Living in Downers Grove, IL
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Downers Grove, IL? Explore our complete guide to living in Downers Grove, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Approximately 22 miles west of the Windy City, Downers Grove, IL, is one of the best small towns in America, and it’s easy to see why. Residents get the best of both worlds in this DuPage County spot where entertainment and nature are woven into daily life – whether it’s catching a classic movie under the neon marquee of the Tivoli Theatre or wandering through the 150 acres of lush woods at Lyman Woods Nature Center. This village of 50,423 residents balances a high-energy social scene and incredible long-term affordability, especially compared to prices found in Chicago. Living in Downers Grove means you can soak up the best of suburban charm and modern amenities – historic Sears Craftsman homes line brick-paved streets, local boutiques thrive and the community comes together throughout the year at events like Rotary GroveFest. Whether you’re a city mover, corporate professional or growing family, Downers Grove is a serious contender for anyone hoping to put down roots somewhere that combines work and play.

Top Reasons to Move to Downers Grove, IL:

• More Bang for Your Buck: Living in Downers Grove offers incredible purchasing power compared to surrounding Chicago suburbs. Buyers can get access to spacious lot sizes, charming historic architecture and great municipal amenities at an accessible price point – the median home value in Downers Grove is $436,415. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, compared to Chicago’s city center and other suburbs, Downers Grove remains highly affordable. Paired with strong property value appreciation and a resilient local economy, it delivers exceptional long-term financial peace of mind.
• Downtown Downers Grove: Downtown Downers Grove is the true heart of the community. This historic area has everything from great restaurants to burgeoning boutiques. Residents love starting the weekend with a visit to the Downtown Downers Grove Market before grabbing a bite at The Foxtail or Pierce Tavern, then enjoying live music and a cocktail at Cadence Kitchen & Co. The Tivoli Theatre is at the center of the action, showing first-run films and live performances, and it houses an original Wurlitzer pipe organ. In the winter, stroll the streets to take in the stunning sculptures at the annual Ice Festival.
• Great Schools in the Grove: Education is a major draw for families looking to make a move to the suburbs. Served by the Downers Grove Grade School District 58 and Community High School District 99, local public schools – including Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools – rank among the best in Illinois for state test scores, college readiness and fine arts programs.
• World-Class Parks & Preserves: Downers Grove residents have plenty of places to play. One of Downers Grove’s most notable features is its dedication to preserving natural beauty. The village has an impressive network of green areas, like the scenic Lyman Woods, an urban forest preserve that nature enthusiasts are guaranteed to enjoy. In addition, the village boasts more than 600 acres of parkland managed by the Downers Grove Park District, including McCollum Park’s walking loop and sports complex and Barth Pond at Patriots Park. Hit the greens at Belmont Golf Club, a historic nine-hole course that is one of the oldest in the nation.
• Getting to the Windy City Is a Breeze: Commuting into Chicago or around the western suburbs is simple. Metra is the commuter rail system serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area, and Downers Grove is home to three Metra BNSF line stations offering lightning-fast express trains to get commuters to Chicago’s Union Station in 30 minutes or less! Drivers also have instant access to I-355, I-88 and I-55 for fast trips to O’Hare and Midway airports.