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Sleepy Hollow, Illinois
Motto(s): 
"In the Heart of the Beautiful Fox River Valley"
Location of Sleepy Hollow in Kane County, Illinois
Location of Sleepy Hollow in Kane County, Illinois
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Kane
Township Dundee
Area
 • Total 2.04 sq mi (5.29 km2)
 • Land 2.02 sq mi (5.23 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2)
Elevation
745 ft (227 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,214
 • Density 1,591.88/sq mi (614.61/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
60118
Area code(s) 847 & 224
FIPS code 17-70161
GNIS feature ID 2399828
Wikimedia Commons Sleepy Hollow, Illinois

Sleepy Hollow is a small village located in Kane County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 3,214 people lived there. It's known for its beautiful natural setting.

Exploring Sleepy Hollow's Location

Sleepy Hollow is in the northeastern part of Kane County. It shares borders with the village of West Dundee to the north and east. To the south and west, it borders the city of Elgin.

How Big is Sleepy Hollow?

According to the 2010 census, Sleepy Hollow covers about 2.026 square miles (5.25 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 2 square miles (5.18 square kilometers), is land. A small part, about 0.026 square miles (0.07 square kilometers), is water.

Major Roads Nearby

Sleepy Hollow is generally surrounded by important roads. Randall Road is to its west, and Illinois Route 72 is to its north. Illinois Route 31 runs just east of the village, and Interstate 90 passes to the south.

Who Lives in Sleepy Hollow?

The number of people living in Sleepy Hollow has changed over the years.

Population Changes Over Time

The village has grown quite a bit since it was first established.

  • In 1960, there were 311 residents.
  • By 1970, the population had jumped to 1,729.
  • In 1980, it reached 2,000 people.
  • The population grew to 3,241 in 1990.
  • In 2000, it was 3,553.
  • By 2010, the population was 3,304.
  • In the most recent 2020 census, the population was 3,214.

Diversity in Sleepy Hollow (2020)

Sleepy Hollow is home to people from many different backgrounds.

  • Most residents identify as White (80.99%).
  • About 1.62% are Black or African American.
  • Asian residents make up about 2.24% of the population.
  • About 2.77% of residents identify with two or more races.
  • People of Hispanic or Latino origin make up about 12.07% of the population. This group can be of any race.

The Story of Sleepy Hollow

The village of Sleepy Hollow was built on what used to be Sleepy Hollow Farm. This farm was once owned by J. H. McNabb, who was a leader at the Bell and Howell Company.

How the Village Began

In 1953, the farm was sold to Floyd T. Falese. He hired a talented planner, Raymond W. Hazekamp, to design the new community. They created winding roads without curbs or sidewalks. This design helped keep the natural beauty of the farm and avoided cutting down trees.

Lakes and Nature

Falese also created lakes in Sleepy Hollow from natural springs. He even stocked them with fish! Lake Paula and Lake Sharon were the first lakes. Lake Ichabod was dug in 1962, and Lake Legend and Lake Jacqueline were added in 1967. Today, the village takes care of several of these lakes. In the early days, residents could even keep horses on their property. There were special paths for riding horses.

Building the Community

Falese wanted to create a special place he called "the Sleepy Hollow concept of good living." He encouraged different builders to create unique, custom-built homes. In the 1960s, many homes were Scholz Design Homes, which were built using prefabricated parts.

Becoming an Official Village

Falese sold lots in the area, which was called "Sleepy Hollow Manor." In 1958, the people living there voted to become their own village. They chose not to join West Dundee. More land was added to the village in 1958 and 1961. By 1960, Sleepy Hollow had 311 people. By 1970, it had grown to 1,729.

Early Businesses and Facilities

At first, there were only a few businesses, like the Sleepy Hollow Resort Motel (later called the Chateau Louise) and Crichton's Super Mart. In 1966, the Glen Oak Country Club opened with an outdoor pool. Later, the Sleepy Hollow Elementary School opened next to the pool.

Continued Growth

Sleepy Hollow kept growing through the 1980s and 1990s. More homes were built in the original area. Also, three other neighborhoods joined the village: Saddle Club Estates, Surrey Ridge, and The Bluffs. The village's ability to add more land to the west and south is limited by an agreement with the city of Elgin. Elgin also provides water to the village.

Village Services

Sleepy Hollow has had its own police force since the 1960s. For many years, it was led by Police Chief Larry Sabatino Jr., and a park was named in his honor.

In 2016, residents voted to increase property taxes. This was to help the village government with its costs and declining income. Voters approved a 33 percent property tax increase on March 15, 2016.

Neighborhoods in Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow has several distinct neighborhoods, often called subdivisions.

  • Deer Creek: This neighborhood started in the 1990s and features custom-built homes.
  • Saddle Club Estates: Built in the late 1980s, this area has a park, green spaces, and wooded lots. Some homes have special basements that walk out to the yard.
  • Sleepy Hollow Manor: This is the original part of Sleepy Hollow, and some lots are still available for building.
  • Surrey Ridge: This neighborhood, started in the late 1980s, includes condos, coach homes, and single-family houses.
  • The Bluffs: This is the newest neighborhood in Sleepy Hollow, offering both semi-custom and fully custom homes.

Community Gardens

Sleepy Hollow helps its residents connect through community gardens.

  • The village rents garden plots to residents who want to grow their own plants.
  • Sleepy Hollow also has a "Giving Garden." The food grown here is given to local food pantries to help people in need.
  • People who rent a garden plot are asked to volunteer their time at the Giving Garden.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sleepy Hollow (Illinois) para niños

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