@properties: Arlington Heights

With all the amenities and conveniences you would expect to find in larger urban settings, Arlington Heights gives most cities a run for their money.

Located 25 miles northwest of Chicago, the community has a vibrant downtown area, theaters, restaurants, shopping, parks, recreation, and two commuter train stations. It's no wonder Arlington Heights tops the list of the highest-populated villages in the country.

Arlington Heights is home to more than 200 restaurants, many situated in its downtown area and offering something for every taste.

The village hosts outdoor festivals, parades, and its ever-popular Frontier Days. Residents have plenty of bike paths, picnic areas, golf courses, lakefront paths, and more to enjoy. And of course there's the Arlington Park Racetrack, where in addition to the action on the track and in the grandstands, there's live entertainment, dancing, and picnicking on the grounds.

Commuting downtown is a convenient 30-minute trip with two Metra stations offering direct access to Chicago's Ogilvie Station. The village also has direct access to I-90 as well as Route 53, which links to several interstates.