Oak Brook, IL, stands out from other Chicago suburbs with its median household income of $133,896. The community of 8,404 residents enjoys luxury living at reasonable costs. Property taxes remain low here because of a robust commercial presence.

Homes in Oak Brook typically cost around $716,654, but residents get great value for their money. The city boasts several corporate headquarters, including Ace Hardware and Blistex. History buffs will love the Graue Mill and Museum, one of only three confirmed Underground Railroad stations in Illinois. The Oak Brook Park District provides excellent recreational facilities for residents. The average commute takes just 23 minutes, making it a perfect spot for professionals who work in the Chicago metropolitan area.

This piece covers everything you need to know about Oak Brook. The Chicago Property Sisters will examine housing options, safety, local attractions, and living costs. These factors could make this upscale suburb your perfect new home.

The Unique Appeal of Oak Brook, IL

Image Source: Oak Brook Magazine

Oak Brook stands out among Chicago’s suburbs. It offers a great blend of luxury and practicality. Since its founding in 1958, this village in DuPage County has changed from farmland to one of the most desirable suburbs near Chicago.

A suburb with urban amenities

Oak Brook offers big-city perks without urban congestion despite having only approximately 8,028 residents. Oakbrook Center stands as its crown jewel—one of America’s largest open-air malls. This upscale shopping center has about 160 boutiques, restaurants, and luxury stores. It boasts a lovely setting with gardens, fountains, and modern art displays.

The village offers much more than shopping:

• Beautiful green spaces, including Fullersburg Woods and Mayslake Forest Preserve
• The award-winning Oak Brook Park District has indoor recreation centers, lap pools, fitness facilities, and three full gymnasiums.
• A 40-acre park that protects local plant and animal species in various ecosystems

The village keeps its historic charm while welcoming modern development. This balance makes it perfect for families and young professionals alike.

Low property taxes due to commercial base

Oak Brook’s biggest financial draw is that it is one of just 42 Illinois municipalities (only 3% of towns) that does not levy a municipal property tax. This significant difference comes from Paul Butler, the founder of Oak Brook. He believed that “the village should support itself with sales tax from local businesses.”

Oak Brook leads all 34 DuPage County communities with the lowest commercial and residential property tax rates. The village’s sales tax stays at 7.5%, much lower than Chicago’s 10.25%.

Oak Brook’s strong commercial sector makes this tax structure possible. The village collected a record $12.40 million in sales tax revenue in 2015, about 52% of the general fund revenue. A resident puts it well: “A lot of it is a personal point of pride for people, to be part of a town that runs as lean as we do”.

Strategic location in DuPage County

Oak Brook’s prime location is great for residents and businesses. The village is 20 miles from downtown Chicago, and a commute can take only 30 minutes during quiet times.

Major roads meet near the village. I-88 and Route 83 run through Oak Brook by its shopping mall, while I-294 goes along its eastern edge. Oak Brook is now the top corporate hub in the region, attracting headquarters for companies such as Ace Hardware, Advocate Health Care, and Elkay Manufacturing.

“Having our global corporate offices in Oak Brook is a strategic advantage for Elkay, which is why we are still here after 40 years,” says one corporate testimonial. “The area is convenient to major roads and airports, which makes it possible to attract talent from all directions, including Chicago.”

This prime spot allows companies to hire workers from nearby suburbs and gives residents fast access to Chicago’s culture, food, and entertainment.

Housing Options and Real Estate Trends

Image Source: Homes of the Rich

The Oak Brook real estate market has competitive pricing, and properties here cost more than in nearby areas. The median sale price is $985,000, up 5.1% from last year. Despite market changes, these numbers show that people still want to live in Oak Brook, IL.

Current market overview

Houses in Oak Brook take about 81 days to sell, 25 days longer than last year. Buyers take their time to review these significant investments carefully. The market remains strong, as 60% of homes sell above the list price. This is a big deal as there’s been a 60-point jump from last year.

Properties in this upscale suburb typically sell for 98.6% of their asking price. Hot properties can fetch up to 2% more and sell faster – usually within 35 days. The reliable commercial foundation and prime location make this area perfect for buyers who know what they want.

