Business Environment

Twenty-five miles north of Chicago's Loop, the City of Highland Park is nestled along beautiful Lake Michigan, and near the center of the metropolitan area's most affluent residential markets. Highland Park is a thriving community with a diverse population of 32,000+, a stable economic base, low crime rate, and top-rated schools, which offers unique business opportunities in Lake County. It is easily accessible from Route 41, I-94, Tollway 294, and is served by Pace Bus and Metra, which has five local train stations on the Union Pacific North Line. From one end to the other, Highland Park's business community is diverse and growing, with retail business districts convienently located throughout the City.

Highland Park businesses enjoy the benefit of an active Office of Economic Development, Business and Economic Development Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and the Highland Park Central Business District Public/Private Economic Alliance, which together help to promote a favorable business climate and community by providing leadership for the improvement of economic, civil, cultural and social interests.

The City of Highland Park is committed to assisting entrepreneurs interested in opening a business in Highland Park. To help them through the regulatory and permit process, the Office of Economic Development staff serves as the primary local government contact and resource for businesses, providing knowledge of local market trends, the City's zoning restrictions, Highland Park's existing business mix, and up-to-date information on available commercial space.