Elmhurst

Elmhurst, Illinois is close-knit community, a college town, a defined blueprint filled in by beautiful homes with a downtown that is unmatched for miles of towns around -- all in an unbeatable locale. With great schools and beautiful large homes, Elmhurst residents love and prosper in their community.

Parks and trails maintain the cities natural beauty and provide natural greenery that the city of Chicago cannot always offer in its residential communities. Safe and productive schools maintain the Elmhurst home values and provide nurturing environments to raise a family.

Bars and restaurants provide a fun and exciting nightlife. Dining in Elmhurst offers variety and quality whether you are seeking a exquisite steakhouse, Asian cuisine, authentic Mexican, delicious Italian pasta, or the best Chicago style pizza.

Only being 16 miles from Chicago, Elmhurst residents have easy accessibility to the city’s attractions and nightlife. The Metra station and trains allow Elmhurst residents who work in Chicago an easy and traffic-free commute.

Elmhurst history is well preserved through museums and historic homes including a historic theater proud to preserve cinematic history. Events in Elmhurst draw many people to the area, including St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Memorial Day Parade, a Pet Parade, Farmer’s Market, live symphony music, and Fall Festival to celebrate Autumn and Halloween.

The beautiful homes and residences of Elmhurst draw people to the area, but its the community and organizations that keep people and families in Elmhurst a lifetime.

Location

Elmhurst is located 16 miles west of the Chicago Loop in DuPage and Cook County. The nearest expressways include I-294 which travels between Indiana and Wisconsin and I-290 which connects the far northwest suburbs to Downtown Chicago.

Commuting to Chicago from Elmhurst is about a 30 minutes drive or a 40 minute train ride on the Metra Union Pacific / West Line service.

Neighboring communities include Addison, Lombard, Villa Park, Oak Brook Terrace, Hillside, Northlake, Stone Park, Bellwood, and Oak Brook.

Information

Population (2000)
Total 42,762

White: 93.4%
Black: 0.9%
Asian: 3.7%
Hispanic: 4%
Native American: 0.1%
Other: 1.9%

Source US Census

History

In 1836, settlers came to the area now known as Elmhurst and began to build homes along the Salt Creek. Hill Cottage was built in 1843 and became an important stop on the stagecoach line between Fox Valley and Chicago. Hill Cottage still stands today in Elmhurst at the intersection of St. Charles Road and Cottage Hill Avenue.

The first settlers of Elmhurst were bilingual and divided by language; the predominantly English settled in the south and German settled in the North. In 1845, the area was first called Cottage Hill until becoming Elmhurst in 1869 and incorporated in 1882.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 brought many new residents to the area and wealthy families built their homes in Elmhurst. In the 1920’s, Elmhurst population nearly tripled, and the city began to construct new amenities, paved sidewalks, new school facilities, founding of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, and became the largest city in DuPage County.

Today, the residents of Elmhurst preserve their history through the Elmhurst Historical Museum and with preservation of buildings like the Cottage Hill Tavern, Churchville Schoolhouse, and Glos Mansion.

Real Estate

The median value of homes in Elmhurst is $209,000. 42% of residential homes were built in the 1940’s and 1950’s and 91% of homes are heated by utility gas.

Elmhurst homes for sale offer variety in style and comfort. Modestly priced single family homes can range in price from $120,000 to $250,000 featuring many comfortable ranch, brick prairie, and split level homes.

For luxury Homes in Elmhurst, prices can be on the higher end and priced up to $2,000,000. Luxurious over-sized victorian or brick homes in Elmhurst often feature wrap-around porches, fireplaces, unique layouts, cathedral ceilings, and many other stylish comforts.

One and two bedroom condos are priced for $70,000 to $300,000. The more affordable condos are simple and spacious with balconies. The more luxury condos feature hardwood floors, elevators, walk-in closets, and elegant lobbies with 24 hour security.

If looking for rentals, Elmhurst apartments are reasonable priced between small $600 one bedrooms and two bedrooms in mid-rise buildings with elevators the heart of downtown Elmhurst for $1500 monthly. Elmhurst homes for rent include beautifully maintained and spacious homes with large backyards.

Search for Elmhurst real estate.

Transportation

Elmhurst Parking is prohibited on streets between 3am and 6am. Most homes contain driveways, two or three car garages, and apartment buildings provide parking lots. Those who still need overnight parking can purchase a spot in a municipal lot by purchasing a $20 monthly permit.

Parking in the Central Business District is sometimes difficult because it is first come, first serve. Employees who work in the Central Business District can purchase parking lot spaces for a quarterly or annual fee.

