There are many reasons people choose to relocate to a particular area. It may be for an employment opportunity, to be near family, or even to find a more fulfilling lifestyle. For the Gertz family, the decision to live in Palatine – Northwest Suburbs – came down to these three important factors: great schools, great location, great people.

Stephen Gertz and his wife, Janessa, knew Palatine would be a great place to raise a family and moved to the area soon after their son, Jimmy, was born. Janessa grew up in the area (Mount Prospect) and graduated from Hersey High School. Stephen is originally from Waukegan and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago. Janessa graduated from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design. Before tying the knot, the couple lived in the city in the Andersonville neighborhood where they started their own interior-design business: Milieu Interior Design.  

They both agreed that they wanted a quiet community to raise their family in as opposed to living in Chicago. "We love this area because it is sandwiched in between busier areas, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights, yet offers a quiet but exciting city itself." Janessa's childhood home backed up to a huge park in Mount Prospect. "We knew we wanted to be close to great parks in Palatine, and we think we found the perfect area to be nestled in." Palatine was a natural fit.

When it comes to family activities, Palatine offers just about everything parents and kids want. With a toddler (Jimmy, 2), the Gertzes spend many weekends strolling throughout the neighborhood. "Jimmy is eager to explore, and we love meeting our neighbors. We have the best neighbors! We enjoy our walkability to Twin Lakes, Grealish parks and bike paths. We are a few short exits from being in Schaumburg and just down the street from Arlington Heights. It's easy to get around on Palatine Road, and we're a stone's throw from 53." 

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, they might take advantage of the activities at the library. Jimmy loves to read. 

When it’s just the grown-ups, Stephen and Janessa love dinner parties at home in their large backyard as well as gatherings at some of their favorite dining spots, such as the Palm Court Durty Nellies and Rocco Vino's on the Lake. They find that Palatine and the entire Northwest Suburbs offer a lot of options. 

For those new to the area, or just visiting, Stephen and Janessa have several recommendations. “Lake Geneva is worth the drive and an overnight stay. Walks around Twin Lakes are a family favorite thing to do, and we try to every chance we can get."

Even with all the options for entertainment in Palatine, the Gertz family agrees that newcomers will feel most “like a local” visiting some of the top-notch restaurants. “We can sit there and enjoy a great meal with the family, surrounded by friends. In the warmer months, we love dining outside at Arlington Alfresco. Shout out to our friend Terry at TTOWA!"

If you're looking to get involved or volunteer, they highly recommend you check out the good work of not-for-profit WINGS Program. They agree that it's a great resource for women and children affected by domestic violence, and they donate to them as often as they can.  

Even though there are times when they miss not living in the city, they both agree that they’ve made some amazing friends in Palatine and the entire Northwest Suburbs. They’ve made Palatine their home for the past two and a half years.