East Plainfield

The village of Plainfield is situated about 35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago and has a population of nearly 45,000 people. East Plainfield is a thriving suburban community that offers a combination of small-town charm and convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of the greater Chicago area.

“The downtown area is really nice, and they host weekly events in the summer,” says Michell Lukasik, broker with RE/MAX Professionals. “Residents love the small-town feel and that they’re not far from Chicago and nearby suburbs.”

Home prices in East Plainfield range from $270,000 to $850,000, and you’ll find a mix of starter homes, mid-level homes and end homes. For $270,000, you can get a two-bed, one-bath ranch-style home with a large front yard and front patio deck, on a quiet, tree-lined street. For $525,000, you could potentially land a four-bed, three-bath custom home, built in 2002, in the Spangler’s Farm subdivision, with an attached three-car garage. In fact, the homes in Spangler’s Farm are a short drive from Lake Renwick Preserve. If you appreciate your space, for $850,000, you can get an eight-bed, five-bath, all-brick custom home, built in 2008, with a three-car garage. Additionally, most homes in East Plainfield feature front and back yards on quiet residential streets.

While several pocket parks are spread throughout East Plainfield, the largest outdoor attraction is Lake Renwick Preserve. The 839-acre preserve protects a 200-acre wide lake, with associated wetlands, and has several trails for hiking and biking in the summer, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The preserve is home to nesting herons, egrets and cormorants. When nesting season ends, you can spot bald eagles, American white pelicans and hundreds of winter waterfowl. The preserve is also home to various plant species, including large-leaved pondweed and water stargrass. Due to the sensitivity of the site’s natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve. Just southwest of Plainfield Central High School is Gregory B Bott Park, which has 58 acres of sports fields, concessions, restrooms, trails and a skate park.

Plainfield Central High School was ranked the eighth-best public high school in Will County, according to Niche, and received an A-minus grade. The school offers a wide variety of academic, athletic and fine arts activities along with a variety of clubs and service opportunities that provide students with multiple avenues to explore their interests and talents and enhance their leadership skills. Popular clubs include gardening, French Culture and Esports. Central Elementary School is just to the southeast and is an above-average public school, according to Niche. The school aims to inspire students to strive for a deeper understanding of concepts by nurturing their curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills. St. Mary Immaculate Parish School is a private K-8 school, offering a faith-based education for students.

For everyday grocery shopping, you’ll have to drive south down Old Route 66 to find Jewel-Osco, ALDI and Tony’s Fresh Market. Tischler’s Market is a family-owned and operated meat market and deli, serving the neighborhood since 2004. The market offers all-natural meats, choice and prime steaks, fresh fish and seafood and top-quality deli meats and cheeses. When you’d rather eat out, there are several restaurants to check out in the cute little downtown area, just off of Lockport Street. Moe Joe’s is a New Orleans-themed restaurant serving up Cajun-Caribbean dishes with a horseshoe bar. Make sure to order their famous corn-crusted alligator tail. HopScotch & Vine is a cozy, upscale restaurant that features a broad New American menu, cocktails, wine and seasonal outdoor seating. Try the peanut butter and jelly stuffed hamburger if you're feeling adventurous.

With its cute downtown area, local shops and restaurants, great schools and various parks, East Plainfield has something for everyone.

Written By

Michael Boothby

Photography Contributed By

Justin Schmidt

Video By

Celeste Thoms