Crete was settled in the 1840s, a little more than two decades after Illinois became a state. In the intervening 150 years, the village developed its own unique charm and grace, born of its rural setting, amid pleasant farms, lush woodlands, and placid lakes.

Paradoxically, its distinctive charm has attracted increasing numbers of new businesses and splendid new homes. In the last decade, the village grew by 25 percent, with the result that village fathers have now framed a plan for controlling community growth.

Among the amenities that make Crete attractive to residents and visitors, alike, are its distinctive old and new homes, harness racing at Balmoral Park, its quaint downtown antique shops, and the six 18-hole golf courses in its immediate area. Crete families enjoy camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing in Goodenow Grove Forest Preserve, fishing on the area's lakes, and horseback riding in the glorious countryside.

Parents have a choice of excellent public or private schools. Prairie State College and Governors State University are only minutes away. And, village residents have easy access to five major hospitals in the area.

Four interstate highways and commuter train service are conveniently near the village. However, it's a 25-mile drive to Midway Airport and a 50-mile drive to O'Hare International.