Elgin Ranked Sixth-Best Place to Live in Illinois

U.S. News & World Report has named Elgin the sixth-best place to live in Illinois. Evaluation criteria included value, quality of life, desirability, and job market strength.

Elgin has a population of nearly 116,000. The median home price is around $280,000 while rent averages $1,200 per month. The median household income exceeds $94,000 annually.

Elgin’s job market resembles that of cities its size. It ranks as the 23rd best medium-sized city to live in the nation, 74th overall in the U.S., and 217th for retirement.

More information is available at realestate.usnews.com/places/illinois/elgin.

Registration Begins for Kids United Program

Registration is open for the Elgin Police Department’s Kids United program, running from June 22 to August 11 at Abbott Middle School, 949 Van St., Elgin.

This free program includes activities like art, sports, cooking, swimming, and life skill sessions. Available to Elgin and Elgin Township residents and U-46 students, it provides food and drop-in sessions.

Sessions run 3 to 5:30 p.m. for grades 4-6 and 6:30 to 9 p.m. for grades 7-12. Details are at elginil.gov/1441/Kids-United or contact Detective Kevin Kamenjarin at [email protected] or 224-268-5689.

Huffman Tennis Courts Closed for Renovations

The tennis courts at Huffman Park, 811 Tartans Drive, West Dundee, are temporarily closed due to surface issues. The Dundee Township Park District anticipates completion of renovations this fall, converting some areas for pickleball.

Alternate courts open at Grafelman Park, Lions Park, and Sleepy Hollow Park, with lines for pickleball available at Grafelman and Lions Parks.

Free Live Music in St. Charles

St. Charles will host STC Live!, a series of free summer music performances occurring twice weekly. Starting June 3, these events will take place at First Street Plaza and various local establishments.

Over 35 acts will perform through September 28, with shows starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. A full schedule is available at stcalliance.org/stclive.

Jenna Sawicki, Executive Director of the St. Charles Business Alliance, expressed excitement about offering these performances to the community.

Batavia to Celebrate Flag Day on June 14

Batavia’s Flag Day celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, begins at 1 p.m. on June 14.

The event features historic flags at the Batavia City Council chambers and activities at the Flag Day Monument on the Riverwalk, including musical performances and announcements of contest winners.

The event culminates with a human flag formation and the unveiling of the Liberty Education Plaza. For more details, visit flagdaymonument.com or email [email protected].