Moving to Downers Grove, IL: What to Know Before You Buy
Downers Grove is a DuPage County village of about 50,000 people with three Metra stations on the BNSF line, a walkable downtown, and quick access to I-88 and I-355. Here is what to know before you start touring homes.
Where Downers Grove is
Downers Grove is in the western suburbs of Chicago. It was founded in 1832 by Pierce Downer and named for the grove of old bur oak trees that surrounded the settlement. The trees are still part of the village’s identity, and Downers Grove has been recognized as a Tree City USA many times.
The commute
Downers Grove has three Metra stops on the BNSF Line: Main Street, Fairview Avenue, and Belmont. The line runs into Chicago Union Station, and many trains run express, which shortens the ride. Which station you live near matters, because schedules and parking differ by stop. Main Street is the downtown station, so many buyers who want to walk to the train focus there. Check Metra’s current schedule for ride times and fares. By car, Downers Grove sits where I-88 and I-355 meet, which makes getting around the western suburbs easy.
Downtown and things to do
Downtown Downers Grove is built around the Main Street train station, with shops, restaurants, and a brewery within walking distance. The Tivoli Theatre, which opened in 1928, is one of the best known landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year the village hosts events including a downtown farmers market, free summer concerts at Fishel Park, and a Fourth of July parade. Event schedules change, so check the village and downtown websites for current dates.
Parks
The Downers Grove Park District has almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, with playgrounds, trails, ballfields, and programs for all ages. Patriots Park and Fishel Park are two you will hear about often.
Schools
Schools depend on the exact address, so verify before you make an offer. Most of Downers Grove is served by Downers Grove Grade School District 58, which runs 11 neighborhood elementary schools and two middle schools. For high school, Community High School District 99 serves the village with Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South. A few parts of the village are served by other districts, and attendance boundaries can change. Check the district’s website for the specific address you are considering, and I am always happy to check it with you.
What homes cost
Here is the current snapshot from the local MLS:
Median sale price in the last 12 months: $590,000
Typical days on market: 9
Price range for single family homes: $280,000 to $2,700,000
Price range for condos and townhomes: $130,000 to $2,250,000
Prices vary a lot by block, age of the home, and condition, so use these as a starting point and not a promise for any specific property.
Property taxes
Property taxes in DuPage County are a real part of your monthly cost, so look at the tax bill on any home you are considering, not only the price. The amount varies by taxing districts, and you can look up any address on the DuPage County website. Your bill is also affected by whether the seller currently has exemptions that may not carry over to you.
How Downers Grove compares to nearby towns
Buyers often look at Downers Grove alongside Westmont, Lisle, Clarendon Hills, and Hinsdale. Several of these are also on the BNSF line, and each has its own price range, downtown, and school districts. If you are weighing two or more, I am happy to pull the numbers side by side so you can compare on the facts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Downers Grove a good place to live?
That depends on what matters most to you. Downers Grove offers three Metra stations, a walkable downtown, a large park system, and quick highway access. The best way to decide is to spend a weekend here, walk downtown, and drive your commute at rush hour.
What is there to do in Downers Grove?
Downtown has shops, restaurants, and the historic Tivoli Theatre, plus community events throughout the year, summer concerts at Fishel Park, and parks and trails across the village.
Which Metra line serves Downers Grove?
The BNSF Line, with stops at Main Street, Fairview Avenue, and Belmont.
What county is Downers Grove in?
DuPage County, Illinois.
Thinking about buying or selling in Downers Grove?
I am an agent with Kale Realty, serving Downers Grove and the western suburbs. If you want to know what your home would sell for, I will put together a free value report using real, recent sales near you.
Nick Chiaramonte | @realtornickc | 847-567-1497
