Hinsdale is the wealthiest suburb in Illinois and ranks among the top 10 most affluent communities in the U.S. Its median household income is $250,001. This thriving village is just 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. Its 17,395 residents enjoy the perfect mix of suburban comfort and easy city access.

Residents can explore the 52-acre Katherine Legge Memorial Park and participate in community events like the Fine Arts Festival and Christmas Walk. The village boasts impressive credentials—nearly 50% of residents hold advanced degrees. Hinsdale Central High School is highly regarded, ranking 11th in Illinois. Local schools uphold high standards. Families flourish in this vibrant setting, which provides weekend activities, family outings, and cultural experiences for all.

Why Families Love Living in Hinsdale

Families in Hinsdale find great schools, strong safety, and many parks that enhance their lives.

Top-rated schools and education

Children thrive in Hinsdale’s outstanding school system. Oak Elementary School ranks second among Illinois elementary schools, and Hinsdale Central High School is 11th statewide. The school district’s steadfast dedication to excellence is reflected in its student-teacher ratios, which range from 11:1 to 14:1. Hinsdale Central High School has a 93% graduation rate, and 61% of students take Advanced Placement courses.

Safe neighborhoods

The safety statistics in Hinsdale tell a compelling story. The town ranks safer than 78% of American cities. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime here stays remarkably low at just 1 in 8,649. Property crime rates are much lower than the national average. You have only a 1 in 284 chance of facing a property crime. Crime rates have dropped by 22% year-over-year, which makes Hinsdale an even more secure place to raise a family.

Parks and playgrounds

Hinsdale’s extensive park system offers endless outdoor activities for families. The village maintains 130 acres of park space spread across 19 locations. Katherine Legge Memorial Park spans 52 acres and features walking trails, picnic areas, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Burns Field Park has modern playgrounds, a splash pad for summer fun, tennis courts, and basketball facilities. Peirce Park’s expansive play areas welcome children of all ages, while Veeck Park serves sports enthusiasts with baseball, softball, and soccer fields.

Fun Weekend Activities in Hinsdale

Weekend activities in Hinsdale revolve around its charming downtown district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Downtown shopping spots

Hinsdale’s central business district welcomes shoppers with its blend of historic architecture, lush landscaping, and classic lampposts. Gateway Square’s unique internal courtyard and convenient parking make it ideal for a relaxing day.

The village has evolved into a hub for exclusive brands and unique offerings. 

Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere delivers premium custom clothing for men and features a kitchen with a curated whiskey collection.

Fashion lovers will find Marcus Boutique, which offers an impressive array of designer brands, including Fendi, Gucci, and Valentino.

Local restaurants and cafes

Hinsdale’s food scene has something for everyone. Here are some local spots that make weekends unique:

• Cafe La Fortuna: This cozy coffee shop has roasted beans daily since 2012. It crafts specialty drinks like Café con leche and Mayan Coffee. The menu offers fresh paninis, ranging from prosciutto to vegetarian options.
• Toni Patisserie & Cafe offers a taste of France with its soups, salads, and Parisian-style sandwiches. 
• Italian food lovers flock to Il Poggiolo for authentic dishes in its warm, welcoming setting.
• Chef Paul Virant’s Vistro Prime emerged in March 2021, blending traditional steakhouse fare with signature creations. 
• Fuller House serves up comfort food with creative twists for casual dining.
• Brasi’s Pizzeria at 34 E. Hinsdale Ave. has quickly become a local favorite with specialty pizzas, especially the crowd-pleasing margherita. 
• Gone Grazy at 19 W. First St. adds a fresh concept with its charcuterie boards and private dining area.

Year-Round Events Calendar

Life in Hinsdale pulses with community events all year round. Summer concerts and holiday celebrations make the town lively and create lasting memories.

Summer festivals and concerts

Uniquely, Thursdays from June 12th through August 14th, 2025, will fill Burlington Park with music. Local vendors serve delicious food and refreshing drinks while live bands perform weekly from 6 to 9 p.m.

Burlington Park welcomes the 52nd Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival on June 7th and 8th, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. West Suburban Living named this showcase “Best Summer Art Show,” where over 100 talented artists display their creations.

Holiday celebrations

Downtown Hinsdale becomes magical during winter festivities. The Christmas Walk delights families with Santa’s arrival, trackless train rides, and a spinning carousel. Local shops also participate in the Holiday Shopping Passport program, where customers can collect stickers and win fun raffle prizes in December.

Kids love the Winter Wonderland at KLM Park, with its holiday crafts and special appearances by Santa and Frozen characters. The downtown area sparkles with horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread cookie decorating stations, and soft holiday music.

