Community Information: CTCA in North Suburban Chicago
Community
Family friendly suburbia awaits you in north suburban Chicago, home to our Midwestern location.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center is located in Zion, a small town in Illinois’ Lake County (pop. 644,000). It’s less than 10 miles from Wisconsin and just off the shores of Lake Michigan. Zion and its neighboring communities have rich histories. While much of the immediate area is rural, thanks to the sprawling growth of Chicagoland, residents don’t have to venture far for a diverse offering of shopping, dining, sports, arts, and entertainment.
Commuting
CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center is accessible by train. Some of our employees travel to work on Metra’s Union Pacific District North Line. Metra runs trains daily to and from downtown Chicago, stopping in several north suburbs along the way.
Furthermore, because Zion is situated in Chicago’s far north suburbs, it tends to have less traffic congestion than the majority of the city’s suburbs. It’s also approximately eight miles east of one of the area’s major expressways, Interstate 94.
Housing
The prestige of Chicago’s North Shore communities (e.g., Lake Forest, Highland Park, Winnetka) attracts many to the area. By working in Zion, you’re within 15 to 35 miles of these affluent suburbs, most of which are stops along Metra’s train line. You’ll discover beautiful tree-lined streets and grand mansions with lavish lawns throughout the North Shore.
Evanston, one of the most culturally diverse communities on the North Shore, offers both stately, older homes and affordable condos.
Southwest of Zion are the villages of Gurnee and Libertyville. The continually growing suburb of Gurnee is considered the entertainment mecca of Lake County, with both Gurnee Mills Mall and Six Flags Great America in its confines. The historic charm of Libertyville, with its picturesque downtown, catches the eyes of many shopping for a home. Both Gurnee and Libertyville offer impressive homes in multiple price ranges.
If urban decadence suits your taste more than suburban comfort, you’ll find plenty of upscale condos, lofts and apartments in Downtown Chicago (e.g., the Loop, Gold Coast, River North) and the city’s north side neighborhoods (e.g., Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town).
Schools
The school districts in Chicago’s North Shore communities have long been considered among the best in the country. Some of Chicago's public high schools also made U.S. News & World Report's 2008 list of “America's Best High Schools” (e.g., Northside College Preparatory, Payton College Preparatory, Lincoln Park).
Nationally acclaimed universities in Chicago and Milwaukee include:
- Northwestern University
- Marquette University
- The University of Chicago
- DePaul University
- Loyola University
Area Entertainment/Culture/Shopping/Sports
Imagine spending your weekends taking in Chicago’s many museums, neighborhood festivals and heavenly delicacies (e.g., deep dish pizza). From boating on Lake Michigan to catching a show at a historic theater, Chicago, its numerous suburbs and Milwaukee offer infinite possibilities to keep you busy every weekend. Included below are a few suggested adventures.
Local fare
- Hunt for bargains at Gurnee Mills Mall, a sprawling shopper's paradise showcasing 200 retailers.
- Rocket through several, daredevil coasters, slip slide away in a huge water park and enjoy endless summer fun at Six Flags Great America.
- Feast on a picnic and listen to music as you gaze upon the stars at Ravinia, Greater Chicago’s premier outdoor concert venue.
- Wander through the Chicago Botanic Garden, a gorgeous 385-acre spread of 23 display gardens and three native habitats.
Big city escapes
Chicago
- Spend a day perusing some of the most fascinating and celebrated museums in the United States (tour The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium).
- Root for Chicago’s legendary sports teams in their hometown palaces (see the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Bears at Soldier Field, the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, and the Bulls at the United Center).
- Pick up tickets to a hot show, such as any of the Broadway in Chicago productions or a play at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf or Goodman theaters.
- Enjoy a night of side-splitting laughter at Chicago’s famed Second City.
Milwaukee
- Explore one of the best zoos in the country: the Milwaukee County Zoo.
- Visit the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum, an architectural marvel featuring 20,000 works of art.
