Glen Ellyn

Tucked about 25 miles west of Chicago along the BNSF Metra line, Glen Ellyn has a way of surprising people who stumble across it for the first time. It’s not flashy or overhyped, but it consistently ranks among the most desirable suburbs in DuPage County — and once you spend an afternoon walking through its downtown or chatting with a neighbor on the bike path, it’s easy to understand why. If you’re weighing a move to the western suburbs, Glen Ellyn deserves a serious look.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of around 28,270, Glen Ellyn strikes a rare balance — big enough to offer genuine amenities, small enough that you’ll start recognizing faces at the farmers market within a few months. The community skews toward established families and professionals, reflected in a median age of 41.3, but it’s far from homogeneous. You’ll find young couples in starter homes near Newton Park, long-time empty nesters in the older Tudor-style homes along Parkside, and everything in between. The village’s walkable downtown core, centered on Main Street and Crescent Boulevard, gives residents a genuine gathering place with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques rather than the strip-mall sprawl that dominates neighboring communities.

Cost of Living and Housing

Let’s be straightforward: Glen Ellyn is not cheap. The median home price sits at approximately $522,600, which reflects strong demand for quality housing stock in a top-rated school district. Most of what you’ll find are single-family homes ranging from charming 1920s Craftsman bungalows near the train station to larger newer construction in developments closer to the Wheaton border. Condos and townhomes do exist and offer a more accessible entry point. Property taxes in DuPage County are notable, so factor those into your budget conversations with a lender. That said, the median household income here is $133,346, suggesting the community is well-positioned to absorb those costs. Renters will find limited inventory, which is worth knowing before you start your search.

Employment and Economy

Most Glen Ellyn residents commute — either into Chicago via the Metra’s Glen Ellyn station (the ride downtown runs roughly 45 minutes) or to major employment hubs scattered across DuPage County. College of DuPage, located directly in Glen Ellyn, is one of the largest community colleges in the nation and a significant local employer. Nearby Wheaton and Lisle host corporate offices for companies like Navistar and several financial services firms. The broader I-88 technology and business corridor is easily accessible, making Glen Ellyn a practical base for professionals across multiple industries. Remote workers will find the village well-suited to their needs — there are solid coffee shops and library spaces, and the neighborhood feel makes working from home genuinely pleasant.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Glen Ellyn’s outdoor offerings are quietly impressive. Lake Ellyn Park, centered on a glacially formed lake near the heart of the village, is a genuine local treasure — ideal for morning walks, summer picnics, and winter ice skating. The Illinois Prairie Path runs directly through town, connecting cyclists and runners to a network stretching across multiple counties. The Park District is unusually active, running programs from youth sports to adult fitness classes at the well-maintained Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center. The Glenbard West High School community is a strong social anchor, and Friday night football games have a real small-town energy that newer residents often find unexpectedly charming.

The Bottom Line

Glen Ellyn rewards people who value community over convenience and quality over novelty. The housing costs are real, and you’ll want a solid income to live comfortably here. But in exchange, you get excellent schools, a walkable downtown, genuine neighbors, and easy access to Chicago without daily urban exhaustion. If that trade-off sounds right for your family or your life stage, it’s worth visiting on a weekday and a weekend before making your decision. Chances are, the village will make a compelling case for itself.