West Chicago, Illinois
West Chicago sits exactly where it sounds—west of Chicago—32 miles from downtown to be exact. With above-average public schools, many restaurants, and a suburban feel, it’s a prime choice for families who don’t want to be in the center of Chicago itself.
Ranked No. 9 on Fortune’s 2022 list, the city’s claim to fame is that it was the first community in Illinois to be established by the railroads. The West Chicago City Museum showcases the town’s rich railroad history as well as the arts.
The city loves a good festival to celebrate the seasons: Take your pick from the Blooming Fest, Food Festival, and Frosty Fest. It’s also home to two farms: Kline Creek Farm and Sonny Acres, the latter of which is perfect for pumpkin-picking come fall.
Nature lovers will take to West Chicago’s many green spaces. The West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve prohibits activities like picnics or fishing; instead, visitors can take peaceful walks soaking up ecosystems rich in 600 species of native plants and animals. Reed-Keppler Park has a 25-acre nature sanctuary, but offers a more active vibe with athletic fields, a dog park, playgrounds, and an aquatic center. Residents can also improve their wellness with the help of Healthy West Chicago, which hosts community cooking classes, family wellness walks, and an annual 5K run.
While the housing market in the area is competitive, the median listing price is $347,457, per Attom, which is on the lower middle end of housing markets on this list.
- StateIllinois
- CountyDuPage
- Population25,018
West Chicago sits exactly where it sounds—west of Chicago—32 miles from downtown to be exact. With above-average public schools, many restaurants, and a suburban feel, it’s a prime choice for families who don’t want to be in the center of Chicago itself.
Ranked No. 9 on Fortune’s 2022 list, the city’s claim to fame is that it was the first community in Illinois to be established by the railroads. The West Chicago City Museum showcases the town’s rich railroad history as well as the arts.
The city loves a good festival to celebrate the seasons: Take your pick from the Blooming Fest, Food Festival, and Frosty Fest. It’s also home to two farms: Kline Creek Farm and Sonny Acres, the latter of which is perfect for pumpkin-picking come fall.
Nature lovers will take to West Chicago’s many green spaces. The West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve prohibits activities like picnics or fishing; instead, visitors can take peaceful walks soaking up ecosystems rich in 600 species of native plants and animals. Reed-Keppler Park has a 25-acre nature sanctuary, but offers a more active vibe with athletic fields, a dog park, playgrounds, and an aquatic center. Residents can also improve their wellness with the help of Healthy West Chicago, which hosts community cooking classes, family wellness walks, and an annual 5K run.
While the housing market in the area is competitive, the median listing price is $347,457, per Attom, which is on the lower middle end of housing markets on this list.
Town Information
| Median sale price for single family residences (2022) | $347,457 |
| Median household income | $100,498 |
| Racial and ethnic makeup of current residents | Asian: 7.2%, Black: 2.7%, Hispanic: 52.8%, White: 41.7% |
| Racial and ethnic makeup of U.S. | Asian: 5.9%, Black: 12.3%, Hispanic: 19.7%, White: 61.2% |
| High school district graduation rate (averages of districts were applied when necessary) | 95.33% |
| Number of hospitals within 25 miles recommended by over 50% of patients | 25 |
| Number of above-average nursing homes within 50 miles, per 100,000 households | 30 |
| Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score (out of 100) | 74 |
| Financial Well-Being Index Score (out of 100) | 65 |