Elgin/Dundee - South Elgin, IL

Elgin got its start with the unfortunate Indian Removal Act of 1830, and the subsequent Black Hawk Indian War of 1832. The solders' tales of the area's fertile soils and flowing springs quickly made their way east. In April 1835, the Gifford brothers from New York City established Elgin, naming it after their favorite Scottish hymn. Early Elgin was known for the butter and dairy goods it sold to Chicago, but it was the Elgin Watch Company that really put this town on the map. From the late 19th to the mid 20th century, it was the largest producer of fine watches in the United States, and the operator of the largest watch-making complex in the world. Today, the clocks at Chicago's Union Station still bear the Elgin name. A permanent exhibit of the watch company exists at the Elgin Area Historical Society, along with revolving town history displays.

Elgin and Dundee are chock full of incredible restaurants, many of which have become neighborhood institutions. Ray’s Family Restaurant is definitely one of those. Located on the south end of Elgin, just off the Elgin Bypass on Saint Charles Street, Ray's always delivers a positive family atmosphere along with welcoming service. The food here is always satisfying as well. Local favorites include the Denver omelette, waffles and French toast. This neighborhood diner remains the best place for breakfast and brunch. While always crowded and busy, you'll never stop hearing the staff greet regulars with a warm, "Hey How are you?" If you're on the hunt for a mid-afternoon snack, head to Original Country Donuts, 10 minutes west of Ray's along the Bypass. This might be the best donut you've ever had. Every donut maintains the soft and moist consistency you crave. Never dry or crumbly, country donuts are good to the last bite. Locals can't wait for the fall seasonal flavors like pumpkin, maple, apple cider and cinnamon spice to roll onto the shelves. From there, head north to Larsa’s Kitchen on North McLean Boulevard. Don't be surprised when you drive up and find that Larsa's is in a gas station. The Mediterranean food here is incredible. Vegetarians especially enjoy menu items like the vegetarian platter and the tabbouleh salad. Meat eaters can't go wrong with the chicken shawarma or chicken and hummus plate. Most of the neighborhood nightlife activity takes place along North State Street, the road that runs parallel to Fox River. Martini Room is the best local bar, where you can sample one of their signature "life is good" martinis. With revolving artwork from local artists covering the walls, the atmosphere here remains great as well. They also host many fun events, such as Mystery and a Martini: a night of mystery, madness and mayhem.

Most Elgin and Dundee residents drive their personal vehicles. The I-90 proves too convenient not to use for most. The large area of the towns also makes driving much more practical. Parking doesn't bring any challenges, as parking lots are quite spacious, and do not charge fees. Most homes in the area have garages, leaving residential street parking available as well. Public transportation commuters have two main options: Metra Rail and PACE Bus. From three different stations -- Big Timber Road Station, Elgin Station and National Street Station -- neighborhood residents easily commute into Chicago on the Metra in just over an hour. PACE buses are great for getting around Elgin and Dundee. Over the vast suburban expanses, walking is not that common. Biking is a little more convenient, and a handful of bike lanes promote this. If nothing else, you can always call an Uber cab to come pick you up. The company's Chicago service stretches as far as Fox River, allowing residents of east Elgin and Dundee another convenient way into the city.

A number of parks exist for area locals. The Burnidge Forest Preserve is known for its beautiful and primitive walking trails, which are great for joggers, dog walkers, or those simply looking to get into nature. The beautiful pond also provides a great place to fish. The Hawthorne Hill Nature Center provides year-round opportunities for experiencing nature. For family-friendly summer events, head to Wing Park for the Summer Concert Series. Free of charge, the Tuesday night concert series runs for most of June and July. Festival Park also hosts Movies in the Park, a free event all summer long.

Comfortable suburban living has its price. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the Elgin/Dundee area comes in at $1,052 per month, which averages 11 percent higher than in Chicago, and 16 percent higher than the whole of Illinois. Transportation and dining costs remain on par with prices around the country. Gas only comes in at 1-2 percent lower than national averages. On PACE buses, locals pay $1.75 per ride. Expect to pay around $12 for a meal at a local restaurant, and another $4 for a beer.

Elgin and Dundee both provide excellent shopping. In Elgin, start shopping on Randall Road where you'll find a variety of large chains, including Target, Burlington Coat Factory, and OfficeMax. Otter Creek Shopping Center contains a Sally Beauty Supply, GNC, Big Lots, and Once Upon a Child. Head to the corner of Bowes and Randall Road, where you'll find Walmart and Sam's Club. Head down Randall Raod and you'll find Home Depot and Sears Outlet. For local business shopping, head to State Street Market Shops. Set up in a flea market style with booths by various vendors, this is a great place to go for antiques, vintage clothing, and other baubles. A lot of local artisans sell their handcrafted designs here as well. Another local boutique, Elgin Knit Works, carries every sort of yarn you could ever want. The owner and her mother run the shop, making it a very pleasant and personable experience. Locals do their grocery shopping at one of the Elgin Fresh Markets. There's one on South McLean Boulevard and another on Summit Street. The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market also provides fresh produce every Thursday morning. Two others worth mentioning are Klein's Farm & Garden Market on Plank Street and Seasons Produce & Specialty Market on West Stearns Road. Klein's has a great selection of nuts and gardening items in addition to fresh fruits and veggies.