Moving to Glen Ellyn, IL, or just curious about what this charming place has to offer? Well, you've come to the right place. Glen Ellyn, Illinois, known as the "Village of Volunteers," is a vibrant suburban area located in DuPage County. This place is well-known for its excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and convenient location near Chicago, making it perfect for people of all ages. So if you're moving to Glen Ellyn, IL, here's what you need to know before you make it your new home:
Fun Activities After Moving To Glen Ellyn, IL
It is said that Glen Ellyn has something for everyone. So whether you love adventures, peace, art, or food, you can have a great time here. Here are a few fun activities you can do in Glen Ellyn:
Cultural Exploration:
If you’re a cultural person, you can visit the DuPage Art Leagure to enjoy the local art scene. You can also explore the rotating exhibits at Cleve Carney Museum of Art. There are many historical landmarks such as Glen Ellyn Historical Society if you feel like stepping back in time and knowing more about the area's heritage.
For people who prefer musical performances and live theater, the McAninch Arts Center showcases a wide range of talents throughout the year. Most people like to start their journey by delving into Glen Ellyn’s past at the famous Stacy's Tavern Museum. There are also many exhibits, and educational programs if you like fascinating artifacts or want to know more about the town’s heritage.
Natural Retreats:
If you love nature, you can explore the serene pathways of Danada Forest Preserve or travel through the beautiful trails of Morton Arboretum. The Danada Equestrian Center is also a great place as it allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes on horseback.
Apart from this, you can go to the Dupage River or Lake Glen Ellyn for a refreshing kayaking experience. If you wanna spend time with your family, you can plan a peaceful picnic by the shores of Lake Elly Park. The Brookified ZOO is another great place for family-friendly fun. Here are some other options:
Culinary Delights:
The Glen Ellyn Farmers Market is the perfect spot if you like to try flavourful treats from local vendors. The dining scene is also diverse here. From fancy restaurants to cozy cafes, you can taste gourmet cuisine and international flavors. Besides, if you like to cook yourself, you can find many local culinary experts to learn a wide range of cuisines and techniques. Here are some good options:
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Fire + Wine – Classy dinner-only restaurant popular for its extensive wine list and interiors.
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Common Good Cocktail House – Low-key cocktail house that serves perfect burritos and picnic packs.
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Alfie’s Inn – The go-to place to get the best burgers, ribs & corned beef.
What Is It Like Living In Glen Ellyn, IL?
Living in Glen Ellyn, IL, feels like being part of a close-knit community where neighbors greet each other on tree-lined streets and take pride in their village's history and charm. In other words, you can say it's like having the best of both worlds – the cozy vibes of a small town and the convenience of suburban living.
Apart from that, the collaborative nature of the community makes it even more welcoming. If you’re wondering what is Glen Ellyn, IL known for, let's deep dive into why this place is a top choice for people seeking a place to settle in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Recreational Opportunities
Glen Ellyn is famous for its amazing recreational opportunities. With over 300 acres of green space, this village boasts an amazing park system. The Glen Ellyn Park District is also known for offering aquatic programs & swim lessons at its indoor and outdoor pools during the summer months.
The Village Links of Glen Ellyn is another highlight if you are a golf enthusiast. It features a driving range, and various practice areas, making it perfect for a private golfing experience.
Some popular spots in Glen Ellyn include Newton Park, Illinois Prairie Path, and the Churchill Woods Forest Reserve.
Safety and Crime Rate
The number of violent crimes is 66% lower as compared to the national average, which makes this village safer than 82% of the cities in the US. Over the years, Glen Ellyn has successfully maintained stable crime rate trends, reflecting the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in crime prevention. There are also many community policing and neighborhood watch programs in Glen Ellyn, which is why it has low crime rates and a strong sense of safety and security among residents.
Excellent Schools
Glen Ellyn has also received great appreciation for its exceptional schools, which makes it an ideal option for families. Whether you choose District 41 or District 87, you can easily find excellent educational facilities, professional educators, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. You will also get access to the Glen Ellyn Public Library if you ever need a place to study. Besides this, you have options for higher education as Glen Ellyn hosts the prestigious College of DuPage.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say this place is perfect for having a great time with your friends and family but are there any pros and cons of living in Glen Ellyn, IL? As you know, every place has its advantages and disadvantages and you will learn more later in the article but let’s first see what makes Glen Ellyn a good place to settle in.
Is Glen Ellyn A Good Place To Live?
There is no doubt that this place is worth visiting but is Glen Ellyn a good place to live? Well, there are many things one should consider before moving to a new place. So let’s take a look at them.
Transportation and Commute
Easy transportation and commute are important in choosing a place to settle. Glen Ellyn has a solid infrastructure with well-maintained roads, which makes getting around the village a breeze.
It is located near major highways, including the Veterans Memorial Tollway (Interstate 355) and Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294). You also get a direct route to Chicago and its western suburbs as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88) is also easily accessible.
The Glen Ellyn Metra station & Pace Suburban Bus Service operates several routes in and around Glen Ellyn, making it easier to travel when you don’t wanna use your private vehicle.
Cost of Living
While the cost of living in Glen Ellyn may be slightly higher than in surrounding areas, the quality of life makes it a worthwhile investment. As per Redfin & Rentcafe, the current Glen Ellyn medium home value and rent are $427,000 and $1416 respectively. However, there are ways to manage expenses without compromising on fun activities. So even if you are a budget-conscious person, you can still make this village your home.
If you talk about the average living cost in Glen Ellyn, it’s between $2100 and $2300 as per LivingCost’s reports. Here are some other everyday living expenses:
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A dozen eggs – $2.89
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Bread (1.1lb) – $3.22
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Gas (0.26 gal) – $0.98
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Taxi ride (5mi) – $13.4
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Doctor’s visit – $86.7
Healthcare and Utilities
Healthcare is everyone’s main priority while choosing a place to settle in and Glen Ellyn won’t disappoint you in that regard. The residents get access to top-class healthcare services, so you can be sure your well-being will always be prioritized. The Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is located near the Downers Grove area and it offers all the necessary medical facilities, including specialty care, emergency care, and surgery diagnostics.
All the basic utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are readily available. The Village of Glen Ellyn provides sewer and water services. And natural gas & electricity services are provided by Nicor Gas and Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), respectively. In short, you can rest easy knowing that your utility and healthcare needs are well-covered if you move to Glen Ellyn.
Life is great here but there are pros and cons of living in Glen Ellyn, IL. The best thing about this place is its community warmth and scenic environment but the living and housing costs are higher than the average. So do your research and make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle preferences. If you are planning to make it your new home, it’s best to hire professional movers in Glen Ellyn to get a fast and safe moving experience.
