WELCOME TO WEST CHICAGO
About West Chicago
Located in the Western Suburbs along Illinois Route 59, the City of West Chicago is a community on the western edge of DuPage County that borders Illinois’ Tri-City area, and is best known for its historical significance as the first Illinois community established by the railroads.
West Chicago boasts open green spaces and connections to trails systems such as the Illinois Prairie Path as well as unique artistic features including a community art gallery and an annual art banner exhibit held in the historic downtown area.
Location
The City of West Chicago is 32 miles from downtown Chicago, and has easy access to major Illinois highways and roads. Stretching east to west is IL Route 38 and IL Route 64 which both converge on I-355 and I-294; stretching north and south is IL Route 59 which runs directly into I-88, and further south into I-55 and I-80.
Community Demographics
According to Niche.com, the City carries an overall grade of B+ with high marks in the areas of nightlife, diversity, outdoor activities, public schools, good for families, jobs, cost of living, health and fitness, and overall commute.
Real Estate
The City’s median home value is approximately $249,500, which is above the national average of $217,500, and the median rent in the City is approximately $1,083 which is slightly above the national average of $1,062. In comparison, 68% of the City’s residents own their residences as opposed to 32% who rent.
Income
The Median household income in West Chicago is $78,116, which is above the national average of $62,843.
Diversity
The City is ranked #34 of 363 communities with regards to suburban diversity; is #53 of 637 communities within the realm of most diverse places to live in Illinois; and ranks #125 of 363 suburbs for young professionals in Illinois.
Age
52% of the City’s residents are 34 years and under; 27% are between the ages of 35 and 54; and 21% is over the age of 55.
Education
10% of the City’s residents have a Master’s degree or higher; 18% have a Bachelor’s degree; 22% have some college, or an Associate’s degree; and 26% have a high school diploma or equivalent.
U.S Census Data
For full demographics information, please visit the U.S. Census Bureau website to see a West Chicago Data Dashboard.
Schools
Parks and Recreation
West Chicago Park District
The West Chicago Park District oversees more than 390 acres of parkland divided into 13 park sites, which includes the 125-acre Reed-Keppler Park. Reed-Keppler Park has two playgrounds, several athletic fields, a skate park, a two-acre dog park, the 25-acre Dyer Nature Sanctuary, and the Turtle Splash Family Aquatic Center.
West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve
The West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve contains over 600 species of native plants and animals within the 358-acre region that is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. West Chicago Prairie contains no large picnic areas or fishing lakes, unlike other forest preserves, so visitors are able to enjoy the area in its natural state.
In 2009, the Forest Preserve District noted that a Bur Oak tree in the West Chicago Prairie dates back to 1777, making it the oldest tree throughout all the DuPage County Forest Preserves.
More information about the West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve can be found on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s website.
Illinois Prairie Path
The 61 mile long Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail that runs through Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties throughout northeastern Illinois. The recreational nature trail system is a frequent favorite of cyclists and hikers as it winds through many communities including the City of West Chicago and its historic downtown.
More information about the Illinois Prairie Path can be found on the Illinois Prairie Path website.
Additional Recreation Information
- Blackwell Forest Preserve
- Fermilab Natural Areas
- Great Western Trail
- Illinois Prairie Path
- Kline Creek Farm
- Kruse House Museum
- Prairie Landing Golf Club
- Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve
- Reed-Keppler Park
- St. Andrews Golf and Country Club
- Turtle Splash Aquatics Center
- West Chicago Prairie
- West DuPage Woods
Public Transportation
Train
Commuter rail transportation is available through West Chicago’s Metra station, located at 580 W. Main Street.
Visit the Metra website for more information.
Aviation
DuPage Airport (DPA) and Flight Center, is located within West Chicago. It is only 1 hour from the heart of Chicago and within minutes of western Chicago’s major commercial centers, and is one of North America’s premier business aviation facilities and the destination for your corporate and private aviation needs.
Visit the DuPage Airport Authority website for more information.