The city of Elgin offers everything one could ask for. Our roots as a bustling city began with Elgin's founding in April 1836 and have continued to thread into the lives of today's residents, businesses and visitors.

Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago and home to over 108,000 people, we are proud of our diversity and culture. You will find exactly what you need to build a fulfilling and balanced life for yourself, your family or your business. With our close proximity to Chicago and our own amenities, Elgin provides a unique choice for residents interested in city or suburban living.

As we continue to revitalize our downtown, more people are finding Elgin offers a way of life few other suburbs provide. With a housing stock that is as diverse as the city itself, residents are sure to find a place to call home. From our four historic districts with majestic Victorian mansions to our many neighborhoods with comfortable single-family homes or townhomes, Elgin offers something for everyone.
Elgin is one of the fastest-growing communities in Kane County. Through our growth, we have maintained our independence and identity, achieving status as an award-winning All American City. Elgin's offers exceptional opportunities that include cultural arts, entertainment and recreation that are unmatched by surrounding suburbs.

"The City in the Suburbs” embodies the celebration of our past, enjoyment of the present, and the promise of tomorrow. We champion the vitality and accessibility that makes Elgin a great community to be a part of. It truly is the city in the suburbs.

Quality of Life
The strong base of arts organizations and individual artists that we have in Elgin distinguishes us from our neighbors; Elgin is fast becoming a destination for the arts. We know that this awe inspiring aspect of our community will continue to grow, attracting more and more professionals and admirers. 

In addition to the arts, more than 1,600 acres of well-equipped parks are designed to satisfy individual and family recreational desires. There are also 4,000 acres of Kane and Cook county forest preserves that offer canoeing, fishing, and equestrian trails. Residents have immediate access to the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path, numerous golf courses, wintertime skiing and ice skating, swimming and boating and a wondrous array of sports and other recreational activities and events.

Elgin includes portions of Hanover Township in Cook County and Elgin Township, Plato Township, Rutland Township, Dundee Township, and Campton Township in Kane County.