Woodridge

Woodridge has become one of Chicago’s best suburbs for raising a family, purchasing a home, finding a job, and going out after work-essentially, everything. With a low crime rate and high property values, Woodridge schools remain effective and nurturing through all grade levels.

And the community’s location is perfect for anyone looking to still commute to Chicago for work and entertainment and also wanting to live in a safe and cozy suburb.

Today, newer homes and subdivisions being developed add variety to the Woodridge homes for sale and condos and apartments are making living in Woodridge affordable for those not purchasing a home.

Both Metra trains and Pace buses provide public transportation to other nearby suburbs as well as the Downtown Chicago Loop. Entertainment in Woodridge includes shopping, bars, pubs, fine dining, and Hollywood Blvd, one of the first full-service dinner and a movie theater, now with a second location in Naperville.

The Woodridge Park District keeps the community active and beautiful for all of its residents. Not to mention, Woodridge is also heralded as one of the best west suburbs in Chicago and a great place to live and relax. Click here for more

Location

Woodridge is located in the west suburbs of Chicago about 30 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop. Woodridge is primarily located in DuPage County with some small areas in Will County and Cook County.

Nearby suburbs and communities include Naperville, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Darien, Lisle, and Lemont.

Woodridge is located west of Interstate 355 which travels north and south through the west suburbs of Chicago. I-355 connects to other major expressways like Interstate 80, Regan Memorial Highway (I-88), Stevenson Expressway (I-55), and more.

Information

Population (2000)
Total 30,934

White 75.3%
Black 8%
Asian 11.3%
Hispanic 9.2%
Other 5.4%

Source US Census

History

Native Americans lived in the area until the 1830’s when the Black Hawk War forced the removal of tribes near Chicago. Vermont farmer Pomeroy Goodrich settled the area before Native American tribes moved west and was able to coexist with the tribes.

In 1841, New Yorker William Greene established one of the first farms near Greene and Hobson roads. After Greene’s farm was established, many German-speaking farmers settled the area after moving from Alsace-Lorraine region of France.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s and after the end of World War II that Woodridge experienced a large population growth. New home constructions and business developments also coincided with the improvement and addition of many Chicago area expressways and tollways.

The location of the DuPage River created a ridge that overlooked many wooded area and helped form the name Woodridge. The GI Bill made it possible for a lot of veterans to purchase homes in the newly developed suburb.

In 1959, Woodridge was officially incorporated with a population of 459 residents. By 2000, Woodridge established a park district, well maintained roads, school district, and many other services for the over 30,000 residents now calling Woodridge their home.

Real Estate

Woodridge homes for sale can range in list price anywhere between $125,000 and $900,000. According to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, the median value of homes in Woodridge is $271,500.

Single family residences in Woodridge includes ranch, raised split level, raised ranch, and larger stone and brick homes. This includes many remodeled or newly constructed homes with large yard, fireplaces, unique accents, and newer appliances.

Woodridge condos have a list price of $40,000 to $300,000. Many condos are in small brick building or large modern high to mid rise glass buildings.

Woodridge townhouses can be listed for anywhere between $65,000 and $340,000. This includes smaller more affordable homes and newer construction in nicely maintained residential subdivisions.

If not looking to purchase a home, Woodridge apartments and rental properties are a good option to consider. Apartments rent for anywhere from $800 to $2,000 a month. Many luxury condos are for rent, and Woodridge rental prices are more affordable than other West suburbs.

Transportation

Woodridge parking is very convenient and plentiful unlike some Chicago neighborhoods. Street parking in Woodridge is prohibited between from 2am to 6am. Overnight parking is allowed for visitors one night at a time by calling the Police Department at (630) 968-2866 or visit Woodridge Parking Information.

Commuter trains provide residents in Woodridge public transportation. The Metra BNSF Railway Trains are commuter trains that connect Aurora to the downtown Loop and Chicago Union Station.

The nearest Metra Station is Belmont Metra Station in neighboring Downers Grove. The station is very close with buses that connect residential areas to the station. Parking is also available for a daily fee.

Pace Bus Route 821 – IL 53-83rd street – Belmont Metra Station provides transportation to and from the Metra Station for both Downers Grove and Woodridge residents. Other popular stops include the Woodridge Club, Community Center, and Village Hall.

For access to Joliet, Pace Bus Route 834 – Joliet-Downers Grove connects Downers Grove and Woodridge to the Central Business District of Joliet including stops at Good Samaritan Hospital, Yorktown Shopping Center, Lewis University, and Downers Grove Metra Station.

Pace Bus Route 825 – Central Bolingbrook-Lisle offers bus service between the Lisle Metra Station and the Canterbury Park n Ride commuter lot in Bolingbrook. The Park n Ride location is a good connection to the Pace Bus Route 855 – Plainfield-East Loop Express and a fast commute to downtown Chicago.

The average Woodridge Walkscore is a lower 49% making this suburban community relatively car-dependent. With some public transportation like buses or living within walking distance of Metra, some residents can manage without owning a car.

Bolingbrook Taxi, No Limits Taxi, and Air Born Taxi are just some of the taxi cab services offered in the southwest suburbs and Bolingbrook area. Taxi are fast and convenient for trips to the airport or when the car is being repaired and need to get around town fast.

Schools

Woodridge schools include many nearby colleges and universities that give community educational opportunities to high school graduates or adults looking for continuing education courses. The area is served by Woodridge School District 68 and Community High School District 99.

