Elmhurst, IL, stands out as one of the most desirable communities in the Chicagoland area. The numbers tell the story – a median household income of $128,000 and property values around $459,000. This lively suburb lies 16 miles west of Chicago. It offers 46,000 residents a great blend of suburban comfort and city access.

The downtown area buzzes with more than 100 restaurants. York High School ranks 36th in Illinois, and getting to Chicago is a breeze with multiple transport options. The community is stable and secure. Over 80% of residents own homes, and crime rates are very low. This detailed guide will help you decide if Elmhurst matches your lifestyle and what you want in a community for 2025.

What Makes Elmhurst, IL Different

Elmhurst is 16 miles west of Chicago’s loop. This location in DuPage County offers easy access and small-town charm. You can hop on an express train in the city within 25 minutes. O’Hare and Midway airports are a quick drive away. Major Illinois expressways are right at your doorstep.

Location and easy access

The city serves as a gateway to DuPage County and sits at the crossroads of major transport routes. Downtown’s Metra station links you to Chicago’s business area and cultural sites. Enjoy the convenience without the hassle of city life.

Small town feel with city perks

The heart of downtown life beats in Elmhurst City Center. You’ll enjoy walking by boutique shops and cafes with twinkling lights. You can also relax by the friendly fountain plaza. Free parking decks throughout downtown let you explore local businesses at your own pace.

Strong sense of community

The city’s spirit comes alive through events that run all year long. Some of the most popular gatherings include:

• Rock the Block Party
• Wednesday Nights Live Summer Music Series
• Boo-tiful Saturday celebrations

This steadfast dedication to community life has put Elmhurst on the national map. The city ranked 45th in WalletHub’s Best Small Cities in America, scoring higher than any other Illinois town. The ranking looked at everything from affordability and economic health to education and safety.

A strong volunteer network and active community events show how much residents care about their city. With over 45,000 residents, Elmhurst feels like a small town but offers big-city benefits. It stands out from other Chicago suburbs because it offers easy access, great amenities, and strong community ties.

Living Costs in Elmhurst (2025)

Elmhurst residents face higher living costs than many Illinois communities. The overall cost of living stands 12.2% above the national average.

Housing prices vs nearby towns

Elmhurst’s median home price reached $579,333 in January 2025, indicating a substantial growth in the housing market. The 4-bedroom homes showed the strongest performance, with a 24.6% increase. Elmhurst’s housing costs exceed those of neighboring Wheaton by 17.3% but remain 90.4% below those of upscale Hinsdale.

Daily expenses breakdown

Several key areas exceed national averages:

• Healthcare: 21.8% higher
• Food: 14.6% higher
• Housing: 12.3% higher
• Transportation: 2.9% higher
• Energy: 2.0% higher

Due to these higher costs, a family needs $85,680 annually to live comfortably in Elmhurst.

Property taxes and utilities

Elmhurst’s property taxes deserve careful consideration. The median property tax rate is 1.94%, surpassing the national median of 0.99%. A typical homeowner pays approximately $8,685 in annual property taxes.

The city’s utility costs follow a tiered structure. The electricity rates begin at $0.55 per kilowatt-hour for the first 2,000 kilowatt-hours. The city bills residents every two months for water, wastewater, garbage, and recycling services. Sales tax rates vary by purchase type. General merchandise carries an 8.50% tax, while prepared food is taxed at 9.50%.

Safety and Quality of Life

Recent safety rankings place Elmhurst among the Top 10 Safest Suburbs in the United States for 2024.

Elmhurst, IL crime rate stats

The city’s total crime rate is 10 per 1,000 residents. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime here remains low at 1 in 2,519. Property crimes happen at a rate of 9 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate is 63% below the national average.

Emergency services

The Elmhurst Police Department has 87 full-time law enforcement staff members, including 66 officers (61 male and five female), which is 1.40 officers for every 1,000 residents.

Healthcare facilities

Elmhurst Hospital at 155 E. Brush Hill Road provides 259 private inpatient suites. The medical campus has state-of-the-art facilities that include:

• Loyola Medicine Elmhurst offers primary care for adults and children
• Northwestern Medicine Center for Comprehensive Orthopedic and Spine Care
• Emergency services are available 24/7

School system quality

Elmhurst School District 205 serves 8,299 students in 13 schools. The district shows strong academic results:

• 58% of elementary students test at proficient levels in reading
• 52% of high school students achieve proficiency in reading
• 50% of high school students reach proficiency in math

The district’s student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1, which is higher than the state average. The district also makes substantial educational investments, spending USD 18,530 per student annually.

Life in Elmhurst Downtown

Downtown Elmhurst’s City Center buzzes with life as over 50 restaurants and 40+ shops create an energetic atmosphere.

Local shops and restaurants

More than 100 dining spots cater to every taste imaginable. Urban boutiques and cozy sidewalk cafes greet visitors. They have twinkling tree lights and free parking nearby. Brewpoint Coffee and Hello Donuts are local favorites. They add charm to the area and draw in both locals and tourists.

Entertainment options

The 10-Screen York Classic Cinemas Theater stands as the entertainment district’s cornerstone. Live music fills downtown venues on weekends, giving both families and night owls plenty of choices. Sports fans can catch their favorite games at numerous bars and lounges that feature TV screens perfect for game days.

Community events

The community’s social calendar never slows with signature events throughout the year. Popular annual events include:

• Rock the Block Party with live bands and family activities
• Wednesday Nights Live Summer Music Series
• Holiday celebrations like Boo-tiful Saturday and seasonal scavenger hunts

Downtown Elmhurst offers more than shopping and dining experiences. In early 2024, the city added the Umbrella Sky Project, bringing vibrant art installations to three downtown spots. The area connects seamlessly to cultural landmarks such as Elmhurst University, the Elmhurst Art Museum, and the award-winning Public Library. Downtown Elmhurst is the community’s beating heart, offering a lively mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and culture.

Conclusion

As a premier Chicago suburb, Elmhurst delivers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. The city has excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a lively downtown, ideal for families and professionals.

Although living here is pricier, people appreciate the great value. They have access to top schools, good healthcare, and many community events. The downtown area buzzes with local shops, restaurants, and fun activities all year. Plus, crime rates stay impressively low.

Elmhurst’s combination of easy Chicago access and strong community spirit makes it an outstanding choice for your next home. The 25-minute express trains to Chicago and weekly summer concerts offer something for every lifestyle.

The Chicago Property Sisters’ Real Estate Experts can help you find your perfect property in this thriving community. Our local knowledge will help you navigate each step of your move to Elmhurst.