History of Palatine IL

The first settlers of Palatine, IL claimed their stake of land in the 1830’s. These settlers were from New York and New England, and were hoping to settle the fertile green prairies that they had heard about from soldiers in the 1832 Black hawk War. The early Palatine pioneers built their homes among groves of trees that were found near the city of Chicago.

George Ela is thought to be the first European to live within the Palatine area. He built a log cabin near Deer Grove in 1835. The well traveled Indian trails that George Ela traveled remain today, now renamed Algonquin Road and Rand Road.

It is believed that the name Palatine originated from the “Palatine” area along the Rhine River in Germany. Many of Palatine’s early European settlers were from this area in Germany.

Palatine began to grow with the expansion of the railroad in 1853. Joel Wood surveyed and laid out the village of Palatine in 1855, and Palatine was incorporated as a city on March 19, 1866. Street lights were installed in 1871, and the village of Palatine purchased the lamps for $3 each. The street lights were lit by a lamplighter every night for 50 cents per night.

Palatine remained a small town until the mid 1900’s. From 1960-1970, the population nearly tripled, and continued to grow throughout the late 1900’s.

Palatine residents take pride in their early history. The George Clayson House on Palatine Road was recently renovated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home was originally built in 1873, and currently holds more than 1000 treasures from Palatine’s earliest days.

Palatine, IL Today

Palatine, IL is a Chicago suburb located near Route 53 and the Northwest Tollway (I-90). Just 28 miles from Chicago and only 14 miles from O’Hare International Airport, Palatine provides easy access to big city amenities while maintaining its small town charm for Palatine residents.

Palatine, IL is the 6th largest community within Cook County and the 16th largest in the entire state of Illinois. A mix of residential, commercial, industrial and office space provides Palatine with a thriving community surrounded by public parks and open spaces. Award winning libraries and schools make Palatine, IL a great place to raise a family.

Palatine, IL Real Estate

Palatine, IL offers a variety of real estate, including single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums. With rising real estate costs throughout the nation, many Palatine homeowners are attracted to the affordable Palatine real estate prices. With charming neighborhoods and a variety of homeowner associations, a feeling of community pride can be found throughout Palatine.

Palatine single-family homes are offered in a variety of architectural styles, including foursquare, ranch, bungalow, colonial, Victorian and contemporary. Prices range from the low $100,000’s to over $1 million for large estate properties. Several homes offer waterfront property, and many homes are located on one or more acres of wooded lots. Vacant lots are also available in Palatine, IL for custom built homes.

Many newly constructed condominium and townhouse communities are available throughout Palatine, and real estate prices range from just under $100,000 to around $600,000.