Incorporated in 1957, the young Village of Streamwood got its start as just a few blocks of houses on Bartlett Road and Schaumburg Road. There were no gas stations, no grocery stores, no commercial businesses of any kind.

But a program that enabled veterans to purchase homes without a down payment lured new homebuyers and rapidly led to a boom in population. By 1962 the population had jumped to 6,700 and the community saw the opening of its first shopping center on Irving Park Road and Park Boulevard. Today the population of Streamwood stands at 39,217.

Location and the affordability of houses are two of the village's biggest assets and serve as a draw for young suburban families. The median age in Streamwood is 32 and the average family income is $68,771.

Available homes range from 30-year-old ranches to split-level and colonial styles built within the last 15 years. While prices range from $78,000 to $750,000, the average 1997 single family home price was $141,141. Condominiums and townhouses range from $61,900 to $280,000 with an average selling price of $168,276. Rental apartments can be had for an average cost of $975 per month.

The Elgin-O'Hare Expressway and Interstates 90 and 355 are all nearby. Drive time to the Chicago Loop is one hour, while O'Hare Airport is 45 minutes from Streamwood and Midway Airport is a 65-minute drive. Metra commuters can take the train from nearby Hanover Park for a 50- to 60-minute ride into downtown Chicago.