And The Survey Says: Life is Good in Skokie! This is the opinion of 92% of Skokie residents responding to a late 2006 written citizen survey. The National Research Center, Inc., an independent survey firm based in Boulder, Colorado, conducted the survey on the Village?s behalf. A total of 1,200 randomly selected homes, apartments and condominiums received the survey, with about 40% completing and returning the survey document. The survey measures both residents satisfaction with life in the Village and Village programs and services, as well as areas that might need additional study, resources or programs. Overall, the Village received very high marks.
Skokie is a National Leader The 2006 survey results were compared with results of a nearly identical 2003 Skokie citizen survey and with survey results from hundreds of other communities across the nation. Virtually all of Skokie?s services rank above the norm when compared to other participating communities. Of the 26 Village services compared on a national level, 18 or 70% rated in the 90th percentile or better.
Residents Express Confidence in Skokie's Government A portion of the citizen survey focused on public trust and resident perception of local government practices. The bar chart to the right shows that all of the Village's public trust ratings are well above national norms, with an average 94th national percentile ranking. Relative to welcoming citizen involvement, Skokie ranks in the 97th percentile. This is a credit to Skokie's long history of participatory government, clearly evidenced by the more than 250 people serving on the Village's many advisory boards and commissions.
Taxes - A Good Value for Village Services The vast majority of residents surveyed believe they receive a good value for the taxes paid to the Village, placing Skokie in the 94th national percentile for this question.
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"On your marks...get set...grow! The coveted North Shore suburb of Skokie is poised for explosive growth in jobs, transportation, technology and business." According to a Chicago area developer, people moving to Skokie, "are in a prime position to take advantage of this area progress." They noted that "in 2006, part of the new, eagerly awaited 27 acre Illinois Science & Technology Park opened, which ultimately will create more than 3,000 direct jobs in Skokie." "Additionally, the Skokie Swift CTA Yellow Line train will debut it's new downtown Skokie station in 2008, making a downtown Chicago commute even easier for Skokie residents." "Skokie's planning team has lined up many exciting partnerships and projects that will make Skokie the 'place to be' for years to come."
"Skokie communities take advantage access to public transportation as well as new jobs and new retail coming to Skokie, " said Steve Marciani, planning supervisor for the Village of Skokie. "For example, the expanded Oakton Community College campus and jobs at the new technology park will be just blocks away ... while the new Oakton Station for the Skokie Swift can conveniently get residents to their jobs in downtown Chicago."
Scope Out Skokie Excerpted from the March-April 2007 edition of AAA Living Magazine
Rich cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for the arts create an exclusive retreat on the shores of Lake Michigan. Intriguing fine arts and distinctive dining bring the big city atmosphere of Chicago to the North Shore village of Skokie. For eye-catching adventure and some exercise, stroll around the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. This outdoor art display exhibits large-scale, contemporary sculpture positioned along manicured walking, running and biking paths. The park offers more than 70 pieces from local, national and international artists, including Second Breath by Amsterdam native Maurice Bilk and A World of Difference, a sculpture by local high school students.
All that walking can generate an appetite. (Here I've replaced an advertisement with my own text: Relax at your choice of restaurant's ranging from five star fine dining to casual. You can try some local treats, such as famous Chicago-style hot dogs & world renown pizza, but Skokie also boasts restaurants offering entrees from all point of the globe, from the Middle East to the Far East and everything in between. There are also some fine upscale fish markets, as well as a several vegetarian eateries.)
Top off your day by catching a show at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (847-673-6300). The award-winning theater brings the spirit of New York's Lincoln Center to the Skokie.
While visiting Skokie, also check out: ◊ The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center houses photographs, artifacts and local survivor testimony, and provides a variety of educational programs and classes. 847-677-4640 ◊ The Exploritorium's two-story, indoor playground includes arts and crafts and dress-up costume areas, a water spot, and tube and tunnel mazes. 847-674-1500, ext. 2744 ◊ Browse more than 100 stores at the Westfield Old Orchard outdoor shopping center. Find everything you want at the large department stores, or go treasure hunting in the center's many specialty boutiques. 847-673-6800 ◊ Experience more than 50 parks and facilities of the nationally acclaimed Skokie Park District, which include an urban nature center, indoor skating, golf, tennis, rowing and the Skokie Heritage Museum. 847-674-1500
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