Palm Beach, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Palm Beach, Illinois
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 Palm Beach, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Palm Beach, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Illinois |
| County |  Lake McHenry |
| Townships | Grant, McHenry |
| Elevation | 229 m (751 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 815 & 779 |
| GNIS feature ID | 415309 |
Palm Beach is a small place in northern Illinois, United States. It's not a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of a larger county, not a separate town.
Palm Beach is located in two different counties: Lake County and McHenry County. It sits right at the southern edge of a large body of water called Pistakee Lake.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live that doesn't have its own official local government. Unlike a city or town, it doesn't have a mayor or its own police department. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads and law enforcement.
How Unincorporated Areas Work
When you live in an unincorporated area, the county provides most of the public services. This can include things like fire protection, water, and trash collection. Decisions about the area are made by the county board or similar county officials.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many communities start small and grow over time. Some choose to remain unincorporated because they prefer fewer local rules. Others might be too small to form their own government. Being unincorporated can also mean lower taxes, as there isn't a separate town government to fund.
Palm Beach's Location
Palm Beach is found in the northern part of Illinois. This area is known for its beautiful lakes and natural spaces. Being located on Pistakee Lake means residents can enjoy many water activities.
Lake County, Illinois
Lake County, Illinois is one of the two counties Palm Beach is in. It's located north of Chicago and is known for its many lakes. The county offers parks, forest preserves, and various recreational opportunities.
McHenry County, Illinois
The other county that Palm Beach is part of is McHenry County, Illinois. This county is to the west of Lake County. It has a mix of suburban areas and rural landscapes, including farms and natural areas.
Pistakee Lake and the Chain O'Lakes
Pistakee Lake is a significant feature near Palm Beach. It's part of the Chain O'Lakes, a system of 15 interconnected lakes. This area is very popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake provides a scenic backdrop for the community.
