Business Week says Itasca offers best quality of life for the money

In an economy where everyone is looking to get the most for their money, Itasca residents are among the savviest spenders in Illinois, according to Business Week magazine.

The publication this week released its 2009 nationwide list of suburbs that offer residents the best quality of life for their money - and Itasca was the pick in Illinois.

Village President Claudia "Gigi" Gruber said village officials were not interviewed as part of the selection process; instead Business Week analyzed statistical data.

Factors cited in the magazine include: affordability; lifestyle factors such as short commutes, clean air, low crime, good weather and green space; school quality; and the local economy.

All the towns honored by the magazine had populations of 5,000 to 60,000. Itasca has roughly 8,600 residents.

Gruber learned of the distinction when Business Week sent an e-mail to her village office.

"I knew it all along and I'm just happy somebody else found out," she said. "It was kind of the best-kept secret. It is an honor for the village, because we are awesome and now this makes it official."

This is the third in a series of honors for Itasca. Last week the village earned the Safe Community distinction from the National Safety Council, which falls under the umbrella of the World Health Organization, for its programs that prevent injury and promote safety. Last year, Itasca earned the Governor's Home Town Award, which recognizes outstanding community volunteer programs, such as Itasca's Community Emergency Response Team.

Gruber said the recent accolades are an accumulation of years of effort by village workers, teachers, business owners and residents.

"Everyone should celebrate because it's everyone's hard work," Gruber said. "I don't want Itasca to be good and I don't want it to be good enough. I want to be great."

Business Week also cited Itasca for its historic homes, natural lakes, golf courses and average commute of about 23 minutes. Other factors that earned it the top spot include its median household income and home prices, which are $88,282 and $321,250 respectively, and its low unemployment and crime rates.