Downers Grove stands out as one of the best places to live. This Chicago suburb made Forbes’ list of America’s Friendliest Towns. Plus, its crime rate is 37% lower than the national average—no wonder it ranks among Illinois’ most sought-after communities.

Just 20 miles west of downtown Chicago, Downers Grove, IL, gives its 50,247 residents a fantastic lifestyle. The village has excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong job opportunities. The median household income is $115,000. The community spreads across 600 acres of parks and features a charming historic downtown, home to the beloved Tivoli Theater. A quick 49-minute Metra ride connects you to Chicago, creating that perfect mix of peaceful suburban living and city convenience.

Let’s get into what makes Downers Grove such a standout choice in 2025. This piece covers housing, safety scores, schools, amenities, and lifestyle choices. It shows why families keep moving here. It can also help you decide if this is the perfect new home for you.

Downers Grove in 2025: Location, population, and growth

Downers Grove lies in DuPage County, just 20 miles west of Chicago’s vibrant downtown. The village covers 14.31 square miles, located between two major interstates: I-88 to the north and I-55 to the south. I-355 runs nearby and creates an excellent transportation network for residents and businesses.

Where is Downers Grove, Illinois, on the map?

The village sits in Chicago’s western suburbs. It has easy access to many transportation routes. The town follows Central Standard Time. Its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team carefully maps many things, like parkway trees and zoning boundaries. This makes navigation easy for residents and visitors.

Downers Grove population trends and demographics

The village’s population numbers tell an interesting story. While Downers Grove peaked at 50,127 residents in 2020, numbers are expected to dip to about 49,425 by 2025. This shows a slight yearly decrease of -0.28% since the 2020 census.

The community makeup shows 84.37% white residents, 5.89% Asian, and 2.78% Black or African American residents. People here average 42.6 years old – women tend to be older at 44 years compared to men at 40.8 years. The village’s economy seems solid. Household incomes average $119,649. Plus, only 4.93% of residents live in poverty.

Why are more people moving to Downers Grove in 2025

Downers Grove continues to attract new residents thanks to its great mix of amenities. The village’s schools rank among Illinois’ best, especially Downers Grove North and South High Schools.

People feel safe here, too, with crime rates much lower than national averages. The police and fire departments hold elite certifications, and the fire department’s ISO Class 1 rating puts it in the top 1% nationwide.

New projects like Bridge Point Downers Grove and apartment buildings near the Metra station show steady growth in the community. The village works great for professionals – they can reach 1.4 million qualified workers within a 30-minute drive or train ride. This makes it perfect for both commuters and businesses.

Safety, schools, and public services

Safety and education rank high on priority lists for families looking at suburban Chicago life. Downers Grove stands out remarkably in these areas in 2025.

Is Downers Grove, IL, safe in 2025?

The safety record puts Downers Grove among the most secure communities in Illinois. Crime rates are 58% lower than the national average. Violent crimes show impressive numbers at 75% below national figures. Residents face only a 1 in 104 chance of becoming crime victims. This makes the village safer than 75% of U.S. cities.

A 13% rise in crime year over year needs attention. The overall safety picture remains strong, though. The village has 104 police officers, which is 2.2 for every 1,000 residents. They offer good protection in all neighborhoods.

Top-rated schools and education options

Downers Grove offers exceptional educational opportunities to families. District 58’s students perform better than 94% of Illinois school districts in Math and 90% in English-Language Arts on state assessments. Parents’ confidence shows too – 94% believe educators see potential in their children.

The village boasts 17 highly-rated schools at all levels. Notable examples include:

• Community High School District 99 – North High School (ranks 32nd among 697 Illinois high schools)
• Herrick Middle School (ranks 109th of 1,363 Illinois middle schools)
• Highland Elementary (ranks 91st of 2,067 Illinois elementary schools)

Student-teacher ratios range from 11:1 to 19:1, ensuring that students receive individual attention in the classroom.

Healthcare and public amenities overview

Quality healthcare facilities serve residents well. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Edward-Elmhurst Health Center, and Duly Health Care clinic offer a wide range of medical services. They provide everything from basic care to specialized treatment.