Seasonal markets

The 49th Annual Hinsdale Farmers Market brightens Chicago Avenue every Monday from June 16th through October 13th, 2025. Local vendors set up their stalls with fresh goods and unique treasures from 7 AM to 1 PM. This beloved market has drawn more than 25 farmers from Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin since 1977, offering:

• Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Local honey, eggs, and cheese
• Artisanal jams and preserves
• Cut flowers and nursery stock
• Fresh-brewed coffee and prepared foods

Shoppers from Chicagoland have made this market their Monday morning tradition since 1977.

Family-Friendly Places to Visit

Want to find family-friendly activities in Hinsdale? These three local spots will give your family endless fun and learning opportunities all year round.

Katherine Legge Memorial Park

This 52-acre green space is Hinsdale’s outdoor paradise. Your family will love the two nature-based play areas that children can’t wait to discover. The park also has four lacrosse fields, two picnic shelters with charcoal grills and electricity, and six platform tennis courts. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy an 18-hole disc golf course that meanders through the scenic landscape. The park’s historic Lodge welcomes up to 250 people and has become a favorite spot for special events.

Community swimming pool

Hinsdale’s Community Swimming Pool at 500 W. Hinsdale Avenue offers summer fun with these great features:

• A 50-meter pool with a 25-yard “L” shape design (3.5 to 5 feet depth)
• A diving pool with a drop slide, two one-meter boards, and one three-meter board
• A zero-depth wading pool with water play features
• Spacious sunbathing area and modern locker rooms
• On-site concession area

The pool’s excellence shows in its achievements. In 2024, the lifeguard staff earned five stars on their unannounced audit, the highest possible score.

Public library programs

The Hinsdale Public Library is located at 20 E. Maple Street and covers an area of about 30,000 square feet. This space offers much more than book borrowing. Visitors can use study rooms, relax in the spacious Quiet Reading Room, explore the Youth Services Reading Cabin, or hang out in the Teen Lounge. The library’s popularity speaks volumes—last year, 213,000 people visited and borrowed over 344,000 items.

Technology education stands out among the library’s offerings, with programs like “Staying Safe Online” and age-specific workshops. Families planning their next adventure can attend sessions like “2024 Insider’s Guide to Disney World”. Every two weeks, young tech fans meet at the Code2Empower program. They learn website building, game creation, and basic coding principles.

Local Sports and Recreation

Hinsdale buzzes with athletic energy and fitness opportunities. The community supports everything from youth leagues to top-notch fitness centers, helping residents lead active lifestyles.

Youth sports leagues

Kids thrive in Hinsdale’s vibrant sports programs. The Parks & Recreation Department runs Spring and Fall T-Ball Leagues for ages 4-5 years at $77 for residents and $92 for non-residents. Each team has 10-12 players with parent volunteers as coaches, which builds a strong community spirit.

Young players from Hinsdale and nearby areas join AYSO soccer with early registration fees at $125. Hinsdale Little League’s baseball programs have won state championships in 10U and 12U divisions.

Tennis courts and golf courses

Tennis players can choose from several courts throughout Hinsdale. Stough Park combines two tennis courts with football/soccer fields. Burns Field Park features six courts, while Robbins Park has two. Salt Creek Club stands out with 14 lighted courts.

The 125-year-old Hinsdale Golf Club accepts members by invitation. Ruth Lake Country Club combines a premiere golf course with top-tier racquet facilities.

Fitness centers

Hinsdale’s fitness scene meets everyone’s workout priorities. Spark Fitness Hinsdale provides semi-private personal training with custom programs for business professionals, active moms, student athletes, and seniors. Members enjoy online scheduling, goal tracking systems, and flexible month-to-month memberships.

Hinsdale Fitness Club has shaped the community’s health for nearly twenty years through personal training, martial arts, boot camps, and yoga. The facility emphasizes functional training and has taught self-defense to countless students.

Elite Fitness + Gym, Shred415 Hinsdale, and Life Time are the local fitness options. Each offers a unique approach to health and wellness.

Hinsdale, IL in 2025

Hinsdale captures the perfect balance between suburban charm and city convenience. Families can find everything they need here. They have excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, fun activities, and great dining spots in many places. The village makes every season unique through community events, sports programs, and cultural activities.

This special place combines small-town warmth with metropolitan sophistication—historic downtown streets buzz with boutique shops and restaurants. Parks and recreation facilities offer endless chances for outdoor fun. Chicago Property Sisters know the area well and can show you all these amazing features as you consider making Hinsdale your home.

Hinsdale is a great place to live. It has excellent schools, a lively community, and beautiful surroundings. The village grows and changes but keeps its unique character – perfect for families wanting to build lasting memories.