Why Elmhurst is a great place to call home…conveniently located 17 miles west of Chicago, Elmhurst offers a perfect balance between suburban comfort and excited city living. A prestigious hospital, award winning schools, a vibrant University, rich history and culture, museums and galleries, fabulous shopping, dining and easy Metra access make Elmhurst the best of the best for all generations.
Residents find the city calm with a dense suburban feel. The location is ideal for taking advantage of Chicago’s amenities and has easy access to the smaller suburban events and communities. The Elmhurst area is very walkable and has a thriving, close-knit community. Many residents enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and find much to do both uptown and downtown.
Things to Love
Centrally located between the western suburbs and Chicago
Laid-back and friendly community
Top-rated schools
Excellent summer weather
Greenery and parks to enjoy
Lifestyle
Residents of Elmhurst, Illinois, live life at their own pace. Children attend some of the highest-rated schools in the state, and adults enjoy the well-rounded community. Everyone enjoys the many local amenities, from gardens and museums to uptown stores and eateries. Residents also frequent Chicago for a night on the town or visit neighboring communities in the western suburbs to partake of the many activities.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Elmhurst Public Library, Originally founded in 1912, but beautifully re-built in 2003. The Library is not only stunning - but has won countless awards and rankings with the Library Journal’s annual review of public libraries. Search the aisles for your next read or partake in the various staff led programs for all ages to enjoy!
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Like the rest of the western suburbs, Elmhurst has no shortage of options for dining and shopping. Egg Harbor Cafe is a unique, gourmet breakfast, brunch, and lunch cafe. Residents frequent this cafe for high-quality dishes every morning, including omelets, crepes, and a whole seasonal menu.
Another great place to frequent is Beerhead Bar and Eatery. This bar marries the idea of a sophisticated establishment with the “downtown corner bar” feeling. They serve upscale bar food and have over 40 craft beers on tap. For a more robust meal, locals often take a trip to Pazzi Di Pizza, an authentic Italian restaurant. They have dishes ranging from Pasta Della Settimana: Bucatini Porcini to almond halibut. Their wine list is also extensive, with a whole page of excellent choices. Take a trip for lunch or dinner, or rent the place for a private Sunday event.
Elmhurst City Centre is surrounded by establishments and events for shopping and entertainment. Being the heart of the city, they hold regular events such as Rock on the Block and Wednesday Nights Live, two music events with food and fun. A common stop in the area is Enzee Boutique. A fashion store with a philanthropic determination, this boutique sells jewelry, clothes, bags, and more. Each sale goes towards a worthy cause, from helping starving children to ending animal cruelty.
Things to Do
Elmhurst, Illinois, is laid back and rich in culture. There are many places to go and enjoy at your own leisure. The Elmhurst Art Museum has an eclectic collection of local and well-known artists’ works. They also offer free entry for children at the Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design exhibit, where adults and kids alike can enjoy and learn through hands-on activities. The Elmhurst art museum hosts the annual Art in the Park event. This community event is where small artisans and fine arts crafters set up booths and sell wares. Locals support the arts, enjoy good food and drinks, and have a great time at this two-day festival.
After moving in, get to know the neighborhood and its history at the Elmhurst History Museum. In addition to the regular history, the museum also has rotating exhibits. After learning the general history, visit each new exhibit to learn how Chicagoland grew to what it is today. Many residents seeking outdoor exercise take up biking, jogging, or walking along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail. It is a 25-mile, north-south trail from DuPage county to Cook county. Others prefer the Illinois Prairie Path, a 63-mile-long preserved nature trail through the area.
Schools
The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 serves the Elmhurst community.
