Downers Grove, IL is a medium-sized city with a thriving downtown area. Downers Grove is home to excellent public schools, parks, recreation, and a strong sense of community. Many residents say they enjoy the small town feel coupled with the amenities of a larger city. Downers Grove’s proximity to Chicago provides the best of both worlds. It’s an appealing option for families and young professionals seeking a comfortable, community-oriented suburb with plenty to do while still providing easy access to Chicago!

Location

Downers Grove, IL is located approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago in DuPage County. Downers Grove borders Westmont to the east, Darien to the southeast, Woodride to the southwest, Lisle to the west, and Oakbrook to the north. Downers Grove is bounded by Butterfield Road to the north, Fairview Avenue to the east, 75th Street to the south, and I-355 to the west. The north side of the city provides easy access to I-88 with connecting junctions to I-290 and I-294 to provide easy access to and from Chicago. 

Demographics & Population

According to Census.gov, Downers Grove, IL has a total population of 50,247 as of April 2020. The population is predominantly white at nearly 85% while Asian, Black, and Hispanic residents each account for anywhere between 3-6% of the population.

Downers Grove has a highly educated population, with close to 60% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Downers Grove is an affluent Chicago suburb with the median home price sitting around $425,000. The median annual household income is around $115,000.

Public Transportation

Downers Grove provides their residents with convenient access to public transportation. Located in downtown, Downers Grove is served directly by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Metra line that provides easy access to downtown Chicago’s Union Station. The estimated travel time from downtown Downers Grove into Union Station is approximately 49 minutes which likely makes it a lot faster than driving! 

For local transit, Downers Grove has a number of Pace bus routes that connect locations such as the public library, schools, and the downtown area. 

Schools

Downers Grove is served by Downers Grove Grade School District 58 and Community High School District 99. District 58 operates 14 elementary and middle schools. You can check out the interactive boundary map for District 58 here.

District 99 has two high schools: Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South. Both Downers Grove North & South perform well academically relative to other IL public school districts. Downers Grove North High School is particularly known statewide for its accomplished math team.

In addition to public schools, Downers Grove is home to few private schools such as Marquette Manor Baptist Academy and St. Joseph Catholic.

Top Things To Do In Downers Grove

Downers Grove is home to a lively downtown area packed with shops, restaurants, and bars all conveniently and centrally located. Here, ARG outlines the top five attractions and activities for residents!

Tivoli Theatre

The Tivoli Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Downers Grove. The theater first opened in 1928. Tivoli Theatre is known for its stunning and intricate interior decor and still functions as a movie theater that shows first-run films. It also hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances. Going to a show at the historic Tivoli Theatre is a must for any visit to Downers Grove!

Downers Grove Museum

The Downers Grove Museum is located in the historic Blodgett House. The purpose of the museum is to celebrate the town’s history. Visitors can explore the galleries and exhibits designed to showcase the artifacts related to the founding and growth of Downers Grove. 

Admission to the museum is free of charge; however, donations are appreciated. This makes it a perfect option for a budget friendly family activity.

Lyman Woods

According to the Downers Grove Park District, Lyman Woods is home to 150 acres of oak woods, prairie, and marsh habitats that support over 300 species of plants! These woods are also home to a number of different native animals that include deer, coyote, fox, owls, reptiles, insects, and songbirds. 

Lyman Wood’s also features a 19-acre oak woods that have remained undisturbed since it was purchased back in 1839! 

Nature lovers will enjoy their time at Lyman Woods where they have access to 13 miles of trails for biking, running, or to enjoy a scenic morning/afternoon nature walk.

Morton Arboretum

Although technically located in Lisle, the Morton Arboretum is located a very short distance from the northwest corner of Downers Grove. The Morton Arboretum features award-winning exhibits and gardens. It has 16 miles of hiking trails for guests looking to either have a quiet stroll or an active adventure. 

The Morton Arboretum is also a family friendly and economical option for families. Admission prices for adults and children are $17 and $12, respectively. This price decreases to $12 and $9, respectively on Wednesday. All admission fees include parking too! The Morton Arboretum is the perfect activity for a summer day. For a list of the exhibits, you can check out the Morton Arboretum website.

Alter Brewing Company

The Alter Brewery in Downers Grove is the company’s flagship location. Since its opening in 2015, it has expanded to neighboring Oak Brook and St. Charles. The Alter Brewery offers five
“Core Beers” as well as other award winning beers and a rotating tap menu. You can check out Alter Brewing’s full menu here.

Alter Brewery is known for their unique, special and seasonal beers such as the Cherry Flip and Dwight D’Smoresenhower. They also include frequent events such as bingo, trivia, and brews and yoga. Check out Alter Brewery’s calendar event list here.

Other Attractions & Recreation

Outside of the five top attractions listed above, Downers Grove is home to ample parks, recreational facilities, golf courses, pools, basketball courts, soccer fields, and more.

• The Downers Grove Park District features over 600 acres of parks with plenty of athletic fields, trails, pools, and more. For a complete list, you can reference the Downer Grove Park District’s amenity list here.
• Downers Grove features year-round events such as weekly farmers markets in the late spring, summer, and early fall. There is the Midweek Market, annual fine arts festival, and free summer concerts
• The Belmont Golf Club is a 9-hole course that features a driving range, practice putting greens, sand trap and chipping areas. Almost half of the stations at the driving range are covered with infrared heaters and ceiling fans to allow golfers to play through the winter months
• Abundance of shopping, bars, and dining options located downtown. You can access a full list here
• In addition to everything Downers Grove has to offer, it also includes easy access to downtown Chicago via the BNSF Metra line or E I-88/I290. If Downers Grove residents aren’t able to find what they need locally, they will be able to easily access everything the City has to offer!

Downers Grove’s Sense of Community 

Downers Grove has a very strong sense of community. Most residents state that they form strong connections through schools, neighborhoods, community organizations, and a shared love of their town. Many families choose to stay in Downers Grove for generations. The many community events and activities make it easy to connect with fellow residents and form lasting bonds.

New residents are sure to be welcomed by neighbors and quickly feel part of the community. The town has many opportunities to meet fellow residents by joining groups like the Downers Grove Newcomers and Neighbors Club, various arts organizations, service groups, and more.

Downers Grove offers an ideal blend of a small town community with enough amenities and activity to keep life engaging. Residents appreciate the strong sense of community and the feeling that this is a place where people know and look out for one another.

Conclusion

With its proximity to Chicago and thriving downtown area, excellent schools, and abundance of parks and recreation, Downers Grove has much to offer both residents and visitors. It provides the amenities of a larger city while maintaining its close-knit community feel.

Whether you’re a family who is searching for top-ranked schools or a young professional looking to enjoy the downtown nightlife, Downers Grove is the ideal Chicago suburb. Long-time residents and newcomers alike find a sense of community and pride in calling Downers Grove home!