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Chicago West

Chicago West

$431,582 Average Value
$224 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

West Chicago went from a train-switching town to Chicago suburbia

When Kanye and Kim had their third child, the reveal of her name, "Chicago West," was mostly met with approval by Windy City locals, according to the Washington Post. West Chicago, on the other hand, is appreciated by those seeking a convenient suburb. "Strategically, it's a hub," Cindy Banks, RE/MAX Cornerstone owner/broker, says. "There are many areas of interest you can get to in 25, 30 minutes. It's in the center of desirable towns like Geneva, Naperville, Elmhurst and Barrington."

Banks, whose team has been in the top 10 within RE/MAX for northern Illinois since 2001, contrasts West Chicago to Westside Chicago, which is part of the city. "This is a suburb. The downtown is pretty small, really," she says. "It used to be a train-switching town, the first community established by the railroads." Within about 15 square miles, there are varying streetscapes. Downtown's wide brick sidewalks run along Main Street, which looks exactly as you'd expect an old-school Main Street to look. Historical, brick-fronted buildings have been repurposed into offices and shops. Residential areas are where suburbia kicks into gear, with the expected sidewalks, average-sized lots with well-kept yards and driveways.

Chicago West’s history is visible along its scenic streets and neighborhoods.
Chicago West’s history is visible along its scenic streets and neighborhoods.
Suburban beauty awaits in Chicago West, with tree-lined streets and welcoming homes.
Suburban beauty awaits in Chicago West, with tree-lined streets and welcoming homes.
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From historic Victorians to midcentury ranch-style homes

You'll find grand older homes around the downtown area. "We have some historic districts with Victorians and properties from the late 1800s," Banks says. Subsequent builds include architecture such as midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary and traditional styles from more recent decades. A single-family home can be as low as $150,000 for a three-bedroom of about 1,000 square feet. When you pay above $800,000, four to five bedrooms and 4,000 square feet give you plenty of room. Other options include townhouses or condos, typically about $150,000 to $250,000 for a two-bedroom unit.

Victorian-inspired homes from the 1800s add unique charm to Chicago West.
Victorian-inspired homes from the 1800s add unique charm to Chicago West.
Chicago West’s quiet streets feature well-kept homes and lush suburban landscapes.
Chicago West’s quiet streets feature well-kept homes and lush suburban landscapes.
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West Chicago Community High offers drama and journalism programs

Kids may attend public schools, including Wegner Elementary, graded C-plus by Niche; Leman Middle, graded C; and West Chicago Community High, graded A-minus. The high school is notable for its award-winning theater program, Wego Drama. The school newspaper, the Wildcat Chronicle, has been honored multiple years with national awards from the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association.

West Chicago Community High School is highly rated for academics and arts.
West Chicago Community High School is highly rated for academics and arts.
Leman Middle School in Chicago West fosters a vibrant learning community for all students.
Leman Middle School in Chicago West fosters a vibrant learning community for all students.
Wegner Elementary School in Chicago West is known for dedicated teachers and staff.
Wegner Elementary School in Chicago West is known for dedicated teachers and staff.
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Summers at Turtle Splash Water Park and Reed Keppler Park

There are plenty of activities for both kids and adults. Reed Keppler Park has much to offer, with a skate park, dog parks, sports amenities and more. Indoors at the park, the ARC Center provides a gym, track, and dance studio, among other perks. Turtle Splash Water Park is a summertime destination. It's probably the biggest water park around," Banks says. "People get season passes." More serene natural spaces await at forest preserves, whether you like hiking, fishing or just relaxing outside. Pick from preserves like West Chicago Prairie, Timber Ridge and West DuPage Woods. If you're more of a golfer, book a tee time at Prairie Landing Golf Club, which Golf Advisor rated as the no. 1 public golf course in the state. After the last round, whoever got a hole-in-one is treating for beverages at the club's McChesney's Pub & Grill.

Reed Keppler Park in Chicago West features a colorful train car for visitors.
Reed Keppler Park in Chicago West features a colorful train car for visitors.
Chicago West’s park district features the ARC Center for community activities.
Chicago West’s park district features the ARC Center for community activities.
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Family owned restaurants and diverse grocery options

When it's time to pick up groceries, options include Jewel-Osco and Carnicerias Jimenez. There are plenty of other shops for whatever your household needs, and assorted eateries to choose from. If you are craving crepes, benedicts or burgers, check out Egg Yolk Café's menu. This family owned spot has been serving breakfast and lunch since 2010.

Montri Thai is a popular spot near Chicago West for authentic cuisine.
Montri Thai is a popular spot near Chicago West for authentic cuisine.
Carnicerias Jimenez in Chicago West offers fresh ingredients and local flavors.
Carnicerias Jimenez in Chicago West offers fresh ingredients and local flavors.
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Hopping on the Main Street Metra in West Chicago

If you're planning to commute to downtown Chicago, there are options for the 40-mile trip. "The way I sell it is that from West Chicago, it's about an hour into the city," Banks says. "I can go in the morning and get back in the afternoon. The drive itself isn't horrific unless you hit the bad hours." If you decide to forgo the gas expenses and potential traffic on major roads like State route 59 and interstates 88, 290 and 355, Metra rides are available from the station on Main Street. Find a vintage or contemporary home in West Chicago, where you can stroll the historic downtown and enjoy numerous parks and nature preserves.

The Metra train connects Chicago West residents to downtown Chicago.
The Metra train connects Chicago West residents to downtown Chicago.
Chicago West is just an hour from The Loop, making downtown sunsets easily accessible.
Chicago West is just an hour from The Loop, making downtown sunsets easily accessible.
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Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Anthony Tortoriello
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Tortoriello
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

44 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chicago West US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,921
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Median Year Built
1971
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,958
On par with the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,541
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,261
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
912
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,424

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
4
Median Rent
$3,274
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,900
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,275
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,875
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,200
Median Condo Rent
$2,250
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,150

Demographics

Total Population
27,522
Median Age
38
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$86,880
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$110,911

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.8%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
29.3%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
29''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Chicago West
Oliva Escutia
Real People Realty
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