The Village of Skokie, Illinois, located 16 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and 12 miles east of O'Hare International Airport, provides high-quality government services to over 24,000 households and 2,400 businesses. Skokie was founded in the mid-1800s by Henry Harms, a Prussian immigrant, and was originally named the "Village of Niles Centre." Skokie began as a farming community but grew rapidly as railroad advancements allowed more people from Chicago to reach its borders. At one point, Skokie's population grew so rapidly that Skokie was established as "The World's Largest Village." Accessibility to transportation is a key advantage in Skokie, with the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) spanning the community's western edge, seven Chicago Transit Authority and 10 Pace suburban bus lines and the CTA's Skokie Swift rail line offering numerous options for public transportation. Those looking to shop in Skokie don't have to look far. Located on its northern edge is Westfield Old Orchard, one of Illinois' largest outdoor shopping malls and home to numerous nationally recognized restaurants and stores. On Skokie's southern edge is the Village Crossing Shopping Center which offers a variety of national retail outlets and dining options. Skokie's downtown district hosts the Illinois Science + Technology Park, multiple mixed-use developments and an appealing mix of unique retailers and restaurants. In addition to its abundant retail, Skokie was the first community in the entire United States to have nationally accredited Fire, Police and Public Works Departments. These superior municipal services together with the nationally acclaimed Skokie Park District, superb Skokie Public Library, and preeminent North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, exceptional Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and outstanding school districts make Skokie an excellent place to live. To view the Village's social media policy, visit https://www.skokie.org/DocumentCenter/View/2343/Village-of-Skokie-Social-Media-Policy
