MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (CBS) ― If you're
looking for the best place in the entire United States to raise your kids, it
turns out you don't have to go very far. Business Week magazine says Mount
Prospect, a suburb about 24 miles northwest of the Loop is as good as it gets.
CBS 2's Jim Williams took a trip there to find out why.
This is the look of a winner: a thriving town square, good transportation,
affordable homes, high-achieving schools.
"People are ecstatic," said Mt. Prospect Village Manager Michael Janonis. "They
just can't believe it."
Of all the communities in America, Business Week calls Mt. Prospect the best
place to raise children.
"People grow up here, they have kids, then come back here," Janonis said.
You hear that often: several generations - grandparents, parents, children all
together.
"My parents still live in town. My wife's parents actually still live in town,"
said Gregory Sill, Mt. Prospect cop.
And yet Mt. Prospect has become increasingly diverse - a favorite destination
for recent immigrants.
While the downtown has new, trendy businesses, modest homes make it attractive
to working class families.
Business Week only considered towns with at least 50,000 residents with median
incomes between $40,000 and $100,000. In other words - solidly middle class
communities.
Mt. Prospect's schools are ranked among the state's best. The principal of
Prospect High School praises parental involvement.
"Truly the work in the homes is making the difference. Parents care about how
well their kids do, but more than that, they care about being a part of a
community that is successful and supportive," said Principal Kurt Laakso.
Children said they're never bored.
"There's a lot of activities for everyone to do. There's always something fun to
do around town," said Nate Schroeder.
After this high praise, Mt. Prospect may see a lot more new residents.
"We hope so, and anybody who wants to make Mt. Prospect a home, we would welcome
them with open arms," Janonis said.