Village of Arlington Heights

The Village is the 12th largest municipality in Illinois and a unique blend of old and new. Redevelopment efforts in the Downtown and other shopping areas have added vibrancy and interest, making Arlington Heights an attractive destination for home buyers, shoppers, businesses and visitors.

Arlington Heights was founded in the mid 1800s by Asa Dunton, a Yankee stonecutter. Asa’s son William Dunton was the first homeowner of this farming community, which was originally called the “Town of Dunton.” The original train depot served as a catalyst for Arlington Heights’ growth. The train depot was a great convenience for nearby farmers who used the railroad to transport their goods. The depot became a central gathering place for the community and prompted development of a Downtown as more people settled in Arlington Heights.

Throughout its long history, Village Government has remained consistent in preserving Arlington Heights’ quality of life by providing municipal services that are responsive to the needs of the residents and businesses and are reliable, efficient and fiscally responsible.

Arlington Heights’ municipal services have received top accreditation and award recognition. The Village is also home to award-winning Schools, a Public Library and a Park District as well as the highly acclaimed Northwest Community Hospital.

The location of Arlington Heights offers great access to major thoroughfares making travel convenient to nearby suburbs as well as to Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. The Downtown train station is Metra’s busiest commuter stop on the Northwest rail line. The train station is the hub of a transit-oriented, pedestrian friendly urban neighborhood where commuters working in Chicago can live a short walk from the station and near shopping, restaurants, entertainment and various parks where many events are held throughout the year.