LaGrange
Mark your calendar, because nothing beats the LaGrange pet parade for summertime fun! Held the first Saturday in June, LaGrange's pet parade has been going strong for more than 50 years. Local businesses set out water bowls for thirsty pets, bands and floats come from around the region, and youngsters and seniors alike march with their pets.

Other community activities in LaGrange include the Arts & Crafts Show, the Endless Summer carnival, Farmers' Markets Children's Halloween Walk parade and party, and the Dickens-style Christmas Walk.

LaGrange's rich history is evident in the variety of homes available to residents. From the Victorian era to post World War II and beyond, the residences represent many periods in U.S. architecture since the village's 1879 incorporation. Some of the most exceptional homes are located in LaGrange's Historic District.

LaGrange also boasts a thriving business district where residents shop for a variety of goods, including plenty of antiques in some of the area's most charming stores. With the addition of several specialty restaurants downtown, LaGrange is the place to go for extraordinary cuisine. There is something in LaGrange to satisfy everyone, from gourmets to families. In addition, the Burlington Northern Railroad makes two stops in village, picking up residents for an easy 18-mile ride to Chicago.

LaGrange is a family-oriented community with respected schools. Grade school students attend Districts 102, 105, and 106. High school students attend Lyons Township High School, District 204, which has plenty of area alumni celebrating their 50th class reunions each year. 

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Western Springs
Named for area mineral springs that dried up in 1890, Western Springs is a friendly village located just 19 miles southwest of Chicago's Loop. Though there is easy access to the city of Chicago via the Burlington Northern Railroad as well as area roadways, the village's real draw is its quiet, family atmosphere. The Western Springs shopping area includes a variety of shops, from art galleries to specialty stores, carrying unique merchandise. Western Springs has tree-lined streets and sidewalks traveled by walkers, joggers and plenty of moms with strollers. Oakbrook Shopping Center, a premier outdoor retail center, is just 10 minutes from the village.

People interested in an active lifestyle will feel right at home in Western Springs. To accommodate its residents, the village built a $1.2 million recreation center. The 26,000 square-foot, two-story building houses a gym, a dance studio and many other facilities. The wonderful pool complex offers something for everyone - in addition to the main pool, there is a lap pool for adults as well as a wading pool and a toddler/baby pool for little swimmers.

Spring Rock Park is a giant refuge of green with picnic shelters, tennis courts and ballfields. It is the only western suburban park with lighted Little League fields. After the games, Western Springs coaches regularly take their young team members to nearby Oberweis Dairy for ice cream. "Gathering on the Green" is Western Spring's annual community celebration, and the town enjoys a calendar full of arts and crafts shows, sidewalk sales, outdoor concerts, parades and holiday events.

Western Springs offers a variety of homestyles: the Forest Hills area of Western Springs has deep lots, Springdale is newer with homes built in the 1950s, and in the southernmost section of the village; the Ridgewood area features the newest homes where most are less than 20 years old. Old Town, with its turn-of-the-century homes, is the oldest section of Western Springs and is located between Ogden Avenue and the Burlington Line. Field Park is the northeast section of town and offers English and Georgian-style homes.

Western Springs high school students attend District 204, and grade school students attend District 101 and 106.

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