The community continues to grow its public spaces. McCollum Park showcases recent improvements through state grants. New shade structures, wheelchair accessibility upgrades, and rejuvenated fitness areas make the park more welcoming. The village also focuses on building connected active transportation networks while protecting natural spaces.

Housing, cost of living, and real estate outlook

Image Source: The Michels Group

The Downers Grove housing market shows both challenges and opportunities for homebuyers and renters in 2025. Local prices have risen, but they remain competitive compared to other Chicago suburbs.

Current home prices and rental rates

Housing costs in Downers Grove continue to climb in 2025. The median home sold price reached $455,296 in March 2025, showing a 6.8% jump from last year. Property values have changed based on home size:

• 1-bedroom homes: +10.0% price increase
• 2-bedroom homes: +14.8% price increase
• 3-bedroom homes: +9.3% price increase
• 4-bedroom homes: +3.3% price increase

All but one of these categories saw price increases, with only 5-bedroom homes dropping by 9.3%.

Renters face premium rates in Downers Grove. The average rent stands at $1,751 per month as of April 2025, which is about 11% higher than the national average of $1,577. Monthly rates break down as follows:

• Studios: $1,769 monthly
• One-bedroom apartments: $1,751 monthly
• Two-bedroom apartments: $2,151 monthly
• Three-bedroom rentals: $2,670+ monthly

Best neighborhoods for different budgets

Downers Grove’s housing options range from historic homes to mid-century modern designs and new construction, all along tree-lined streets. The market is competitive. Homes receive around 3 offers and sell in about 52 days on average.

About 41.2% of properties now sell for above the list price, which is a 6.8 percentage point drop from last year. Homes priced right tend to move fast – 77% of properties found buyers within 30 days last month.

Lifestyle, jobs, and things to do

Image Source: Glancer Magazine

Life in Downers Grove strikes a perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city accessibility. Residents enjoy both convenience and quality of life in this vibrant community.

Commuting to Chicago: Metra and highway access

Downers Grove gives Chicago commuters excellent ways to get around. The village features three Metra stations (Fairview, Main Street, and Belmont) with 96 daily commuter trains. You can reach downtown Chicago in just 32 minutes on express trains, while regular service takes about 52 minutes. These stations serve 2,237 riders each day.

The drive to Chicago typically takes 29 minutes without traffic, although rush hour can significantly extend this time. Downers Grove’s location near multiple interstates creates a quick way to travel across the metropolitan area.

Job opportunities and major employers

Local job seekers find many career paths right here in the village. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is the largest employer, with 2,500 employees. GCA Services employs 1,500 people, while University Subscription Services employs 1,050 workers. Midwestern University (1,000), First Health Corporation (800), and Invesco (600) round out the major employers.

The village also attracts corporate headquarters. Companies like Univar and Dover call Downers Grove home, which creates more professional opportunities. The village government posts jobs regularly, ranging from police officers to public works specialists.

Top attractions, restaurants, and local events

Food lovers have plenty of choices here. Popular spots include Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse and Parker’s Restaurant & Bar. Downtown buzzes with great eateries like Pierce Tavern, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, and Cellar Door.

Entertainment options include the Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theater and several beautiful parks – Randall, Doerhoefer, and Fishel. The nearby Morton Arboretum adds to these attractions. The community comes alive year-round with events such as Earth Week celebrations, the DuPage River Sweep, Wildflower Walks, and regular Garden Club meetings.

The mix of easy transportation, robust job market, and great amenities makes Downers Grove one of Illinois’ most appealing suburbs.

Downers Grove, IL in 2025

Downers Grove stands out as one of the top Chicago suburbs. It offers safety, excellent schools, and a vibrant lifestyle, making it a valuable place to live. Your family can enjoy crime rates that are 58% lower than the national average. Plus, schools here perform better than 90% of districts in Illinois.

The area perfectly balances small-town charm with metropolitan convenience. You can reach downtown Chicago in just 32 minutes from any of the three Metra stations. Major employers like Good Samaritan Hospital provide excellent local career options. The median price for homes is expected to reach $455,296 in 2025. But don’t worry! Chicago Property Sisters’ experts can help you navigate this competitive market.

The village’s 600+ acres of parks, vibrant local businesses, and regular community events create an engaging environment for everyone. Downers Grove has excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a lively downtown. This makes it one of the most popular places to live in the state of Illinois.