About Us

The Village of Hillcrest is a small but rapidly growing community in north-central Illinois. We are located in eastern Ogle County, near the intersections of Interstate 39 and Interstate 88. Incorporated in 1958, the village started as a small agricultural community. With a recently adopted strategy towards aggressive growth, we feel we are the best kept secret in northern Illinois. Recent annexations have more than doubled the size of the village and additional annexations will continue to expand our boundaries. Unlike some other communities, we welcome growth and look forward to receiving our new residential, commercial and industrial neighbors.

We feel that we are the ideal residential location. Commuters are pleased with our proximity to major cities. We are 30 minutes south of Rockford, Illinois and 90 minutes west of the City of Chicago. Nearby post-secondary educational institutions include Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University. Recreational activities are unlimited, with the Rock River, Castle Rock State Park and White Pines State Park nearby and Lake Michigan only two hours away. Area entertainment includes major music and sporting events at the Rockford Metro Centre and the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center, both within 30 minutes of Hillcrest. Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field, Soldier Field, the Allstate Arena, the Chicago Stadium, the Tweeter Center, the Rosemont Convention Center, McCormick Place and a host of museums are all within a two hour drive. We are in close proximity to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports and the Rockford Airport.

Commercial and industrial developers are pleased with our transportation infrastructure. Our village is bordered by Interstate 39 and is a mere 3 miles from Interstate 88. The village is dissected by Illinois Route 251, and both Route 64 and Route 38 are within one mile of our borders. Our central location in Northern Illinois makes us the logical location for distribution activities. A Union Pacific Intermodal Rail Port is within 5 miles, reducing transportation costs. Large areas of the village have been zoned for commercial use, as well as for light, medium and heavy industrial use.

The Village of Hillcrest is committed to working with residential, commercial and industrial developers. There is a low Capital Improvement Zoning Fee and there are no village imposed SSA assessments. Developers will find that the village remains receptive to the developer’s needs, consistent with existing village ordinances. The Village President and Board of Trustees, along with the Building and Zoning Director and the members of the Planning Commission work closely with developers to ensure that issues are resolved quickly and fairly, reducing unnecessary delays in construction and planning.

With our low crime rate, low tax base, affordable housing and land, educational and recreational opportunities, and genuine small town atmosphere, we think that you will agree that the Village of Hillcrest is the place to be. Stop by for a visit, we think you’ll stay.