The latest numbers show fewer sales—5 homes sold in February 2025 compared to 8 last year. Yet prices keep climbing. The price per square foot has jumped by 19.4% to $370. This shows that quality properties are in high demand.

Popular neighborhoods to think over

Oak Brook’s neighborhoods match different lifestyles and priorities. Breakenridge Farm tops the list of prestigious subdivisions, with average sales hitting $3.1 million between April 2024 and April 2025. Fullersburg Woods ($2.2 million) and Hunter Trails ($2.01 million) are the priciest neighborhoods.

Oak Brook Towers led active sales with 25 deals this past year. Brook Forest follows with 21 sales. Each neighborhood offers something unique:

• Ginger Creek – Custom-built single-family homes from the 1960s next to Butterfield Country Club
• Midwest Club – A gated community featuring custom-built homes from the 1980s-90s
• Forest Gate – An exclusive gated community for adults 55 and over
• Oak Brook Club – A condo complex offering indoor heated parking, storage, pool, clubhouse, and elevators

You’ll find luxury estates and well-kept condos, all near great amenities.

Investment potential in Oak Brook properties

Oak Brook’s real estate proves its worth through stable property values. The median home value here is $734,054, which is nowhere near Illinois’s average of $242,002 or the U.S. median of $318,879.

These premium prices reflect Oak Brook’s exceptional lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its character but shares high standards. With steady population growth and a thriving economy, the future looks bright.

Investors love Oak Brook’s mix of steady appreciation and diverse housing options. You can choose from luxury estates to charming mid-century houses. The town has a strong economy, supported by big companies and high-end shops. This helps keep the housing market stable, even in tough times.

Oak Brook offers a rare mix of luxury living, prime location, and financial benefits. The tax advantages we mentioned earlier help support property values in the long term.

Safety and Quality of Life in Oak Brook

Oak Brook, IL, stands out as a top choice for families prioritizing safety. This wealthy suburb has better security than many areas in Chicago. It also offers excellent healthcare and many ways to engage with the community.

Crime statistics and safety ratings

Oak Brook shines as one of Chicago’s safest suburbs. Recent rankings show Oak Brook ranked ninth among the nation’s safest suburbs. The village earned this spot thanks to its forward-thinking police work and strong bonds between law enforcement and residents.

The numbers tell the story. Oak Brook’s violent crime rate is just 0.50 per 1,000 residents, which is a big deal as it means that both Illinois and national averages are much higher. The village reports 49.8 assaults per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 282.7. Robbery stats are equally impressive, at 62.3 per 100,000, while the national number is 135.5.

The Oak Brook Police Department made the town even safer by installing license plate reading cameras. A recent survey revealed excellent results. Every resident reported feeling “very safe” and had “no safety concerns.”

Healthcare facilities and services

The town gives its residents easy access to top-notch healthcare through several facilities:

Northwestern Medicine Oak Brook Outpatient Center provides all primary and specialty care needs under one roof. The Immediate Care Center makes things easier. It has longer hours, online visits, and the ability to book appointments for minor health issues.

Compass Health Center specializes in mental health treatment through their Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs. They help people of all ages – from kids to adults – with age-specific mental health care.

Broad Street helps older residents stay home. It pairs them with trained Care Professionals and offers active Nurse Oversight.

Community engagement opportunities

The village makes it easy for residents to stay connected. A dedicated Community Engagement Committee works to improve communication between residents and the Village to improve community projects.

The Oak Brook Park District Foundation welcomes volunteers to join their committees or help at events. The foundation runs several community events throughout the year.

Residents can also work with more prominent organizations in the Chicago area. Groups like Ronald McDonald House Charities and ICNA Relief allow people to make a difference while meeting their neighbors.

The Fire Department adds another layer of safety by offering fire prevention education and home safety checks by appointment. This team approach helps keep Oak Brook’s quality of life high.

Top Things to Do in Oak Brook, IL

Image Source: Only in Oak Brook, IL

Oak Brook, IL, offers residents fantastic recreation and entertainment right outside their door. This vibrant village combines world-class shopping with peaceful natural spaces that locals and visitors enjoy.

