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Location/Transportation

The City of Sycamore is located within North Central Illinois, in DeKalb County, for which it has served as the county seat since 1839. The east branch of the Kishwaukee River (formerly known as the Sycamore River) runs through the city, and DeKalb, home to Northern Illinois University, is a little less than six miles to the southwest. The city is positioned approximately 58 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford—two of the largest cities in the northern half of the state. Conveniently placed, outside of the tightly packed suburbs west of Chicago, Sycamore has both atmosphere and accessibility to offer its residents. In addition, its proximity to large cities and a college town allows residents ample opportunity to sample a wide variety of cultural events.

Sycamore is served by three major highways: Illinois 23, 38 and 64. It also has easy access to three interstate highways: I-88, I-90 and I-39. Although there are many highways nearby, traffic eludes the city itself, and residents are more than a little pleased to do without the gridlock and traffic jams that plague many vibrant Illinois towns. Within the 5.57-square-mile area that makes up the City of Sycamore, there is enough room for everyone.

The nearest public airport is the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB) in DeKalb—a very short drive from Sycamore. O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport are the closest commercial airports and are also located within a reasonable distance.

In November 2007, Sycamore introduced the new “Blue Line,” a flexible bus system that was designed to address the need for easy-access transportation for residents in the area. This new option came about through a partnership between the City of Sycamore and the Voluntary Action Center. Tom Zucker, the Executive Director of the Center, says, “The mission of our agency is to meet the mobility needs of the residents of the county.” The Blue Line was developed in response to that, and Zucker notes, “It benefits many people in the community in an efficient, cost-effective and traditional way.”

From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, the bus runs along a route traveling as far south as Market Square Plaza. Stops include the post office, library, high school, several apartment complexes and more. The route repeats hourly and begins at the Civic Apartments, which are located on Grant Street, behind the Sycamore Police Department. The bus runs a loop around the city and ends where it began, starting over again. Flexibility in the route is accommodated whenever possible (so long as it is safe). Passengers can choose to get on or off along the way at a place that is not marked as one of the 29 stops on the line. The cost is 50 cents for a one-way ride, with multiple ride passes available at a discounted rate as well.

The new bus route makes traveling within town a snap for residents and visitors alike. In addition, the combined easy access to highways and major airports allows for people to stay connected while still retaining their space. The City of Sycamore has found a great niche for itself—it continues to grow at a healthy rate and yet still manages to retain a non-crowded, friendly small-town atmosphere in northern Illinois.