Until 1958 the area that is now Glendale Heights was largely rural with the exception of small pockets of subdivisions, on the east side of Bloomingdale Road, north of North Avenue, Glen Ellyn Countryside had been subdivided in 1951. During 1958, Midland Enterprises, operated by Charles and Harold Reskin, bought two farms on Glen Ellyn Road, north of North Avenue. The first houses were built that year on Glen Ellyn Road and Larry Lane near Fullerton Avenue.

By early summer of 1959 with a population of 104, a petition to incorporate was circulated and filed on June 16, 1959. On July 13, 1959 the court declared the Village organized and the first election was held on August 2, 1959. The first meeting of the Village board was September 1, 1959 at the home of the newly elected Village President Anthony Larry. Though incorporated as Glendale, the name was changed to Glendale Heights in March 1960 because of a conflict with another Glendale in southern Illinois. The name chosen is appropriate for "Glendale" reflects a close geographic identity with two neighbors, Glen Ellyn to the south and Bloomingdale to the north. "Heights" describes the unique topography of the Village as it rests on two distinct elevations with a 100-foot variation.

Today Glendale Heights is a modern residential, urban community. Over the years, the Village has experienced a welcome and significant growth, both in population, and within our business community. Its landscape is dotted with ranch homes, split levels, apartments, condominiums, shopping centers, churches, industrial business parks, beautiful community and neighborhood parks, modern service facilities, and three excellent elementary school systems.

The positive influence of many improvements to the Village, including Camera Park, renovations to the Civic Center, Public Services expansion, the Armitage Ditch project, the Aquatic Park, and the large gymnasium, unmistakably echo the vibrant character and the vitality of our community. We have become an attractive, growing community, that boasts within its boundaries industrial parks, GlenOaks Hospital, and the beautiful Glendale Lakes Golf Club, owned and under management by the Village of Glendale Heights.

The current population is 31,765 as of the 2000 census, and the Village has a projected population of 32,866 by the year 2010. The Village of Glendale Heights is dedicated to maintaining its progressive atmosphere, while offering its residents superior community amenities and services that respect the concerns of residents, while striving to provide safe, viable community in which to live.