Scarcity, power, and strategy aren’t just themes from The Hunger Games; they’re driving forces in today’s housing market. In Chicago’s western suburbs, buyers move like tributes through unfamiliar terrain, while sellers, like Capitol elites, wield the upper hand. From Burr Ridge’s high-stakes luxury to Downers Grove’s calculated calm to Naperville’s all-out scramble at the Cornucopia, each suburb has its own arena, its own rules, and its own path to victory.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
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Transcript:
I recently finished the second Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. And it got me thinking: the Hunger Games describes the real estate market in the western suburbs of Chicago right now perfectly. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and this is your April, 2025 market update. In The Hunger Games, the world is divided into districts and dominated by the Capitol. Every year, tributes are chosen to compete in the games, which are violent, gladiator-style battles to the death. It’s a brutal game of scarcity, power, and strategy.
If you’ve tried buying or selling a home in the western suburbs of Chicago lately, that story might feel strangely familiar. Buyers often feel like tributes, navigating dangerous terrain, outwitting their competition, and hoping that the odds finally land in their favor. Sellers are like the Capitol elites: they hold all the cards. But even in the Capitol, the tide can turn, so let’s step into the arena and see what’s happening with the housing market in Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, and Naperville.
Burr Ridge: Where the Capitol Holds Court
If any suburb plays the part of the Capitol, it’s Burr Ridge. Opulent. Commanding. A place where homes sell not out of necessity, but as statements. And like the Capitol in the books, Burr Ridge operates at its own pace. There are fewer players, but with higher stakes. The current median sale price in Burr Ridge is nine hundred seventeen thousand five hundred dollars, up a robust six point one percent from last year. While this isn’t a firestorm of appreciation like we had coming out of the pandemic, it’s a clear signal that luxury still holds its ground, and appreciation is still more than double historical averages. Burr Ridge homes are spending a median of fifteen days on the market. It’s not exactly a sprint, but nor is stroll through the park. Inventory remains, with just over three months’ supply available, and homes are selling for a median ninety eight point four percent of asking price. For buyers, this means Burr Ridge is like stepping into the Capitol with a slingshot. You can win here, but not without preparation, confidence, and a well-thought-out strategy. For sellers, the game is theirs to lose. But with a discerning audience and high expectations, even Capitol elites need to know how to dress their homes for the parade.
Downers Grove: The Woodland Arena
In the Hunger Games, not every arena is a bloodbath at the Cornucopia. Sometimes it’s a forest: tense, quiet, and full of shifting alliances. That’s how it is in Downers Grove right now. It’s still no doubt a seller’s game. Homes are selling in a median of ten days, and they’re commanding one hundred percent of asking price, often within hours of listing. The median sale price is five hundred two thousand dollars, holding nearly steady from a year ago, but with only the smallest, point four percent year-over-year rise. Inventory remains low, at a one point six months’ supply. But here’s the twist. This isn’t a frenzied sprint anymore. It’s a controlled hunt, as we see with the very minimal appreciation over the past year. Buyers are learning to move carefully. They’re tracking listings closely, waiting for the right moment, and entering offers with sharp precision. It’s competitive, but not as chaotic. Sellers, meanwhile, are still well-positioned, but the margins are thinner. Homes that overreach on price get left in the clearing. The arena rewards those who understand its terrain, whether you’re a tribute with a tight budget or a seller hoping to win the games in the first hour.
Naperville: The Cornucopia at Dawn
And then there’s Naperville. If Downers Grove is the forest and Burr Ridge is the Capitol, Naperville is the Cornucopia at sunrise. It’s where everyone rushes in at once. Some are prepared, some panic, and some walk away with everything they need. Naperville’s numbers tell a story of strength. The median sale price has surged to seven hundred thousand dollars, up eight point five percent year-over-year. Homes are selling in a median of only eight days, and nearly all of them are closing at or over asking price. Inventory is razor-thin at just one point three months. Buyers in Naperville have to act fast and smart. Hesitate, and someone else grabs the prize. Go in too aggressively, and you’ll crash and burn. It’s a classic Hunger Games scenario. Being able to act decisively, quickly, and thoughtfully are key. Sellers are in a strong position, but even here, it’s not enough merely to show up. Homes that are priced right, staged well, and marketed strategically still spark bidding wars. But even in the Cornucopia, the spoils go to those who move with confidence and clarity.
So where does that leave us? This April, the western suburbs aren’t offering peace treaties. Each suburb has its own terrain, its own tempo, and its own rules of engagement. But whether you’re stepping into the Capitol, sneaking through the forest, or charging the Cornucopia at dawn, this much is clear: the Games are still on, the arena is active, and the winners are those who know to play. Are you ready to enter the arena? Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to mentor and guide you as you navigate the current terrain. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family.