Shopping at Oakbrook Center

Oakbrook Center ranks as one of the largest open-air shopping destinations in the United States. This stunning retail destination houses over 160 upscale specialty stores in a beautiful outdoor setting. You’ll find luxury retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci. The center has excellent dining spots. Try Beatrix, Maggiano’s Little Italy, or the RH Rooftop Restaurant.

Outdoor recreation at forest preserves

The 220-acre wildlife haven at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve lets you watch beavers, red foxes, herons, and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Miles of multipurpose trails wind through the preserve for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Mayslake Forest Preserve adds another natural gem with its 90 acres, including 13 acres of wetlands and 9 acres of lakes. Fishing enthusiasts can catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike in Salt Creek at Fullersburg.

Dining and entertainment options

Oak Brook’s restaurants cater to every taste, from casual spots to upscale dining venues. Movie buffs can catch the latest films at AMC Theaters’ two locations with 16 screens. Escape The Room tests your problem-solving skills. Game of Irons offers Chicagoland’s most considerable indoor golf experience. You can play on over 200 famous courses using simulators. Live music fills the air at V Lounge at Eddie V’s and Alter Brewing.

Cultural attractions and museums

Seven historic sites grace the village, three of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Graue Mill and Museum is Illinois’ only operating waterwheel gristmill, showing visitors how people lived from 1850 to 1890 through milling, spinning, and weaving programs. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art joined Oak Brook in 2019, making it America’s only museum dedicated to gemstone cutting and polishing. The Tudor Revival mansion at Mayslake Peabody Estate rounds out these cultural landmarks perfectly.

Cost of Living and Financial Considerations

Money plays a key role in deciding if a location fits your lifestyle. Oak Brook, IL, offers a financial landscape that is very different from nearby communities.

Housing costs compared to neighboring suburbs

Oak Brook’s real estate prices show its premium position. The median home sale price is $985,000, up 5.1% from last year. This is important because it shows that local housing costs are higher than state and national averages. Oak Brook costs about 28% more than the national average and 24% more than typical Illinois communities.

Home values here reach $789,700—133.6% higher than the national average ($338,100) and 226.7% above Illinois’s average ($241,700). However, renters can find better deals, as two-bedroom units average $900 monthly—a surprising 37.1% below the national average.

Utility and transportation expenses

Daily life costs in Oak Brook tell an interesting story. The village supplies Lake Michigan water to residents and sends bills every two months. Energy costs run about 2% above the national average, and transportation costs exceed national numbers by roughly 2.9%.

Food takes up much of the budget, costing 14.6% more than the national average. Healthcare costs stand out, especially when bills are 21.8% higher than national averages. Electric bills bring good news though—at $148.58, they stay 23.4% below the national average ($193.99).

Tax advantages of Oak Brook residency

Oak Brook’s tax structure makes it an attractive place to live:

• No municipal property tax – Oak Brook leads 34 DuPage County communities with lowest property tax rates
• Lower property tax rates – 1.32-1.75% effective rate (varies by county location) versus Illinois median of 2.35%
• Competitive sales tax – 7.5% compared to Chicago’s 10.25%

Oak Brook’s strong commercial base creates these tax benefits. The median yearly property tax bill reaches $10,691, which is above national averages. Yet, residents save money over time because they don’t pay municipal property tax, which helps balance other expenses.

Living in Oak Brook, IL

Oak Brook shines as a top pick for anyone who wants to raise their suburban lifestyle without giving up convenience or value. The housing prices show its premium status. But smart tax benefits and steady property value growth make it a wise investment for the long haul.

Living here strikes the perfect balance. You’ll find world-class shopping at Oakbrook Center. The peaceful trails of Fullersburg Woods await your footsteps. Downtown Chicago is just minutes away. The village ranks among America’s safest communities. Plus, residents save money yearly since there’s no municipal property tax.

Want to look at Oak Brook’s luxurious homes and tree-lined streets? Chicago Property Sisters will show you around the village’s many neighborhoods and help you find your dream home. Oak Brook is a great choice for your next move. Its prime location, excellent amenities, and close community make it stand out.