Just northwest of Chicago, Morton Grove is a charming suburban community.
Morton Grove is known for its commitment to education, vibrant retail and business community, and lovely homes. The village was even recently named one of the nation’s “10 Best Towns for Families” by Family Circle. So whether they are enjoying a local eatery or rolling a strike at Classic Bowl, residents find Morton Grove an exciting place to live, work, and play.
Just 13 miles from downtown Chicago, residents enjoy an easy commute around Chicago with the Metra’s North Line and the Edens Expressway!
Morton Grove Village Guide
Morton Grove offers the ideal laid-back suburban lifestyle. Residents enjoy top shopping and dining, award-winning schools, and acres and acres of park and forest preserves. And, for work or play, Chicago is just a few miles away!
Food and Drink
Morton Grove features a variety of restaurants. You can find excellent Asian cuisine in Morton Grove, including great Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Mongolian restaurants. The area also has great Italian, Chicago dives, and Indian, Mediterranean Cuisine, and chain restaurants.
A local classic is Pequod’s Pizzeria, with a believable claim to having the best deep dish pizza in Chicagoland! A great date spot is L. Woods Tap in nearby Niles. The restaurant serves great American cuisine in a charming Wisconsin supper club atmosphere.
Morton Grove Shopping
Morton Grove’s vibrant business community offers a number of local shops, including locally owned boutique stores, beauty salons, and martial arts dojos. Big grocery chains Marianos and Aldi have stores in the area, but one can also find a number of smaller stores including Indian, Chinese, and Halal specialty stores. For big-name retailers, residents head to the nearby Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie and the Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles. Both of which also offer movie theaters!
Local Attractions and Events
Morton Grove residents live in the heart of an exciting area- they’ll never lack for something fun to do! In the summer, the local community comes together for Morton Grove Days festival featuring carnival rides, live music, and a Fourth of July parade. One can meet the local community at the Classic Bowl bowling alley. For serious and casual bowlers alike, the alley is equally perfect for a date, league night, or a birthday party.
Local area attractions include the Leaning Tower of Niles, a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You have to see it to believe it! Downtown Evanston features dozens of great restaurants, great music venues, and more. For families, the Kohl’s Children’s Museum is a great time for kids and adults alike. And in nicer weather, beautiful Lake Michigan beaches are just a short drive away!
Natural Beauty
While there’s a whole lot to love about the village, the fact that 20% of the land is natural preserves is something special. Natural features include the North Branch Trail and acres of the Cook County Forest Preserve.
Morton Grove History
Early History
The first Euro-American settlers reached the area in the 1830s. The first heavy industry in the area was a sawmill at the corner of what would become Touhy and Waukegan Avenues. In 1872, the Milwaukee Railroad was laid and a station was built in the town. Railroad financier Levi Morton, later vice president under Benjamin Harrison, became the namesake of the village.
Early 20th Century
Morton Grove began to modernize in the late-19th century. The first proper school was built in 1897, followed by gas, water, and sewer lines in the early 20th century. In 1920, outhouses were made illegal. In the 1920s and 1930s, Morton Grove became a destination for its nightclubs and speakeasies. The village went through hard times during the Great Depression and all the clubs closed.
Modern Morton Grove
After World War II, Morton Growth entered an era of major growth and prosperity. As many left Chicago for the suburbs, Morton Grove’s population soared from around 2,000 residents in 1940 to 20,000 in 1960. Fueling this growth was the construction of the Eden’s Expressway in the early 1950s, allowing residents easy access to Chicago. More recently, the village has become more diverse as Filipino, Syrian, Indian and Pakistani communities settled in the area.
Morton Grove Homes
Morton Grove, with its vibrant business scene and close-knit diverse community, has become an attractive place for renters and buyers. For all that the village offers, the area housing is quite affordable. Morton Grove offers a variety of housing choices. These range from split level, ranch homes, Chicago-style bungalows to lovely condominium complexes and apartment buildings. Most homes are located in quiet tree-lined blocks close to neighborhood parks and elementary schools.
With great schools, plenty of nature, and great shopping and dining, Morton Grove is a laid-back place for your cozy suburban retreat. Come and check it out!
