international grocery markets, Skokie offers something for every taste.

Top local favorites include:

Pita Inn – Beloved for Middle Eastern classics
Kabul House – Celebrated Afghan cuisine
Lou Malnati’s – A Chicago deep-dish institution
Maggiano’s at Old Orchard – Italian comfort in a vibrant shopping center

Westfield Old Orchard remains one of the top upscale shopping destinations in the Midwest, featuring Nordstrom, Apple, Macy’s, and dozens of specialty retailers and eateries.

Community and Lifestyle

Events and Festivals:
Skokie shines with its community events throughout the year. Signature gatherings include:

Skokie Festival of Cultures
Skokie’s 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Backlot Bash – A late-summer downtown music and food festival
Downtown Skokie Farmers Market – Running weekly from June to October

These events, along with regular cultural programming, make it easy to meet neighbors, explore different cultures, and stay connected.

Public Safety and Services:
The Village of Skokie operates its own police, fire, and public works departments. The community consistently earns praise for safety, transparency, and efficiency. Emergency services are responsive, and the city’s infrastructure — including roads, parks, utilities, and waste services — is modern and well-maintained.

Skokie is also a leader in sustainability, with programs promoting solar energy, green building standards, and environmental education.

Transportation and Accessibility

Skokie offers some of the best public transportation options in the suburbs, making commuting or exploring the region simple:

CTA Yellow Line (Skokie Swift) – Connects Skokie to Chicago’s Red and Purple lines
Metra Union Pacific North Line – Available from nearby Evanston
I-94 (Edens Expressway) – Cuts through Skokie, providing direct access to downtown and the northern suburbs
Pace Buses and pedestrian-friendly planning make local travel easy

O’Hare International Airport is only about 20–25 minutes away by car, perfect for frequent travelers and businesses.

Why Choose Skokie?

Skokie, IL is a community that checks all the boxes: excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, cultural richness, convenient location, and economic strength. Whether you’re relocating your family, opening a new storefront, or seeking a walkable, inclusive suburb near Chicago, Skokie is a top choice.

Why people choose Skokie: