Perhaps best known for its local attraction Woodfield Mall, which welcomes more than 27 million shoppers each year, Schaumburg is a bustling community that serves as the commercial hub of Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Home to many large retail chains such as IKEA and Medieval Times, Schaumburg is the state’s second-largest retail center. It is also a major employer, with corporate offices for Fortune 500 companies like Motorola, Xerox, Verizon, and Navistar. Baseball fans can watch a Schaumburg Boomers game at Alexian Field, catch a concert at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, or go for a hike at the Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary. In addition to its wealth of retail and commercial amenities, Schaumburg’s combination of good schools and affordable housing make it a great place to live, work and raise a family. Schaumburg is located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Schaumburg has a stop on Metra’s Milwaukee District/West Line, which runs between Elgin and Union Station in downtown Chicago. For travel by car, Schaumburg is ideally located at the intersection of I-90 and I-290, and just north of the Elgin-O’Hare Expressway. Since 1970, Schaumburg’s Septemberfest has entertained area residents and visitors alike. The event features live music, food, and the naming of a Miss Septemberfest. The Prairie Arts Festival, held over Memorial Day weekend, features the work of more than 150 painters, sculptors, and other artists. Entertainment includes live music on three stages, a food court and children’s activities. The Schaumburg Park District features more than 70 parks and recreation areas, as well.