Free Shopper parking in this area is limited to 3 hours and some streets are free 10 minute parking. Additional daily parking is by paybox for $1.50 - $2.00. Visit the village website or the Central Business District Parking Map for more information. All parking lots and daily coin parking is free from 5pm til midnight.

The Elmhurst Metra Station located in the Central Business District gives the residents of Elmhurst easy access to the downtown Chicago Loop and is within walking distance of Elmhurst College. The Union Pacific / West Line service provides a connection between Oglivie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and Elburn in the far West suburbs. Because the Metra station is in the Central Business District, the parking rules are the same for commuters using the Metra station.

Pace Bus Route 301 - Roosevelt Road provides easy access to the CTA Blue Line station in Forest Park, West Point Shopping Center, and Oak Brook are shopping.

Pace Bus Route 309 - Lake Street maintains travel accommodations to three area hospitals and also the CTA Green Line station in Oak Park.

Pace Bus Route 313 - St. Charles Road also provides service to the CTA Green Line station in Oak Park and additionally travels to Yorktown Shopping Center and Downer Grove.

Pace Bus Route 332 - River - York Roads and Pace Bus Route 606 - Northwest Limited both provide access to the CTA Blue Line Rosement. Route 332 also provides accommodations passengers traveling to O’Hare International Airport.

Unlike most suburbs, the Elmhurst Walk Score in the central downtown area is at 98%. Others areas of Elmhurst are more residential and score lower on the score.

Elmhurst is convenient for residents who travel by airplane often as it is located between two major airports. O’Hare International Airport is about 12 miles away and a 20 minute drive from Elmhurst. Additionally, Midway Airport is about 22 miles away and a 30 minute drive for those residing in Elmhurst..

Elmhurst transportation also includes taxi cab services such as 303 Taxi, American Taxi, and Universal Taxi. While taxis to the city can be costly, a taxi to O’Hare International Airport is under $30 and a lot cheaper than the parking prices at the airport.

Schools

Public education is a major attraction to families looking for a safe and family-friendly neighborhood. The Elmhurst school district 205 teachers average about 10.9 years of professional teaching experience and about 53% have their Master’s degree or a higher degree. Students from York Community High School average ACT scores of 23, well above national and state averages.

Public Schools: 
York Community High School (9-12) 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Bryan Middle School (6-8) 111 W. Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Churchville Middle School (6-8) 155 Victory Pkwy., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Sandburg Middle School (6-8) 345 E. St. Charles Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Edison Elementary School (K-5) 246 South Fair, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Emerson Elementary School (K-5) 400 N. West Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Field Elementary School (K-5) 295 Emroy Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Fischer Elementary School (K-5) 888 N. Wilson, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Hawthorne Elementary School (K-5) 145 Arthur, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Jackson Elementary School (PK-5) 925 Swain, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Jefferson Elementary School (K-5) 360 E. Crescent, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Lincoln Elementary School (K-5) 162 S. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Madison Early Childhood Education Center 130 W. Madison, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Private Schools:
Immaculate Conception High School (9-12) 217 Cottage Hill Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Timothy Christian School (PK-12) 188 W. Butterfield, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Immaculate Conception Grade School (PK-8) 132 Arthur, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Immanuel Lutheran School (PK-8) 148 E. 3rd Street Elmhurst, IL 60126
Visitation Catholic Grade School (PK-8) 851 S. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Elmhurst Academy 212 West Lake Street, Elmhurst, IL‎ 60126

Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of nearly 2,400 students, offers 50 undergraduate majors, four accelerated majors for adult students, 15 pre-professional programs, and nine graduate programs. 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Other nearby schools for higher education include Wheaton College, DeVry University - Addison Campus, and College of Dupage Community College.

Nightlife

Elmhurst nightlife is relaxing and family-friendly. Many of the bars and restaurants in Elmhurst offer live music, late hours, and a fun and exciting environment. For fun nightlife, residents of Elmhurst enjoy relaxing pubs, wine bars, and sports bars.

If looking for good fried food and cold draft beer, Fitz’s Pub is a great place to meet friends. The daily specials include Tuesday homemade meatloaf, Thursdays pasta plate, and Friday beer-battered fish and chips as well as plenty of daily drink specials. With a great Irish pub atmosphere, Fitz’s Pub is a local favorite nightspot. 172 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 530-0777.

Arena’s Sports Grille is the best place in Elmhurst for watching sports and enjoying good food and beer. Arena’s 48 tv’s are always tuned to the big local sports team and ESPN. The menu includes variety of delicious salads, large steaks, and over twenty burgers and sandwiches to pick from. A local lunch favorite for many residents, Arena’s provides a fun and exciting atmosphere everyday. 630 W Lake Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 832-3742.