Colleges/Universities:
Benedictine University 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532
North Central College 30 N Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540
College of DuPage 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Wheaton College 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187

Woodridge Public Schools:
Edgewood Elementary School (K-6) 7900 Woodridge Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
Goodrich Elementary School (K-6) 3450 Hobson Road, Woodridge, IL 60517
Meadowview Elementary School (PK-6) 2525 Mitchell Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
John L. Sipley Elementary School (K-6) 2806 83rd Street, Woodridge, IL 60517
Willow Creek Elementary School (K-6) 2901 Jackson Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517
William F. Murphy Elementary School (K-6) 7700 Larchwood Lane, Woodridge, IL 60517
Jefferson Junior High School (7-8) 7200 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL 60517
Downer’s Grove North High School (9-12) 4436 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Downer’s Grove South High School (9-12) 1436 Norfolk Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516
Lemont High School (9-12) 800 Porter Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Naperville North High School (9-12) 899 North Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60563

Woodrige Private Schools:
St. Scholastica School (K-8) 7720 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL 60517
Benet Academy (9-12) 2200 Lisle Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532
Montini Catholic High School (9-12) 19 W 070 16th Street, Lombard, IL 60148
St. Joan of Arc School (K-8) 4913 Columbia Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532

Nightlife

Cabana Charley’s Tiki Bar is half restaurant and half beach side tiki bar. They make exotic drinks that you would order on vacation and have a menu full of delicious foods like coconut shrimp, Jamaican jerk salad, Cajun club, island stuffed chicken and a lot of regular American fare dishes. Some nights, Charleys has live music, karaoke, or trivia. 6315 Main Street, Woodridge, IL 60517.

Another great local pub is Shanahan’s Pub with their full menu and bar and includes a late night pizza menu for bar patrons. Shanahan’s offers take-out and catering services. Drink specials and live music draw a young crowd and make this pub a favorite hangout. 1999 W 75th Street, Woodridge, IL 60517.

Maple Avenue Pub is a great local bar for the younger crowd in the west suburbs with daily lunch specials for only $5. Check their Facebook page for the latest events, live music, and other special events. This pub is located and Lisle and serves up bar foods and pitchers of cold draft beer. 1227 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532.

Entertainment

Woodridge shopping includes many little retail shops and a few larger department stores. Some favorite store and shopping spots include The Great Frame Up, Kohl’s, The Riding Store, You’re Invited Too, The Gap, Sports Authority, JCPenny, and Shoe Carnival. Nearby shopping malls also provide shopping and entertainment to the suburbs and are conveniently located near highways.

For great entertainment and a delicious dinner, Hollywood Blvd is a great theater where dinner is served during the movie. The lobby has a full bar and tons of Hollywood memorabilia. The menu includes delicious sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, movie theatre popcorn, candy, margaritas, buckets of beer, martini’s, and even deserts. Hollywood Blvd hosts events, celebrity signings, and the movie premieres. 1001 W 75th Street, Woodridge, IL 60517.

Cinemark Seven Bridges Movie Theater is another movie theater in Woodridge that screens all the latest new releases and includes one of the areas only IMAX theaters. The theatre features a full concession stand and is located in a shopping center with plenty of places for dinner before you movie. 6500 Route 53, Woodridge, IL 60517.

Restaurants

Woodridge restaurants and dining includes many sit-down diners, fast food restaurants, and places with take-out and delivery service included. But all the restaurants are delicious and favorites for people all over the west suburbs.

Clara’s Pasta is open for lunch, dinner, and even offers catering services with great tasting dishes. Join the online family for specials, coupons, and other one-time offers. Call for reservations as the restaurant can be busy on weekends and weeknights. Their authentic pasta’s and delicious entrees are all worth trying. 6740 Route 53, Woodridge, IL 60517.

Another place for fine dining is Jameson’s Charhouse. At Jameson’s, they have a full bar and lounge area convenient for relaxing until the table is ready and then enjoy delicious steaks with soups and appetizers. Check the wine list for a delicious red or white wine to have with your entree. 6740 Route 53, Woodridge, IL 60517.

For fast but delicious food, Doggie Diner is Woodridge’s favorite fast food joint in town. They don’t specialize in health foods, but do serve up lots of good dishes. Their menu includes a lot of everything like gyros, wraps, burgers, Chicago style hot dogs, milkshakes, fish and shrimp, deli sandwiches, plenty of side, fried ravioli, and lots more. 7536 Janes Ave, Woodridge, IL 60517 (630) 985-8008.

Blue Ginger Sushi Lounge is a great place for Sushi and Asian cuisine in Woodridge and the west suburbs. Affordable and closer then a trip to Chicago, this Sushi place is good for dining in or hosting a private dinner. Mondays have the $1 sake special or come on a Wednesday for Buy 2 Sushi Rolls and get 1 Free and $5 martini drinks. 6320 S Route 53, Woodridge, IL 60517 (630) 353-6000.

Festivals/Parks

Woodridge Park District is responsible for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces for kids and residents of all ages to have outdoor recreational spaces and programs to keep everyone engaged in the community. Woodridge Community Parks include over 40 community, schoolyard, and neighborhood parks. The park district is also responsible for athletic programs, adult fitness classes, the Woodridge Jubilee Festival, and many more activities.

For Golfing in Woodridge, Seven Bridges Golf Club is a perfect place to relax in the summertime or to have a Sunday outing on the green. The clubhouse has a pro-shop, banquet facility, restaurant, sports bar, and locker rooms. 1 Mulligan Drive, Woodridge, IL (630) 964-7777.

Seven Bridges Ice Arena has both an Olympic and NHL sized rinks as well as a turf field for football, lacrosse, baseball, and other special events. The arena is available for private parties, birthday parties, and hosts many hockey leagues for all ages.