Moving to Lombard, IL: What to Know Before You Buy
Thinking about moving to Lombard, Illinois? Here is what to know about the Metra commute, parks, school districts, and home prices from a local agent.
If you are thinking about moving to Lombard, here is the short version. It is a DuPage County village of about 44,000 people, roughly 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, with a Metra station in the center of town, one of the region's best known gardens, Yorktown Center for shopping, and easy access to I-88 and I-355. Below is what to know before you start touring homes.
Where Lombard is
Lombard sits in DuPage County in the western suburbs, with Addison to the north, Villa Park to the east, Downers Grove to the south, and Glen Ellyn to the west. It was incorporated in 1869, and the downtown area still has a small town feel with shops, restaurants, and the library close to the train.
The commute
Lombard is on Metra's Union Pacific West Line, with the station right downtown. The ride to Ogilvie Transportation Center runs about 40 minutes on many trains, and Lombard is in Metra's zone 3 for fares. Always check Metra's current schedule and fares before you rely on a specific train. If you drive, I-88 and I-355 are both close, along with Routes 53, 56, and 64.
Parks and things to do
Lombard is nicknamed the Lilac Village because of Lilacia Park, an 8.5 acre garden next to the train station with more than 200 varieties of lilacs and 50 varieties of tulips. Each May, the village hosts Lilac Time, a festival with a parade down Main Street. The Illinois Prairie Path also runs through town, which makes walking and biking easy. Right next to the park you will find the Helen Plum Library and a handful of local restaurants.
Shopping and dining
Lombard is home to Yorktown Center, a large enclosed shopping center near Butterfield Road that first opened in 1968. It is anchored by Von Maur and JCPenney and includes an 18 screen dine in AMC theater, along with restaurants and everyday shops, so many errands and weekend plans are close to home. Downtown Lombard adds smaller local shops and restaurants near the train station.
Schools
Schools are one of the most common questions I get, and the honest answer is that it depends on the exact address. Lombard is served by six elementary school districts, including Lombard School District 44, and two high school districts. Many Lombard high school students attend Glenbard Township High School District 87, which is shared with Glen Ellyn. Two homes a few blocks apart can be in different districts, so before you fall in love with a house, verify the district for that specific address on the district's own website. I am always happy to check it with you.
What homes cost
Here is the current snapshot from the local MLS(2026):
Median sale price in the last 12 months: $427,000
Typical days on market: 7 days
Price range for single family homes: $255,000 to $1,575,000
Price range for condos and townhomes: $125,000 to $555,000
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 Lombard compares to nearby towns
Buyers often look at Lombard alongside Villa Park, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, and Addison. Each has its own train station or highway access, price range, and feel. 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 Lombard a good place to live?
That depends on what matters most to you. Lombard offers a Metra station, a strong park system, a walkable downtown, 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 Lombard?
Lombard has Lilacia Park and the annual Lilac Time festival, the Illinois Prairie Path for walking and biking, downtown shops and restaurants, and Yorktown Center for shopping, dining, and movies.
How far is Lombard from Chicago?
About 20 miles west of downtown by train. Drive time varies widely with traffic.
What county is Lombard in?
DuPage County, Illinois.
Thinking about buying or selling in Lombard?
Nick Chiaramonte | Kale Realty | @realtornickc | 847-567-1497
