Des Plaines Apartments and Rentals

A suburb of the bustling metropolis of Chicago near O'Hare International Airport, the city of Des Plaines is nicknamed the "City of Destiny" due to its industrial development and business growth. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city is seeing a rise in population growth with more than 58,000 residents. With so many attractive amenities in town and close proximity to everything Chicago has to offer, it is easy to see why so many Illinois residents are seeking Des Plaines apartments for rent.

For centuries, the Des Plaines River Valley was occupied by Potawatomi, Ottawa and Chippewa Native Americans. It wasn't until the early 19th century, after the Treaty of Chicago was signed, when many European settlers began make the move from the East Coast into the Des Plaines prairies. Many of the city's first residents were attracted to the area because of the valley's close proximity to the Fond du Lac Railroad station that connected Chicago to Wisconsin. Although the city was originally named the "Town of Rand" after Socrates Rand, one of the city's first residents, the town formally changed its name to correspond with the Des Plaines station stop.

After the community began to see a change in population growth, the village of Des Plaines was incorporated in 1869. The access to the railroad was the main reason residents flocked to the area, but after the Industrial Revolution made its way to the Chicagoland area, many workers relocated to Des Plaines due to the city's steam-powered grist mill.

After World War II and the development of O'Hare International Airport, many Chicagoans made the move into the northern suburbs, and the Des Plaines population jumped from 9,000 to just under 50,000. With nationally acclaimed schools, a respect for the fine arts and cultural growth, it makes sense that so many residents are beginning to call Des Plaines home.

Scholars in the area commute to nearby Chicago for bachelor's and master's degrees; however, many students seeking 2-year degrees and certifications frequent Oakton Community College. With more than 1,500 continuing education courses in 80 areas of study ranging from technology to the liberal arts, educational opportunities abound right in the heart of Chicago's northern suburbs. If you are attending school in town or commuting to Chicago for your education, you may want to settle in your Des Plaines rental well before school starts so that you will have a stress-free start to the semester.

According to the city's official website, the leading industries in the area include manufacturing, wholesale trade and healthcare. The principal employers in the area are Universal Oil Products, Holy Family Hospital and Oakton Community College. Because the city is ideally located 17 miles from the Chicago Loop, several Fortune 500 companies have made their home in the area, according to the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Des Plaines residents that happen to be commuting to nearby Chicago have easy access to interstate highways and the Metra rail line.

Des Plaines is a thriving, growing community that is minutes away from one of the largest cities in the United States, so it makes sense that the cost of living index is slightly higher than the national average. According to city-data.com, the 2009 median gross rent was $931 per month. 

A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life is to visit the nearby Cook County Forest Preserve. A favorite for nature lovers, cyclists and picnickers, this park is home to a diverse group of wildlife, including bald eagles. With 16 trail systems, a nature center, horseback riding, numerous recreational activities, model airplane flying, fishing, golf and swimming, this park is an oasis for anyone wanting to get away from the jostle in the Windy City.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in Des Plaines, Ill. search for rental properties at Rent.com®.