Glen Ellyn, IL, is a charming village that boasts a unique blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, making it a highly sought-after place to live. This guide aims to cover everything you need to know about living in Glen Ellyn, from the cost of living to local amenities, ensuring you have all the information at your fingertips.
Geography and Climate
Glen Ellyn, IL, nestled within DuPage County and approximately 24 miles due west of downtown Chicago, offers a vivid example of a village that gracefully blends the tranquility of suburban life with the convenience of city proximity. The area, spanning over 7.01 square miles, of which a significant majority is land, demonstrates the village's sprawling nature amidst the Chicago metropolitan landscape. This geographical setting plays a crucial role in defining the village's climate and lifestyle, which is marked by the presence of beautiful landscapes and water bodies that enhance its appeal.
The climate in Glen Ellyn is classified as humid continental, characterized by warm summers and cold winters, a common feature in northeastern Illinois. This climate brings about a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, with averages ranging from the mid-30s in January to the mid-80s in July. The village receives an average annual precipitation of around 34 inches, including snowfall averaging 33 inches.
Such weather conditions contribute to a rich seasonal tapestry, from the lush greenery of summer to the picturesque snow-covered landscapes in winter, and not forgetting the spectacular display of fall colors. The area experiences around 191 sunny days per year, providing ample opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoor amenities and scenic beauty Glen Ellyn has to offer.
Economic Overview
Glen Ellyn, IL, showcases a vibrant economic landscape, reflecting its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. The village takes pride in offering various economic incentives aimed at supporting and encouraging business and development opportunities within its confines.
These incentives, tailored to facilitate desirable economic development, are carefully considered and awarded by the Village Board on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that they meet the specific needs of each project while contemplating long-term financial and communal impacts.
In support of its economic development initiatives, Glen Ellyn manages several business award programs to assist property owners and businesses in enhancing their establishments and, consequently, the village's commercial appeal.
Programs such as the Downtown Retail Interior Improvement Award, Commercial Façade Improvement Award, Fire Prevention Award, and Downtown Beautification Award provide financial assistance for both interior and exterior improvements. These programs not only improve Glen Ellyn's competitiveness with neighboring communities but also reward businesses for their investment and commitment to quality improvements, thereby leveraging private investment for the betterment of the community as a whole.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Glen Ellyn, IL, is notably higher than both the national and state averages, underscoring the village's affluent character and high quality of life. BestPlaces rates Glen Ellyn's cost of living at 108.1, which is 8.1% higher than the U.S. average and 15.4% above the Illinois average. Housing costs stand out as a significant factor, with median home prices at $467,600, far surpassing the national median.
This high cost of housing reflects the desirability of the area but also indicates the level of income needed to live comfortably in Glen Ellyn. According to Salary.com, Glen Ellyn's overall expenses are 8.7% above the national average, with notable increases in transportation, food, and housing over the past year.
Moreover, AreaVibes provides a more detailed view, noting that Glen Ellyn's housing costs are 111% higher than the national average, contributing to the overall cost of living being 36% above the U.S. benchmark. The median household income in Glen Ellyn is significantly higher than the national average, at $118,208, which is essential to manage the higher costs of living, including groceries, healthcare, and transportation expenses, all of which are above the national averages in these categories. This information suggests that while Glen Ellyn offers a high standard of living, it comes at a cost, necessitating a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in this charming village.
Education and Schools
Glen Ellyn, IL, is served by two prominent school districts that highlight the community's commitment to high academic standards and a rich educational environment. The Glen Ellyn School District 41 is known for its strong sense of community and high academic achievements, catering to approximately 3,600 PreK-8 students from Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, and Wheaton.
This district offers a wide range of student services and programs, including special education services, dual language resources, and a standards-based reporting system, reflecting its dedication to catering to the diverse needs of its student population.
Community Consolidated School District 89, on the other hand, serves nearly 2,300 preschool through middle school students from Glen Ellyn, Lombard, and Wheaton. With a focus on empowering all learners to recognize and optimize their full potential, CCSD 89 boasts a variety of academic interventions, supports, and enrichment opportunities, including music, art, and social-emotional support programs. Both districts emphasize creating a supportive and enriching educational environment that fosters student growth and learning.
Outdoor Activities and Parks
Glen Ellyn, IL, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of parks and recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests. The Glen Ellyn Park District plays a pivotal role in providing community-based leisure opportunities through a blend of quality recreation programs, facilities, and open spaces. This includes everything from ice rinks and sled hills to fishing, boating, and tennis courts, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Housing and Real Estate
The housing market in Glen Ellyn, IL, shows a competitive environment, with homes selling around the list price and often going pending in about 49 days. The sale-to-list price ratio is currently at 96.7%, indicating most homes sell close to their asking price. Additionally, 28.6% of homes sold above list price, showing a significant interest and demand in the area. This suggests that Glen Ellyn remains an attractive location for buyers, despite the slight decrease in homes selling above the list price compared to last year.
Local Amenities and Transportation
Glen Ellyn, IL, offers a rich array of local amenities and transportation options. The village's downtown area has seen significant investment in recent years, with a variety of local businesses, restaurants, and cafes served by the Metra Union Pacific West line and the 60-mile Illinois Prairie Path network. Additionally, the Morton Arboretum, located just four miles from downtown, is a major attraction featuring over 220,000 cataloged trees and plants across 1,700 acres, alongside a variety of programs and events for all ages.
Community Life
Glen Ellyn, IL, is recognized for its quality of life, combining a rich history, vibrant business community, and strong educational culture with an array of cultural amenities. The community is further enhanced by initiatives like The Glen Ellyn Fund, which partners with the DuPage Foundation to support projects that enhance the village's quality of life. Additionally, Glen Ellyn maintains a variety of parks and facilities, including the Village Links Golf Course and Panfish Park, contributing to the area's appeal.
Conclusion
Living in Glen Ellyn offers a blend of high-quality education, vibrant community life, and beautiful natural surroundings, attracting diverse groups from young professionals and growing families to those seeking a peaceful retirement. The welcoming arms of Glen Ellyn promise a living experience that's hard to match, with an increased number of people moving there, as evidenced by movers in Glen Ellyn, IL, observing a rise in relocation activities to the area.