For a good girls night out, Nail Bar is a fun group outing for pedicures and manicures. The best part is that its BYOB (bring your own booze). Nail Bar makes a good starting place for bachelorette parties or for fun girls night out. 110 W 2nd Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 834-3000.

Entertainment

Shopping is a big attraction to the West Suburbs of Chicago. Elmhurst City Centre Shopping offers a variety of shops, speciality stores, clothing boutiques, and jewelry stores. The Centre also offers dining and plenty of coffee shops for afternoon snacks.

Other Shopping centers near Elmhurst include a 15 minutes drive to Yorktown Center in neighboring Lombard or Oakbrook Shopping Center in Oak Brook about 10 minutes away. Both shopping areas includes dozen of retails stores, restaurants, and movie theaters.

In the center of downtown Elmhurst, the York Theatre is unmistakable with its large marquee and flashing sign. The theater was built in 1924, and today, it serves the city of Elmhurst in providing three cinema screens and the latest in new release Hollywood films. The York Theatre is also home to the Theatre Historical Society of America which has an exhibit with free admission on the second floor. 150 North York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 834-0675.

Other shopping in Elmhurst includes unique and small fashion boutiques. Shops like Enzee Boutique, redE Boutique, Camden Clothing Boutique, Bianca Rose, and Uptown Shop all make up the small fashion scene of Elmhurst.

Since the 1920’s, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra has brought live classical music to the Elmhurst area. Today, the orchestra is conducted by Dr. Stepehen Alltop and performs at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. 155 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 941-0202.

Restaurants

Flight 122 Wine House is a great dinner and wine place for anyone in the Elmhurst area. Fridays are the best nights to stop in at the Wine House; they have a special $5 food and wine menu on Fridays and live music. Many of the people who frequent Flight 122 enjoy the selection of speciality beers such as Dogfishhead and Three Floyds. Other good specialities at Flight 122 are the stuffed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and delicious Irish coffee and rum pastel cake. 112 W Park Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 758-0808.

Wok ‘n Fire is one of the best Pan Asian Cuisine in Elmhurst with an open kitchen and a beautifully relaxing atmosphere. Located in Downtown Elmhurst, use the free parking lot next door. Recommended dishes are the Crab Rangoon and Mongolian Steak. 108 Schiller Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 993-0888.

Every Chicago neighborhood needs a good pizza place nearby. DiLeo’s Pizzeria has authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Recommended is the eggplant parmesan and the salads which have tons of fresh veggies. 193 E Butterfield Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 782-5700.

Roberto’s Ristorante is a great authentic Italian restaurant along the Spring Road area of Elmhurst. Dining in at Roberto’s is a great place for a good pasta dish and bottle of wine but will also deliver their pizza and pasta if you prefer to eat at home. 483 S Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 279-8474.

If looking for a great breakfast cafe, Egg Harbor Cafe has one of the biggest breakfast menus and a coffee carafe at each table full of hot and fresh coffee. The cafe also offers a lunch menu with soups, salad, and sandwiches. 140 N Robert T Palmer Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 758-1010.

Festivals/Parks

Elmhurst Museums and Parks are a large attraction for people who reside in or visit the city that exhibit history, art, and culture.

With walking distance of the Metra train, the Elmhurst Art Museum is great place to spend the day. With new exhibits added each year, the museum is also a great space for small wedding receptions and other events. Every year, the art museum organizes the Elmhurst Art in the Park festival. 150 S Cottage Hill Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 834-0202.

When the Chicago winter sets in and the snow begins to fall, Mayan Adventure Waterpark is an indoor waterpark and hotel open year round and always 82 degrees. It makes for an easy vacation without the hassle of traveling out of state or airport delays. The waterpark also offers packages with discount prices for hotel rooms and Brookfield Zoo passes. The Holiday Inn Chicago-Elmhurst Hotel, 624 N York Road Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 243-5018.

The Elmhurst Park District maintains over 20 neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Of the facilities the park district preserves, Wilder Conservatory greenhouse and gardens was originally built in the late 1860’s by one of the earliest settlers in the area Seth Wadhams. The landscaping in Wilder Park reflects a city of people who are proud of the historic past and the beauty of nature.

York and Vallette Business Association hosts the annual Elmhurst Fall Fest every October. The activities include pumpkin carving, petting zoo, bean bag toss, moon jump, horse rides, and Halloween costumes are encouraged. A Safe Trick-or-Treat Discussion is also held at Safety Town Village.