If you’re considering a move to the western suburbs of Chicago, areas like Hinsdale, Naperville, and La Grange might be at the top of your list. But if you’re after value without the premium price, here are five underrated gems that offer charm, convenience, and affordability.
🏡 Clarendon Hills: Hinsdale’s more affordable neighbor, offering similar schools, Metra access, and charm at a friendlier price.
🌳 Willowbrook: A practical alternative to Burr Ridge, with beautiful parks and excellent schools without the luxury price.
🏞️ Lemont: Full of character and history, this small-town alternative to Naperville has a scenic riverside and vibrant downtown.
🌿 La Grange Park: Neighboring La Grange, it has tree-lined streets, a welcoming community, and family-friendly vibes, all for less.
🐾 Brookfield: An affordable choice near La Grange with commuter access and a standout attraction in the Brookfield Zoo.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
📲 Text/Call: 708.674.6725
📩 Email: eric@eandersenhomes.com
🌎 https://www.ericandersenhomes.com
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Transcript:
If you’re thinking about moving to the western suburbs of Chicago, places like La Grange, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, and Naperville may be at the top of your list, but their popularity comes at a price. They’re known for their beautiful homes, top-rated schools, and luxurious amenities, but they come at a premium. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and today, we’re looking at my top five most underrated western suburbs. They’re areas that go under the radar but offer a lot of the same benefits without the premium price tags. We’ll look specifically at Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, Lemont, La Grange Park, and Brookfield, my top five hidden gems of the western suburbs.
First up is Clarendon Hills. For anyone looking at Hinsdale but pausing at the one point six million dollar average home value, Clarendon Hills offers a more bang for your buck at nine hundred thirty thousand dollars. With the same Metra access, highly-rated schools, and picturesque, tree-lined streets, Clarendon Hills offers a lot of what makes Hinsdale so great but with a smaller price tag. Picture yourself walking down cozy streets, past boutique shops, and enjoying a friendly, community feel that still keeps you close to the city. Clarendon Hills offers quaint suburban charm without the premium price of Hinsdale. Think of it as Hinsdale’s quieter, budget-friendlier cousin, where you don’t have to sacrifice quality or convenience.
Next, we have Willowbrook, which is just next door to Burr Ridge. If Burr Ridge is the one of the most expensive western suburbs with its one point one five million average price, Willowbrook is the sensible alternative at an average of around six hundred twenty thousand dollars. Imagine the same proximity to shops, excellent schools, and natural beauty like Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, but without the fancy price tag. Willowbrook offers affordability while still providing access to Burr Ridge-level amenities. If you want practicality over prestige and lots of natural beauty and opportunities for recreation, Willowbrook is a great choice.
On to Lemont, a quiet community that has more in common with Naperville than you might think, but without the Naperville premiums. With Naperville’s average home price sitting around seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, Lemont stands out at a more reasonable six hundred thousand dollars. Lemont offers an abundance of charm. Its downtown features historic, limestone buildings and a scenic riverside. It offers that laid-back, small-town feel with lots of character and convenience. Between its many dining options, great schools, and recreational options, Lemont offers a lot of what makes Naperville so great without the premium prices. It’s more charm, less change.
Next up is La Grange Park, which is just next door to La Grange. While La Grange holds the spotlight with homes averaging seven hundred twenty five thousand dollars, La Grange Park flies under the radar at a friendlier five hundred fifty thousand dollars. La Grange Park offers a similar suburban vibe with a touch more affordability. Picture leafy streets, character-filled homes, and a close-knit community, all within a quick drive to Brookfield Zoo and oustanding schools. La Grange Park has a down-to-earth vibe that’s perfect for anyone wanting a balanced, family-friendly neighborhood. It’s that hidden-gem appeal without the higher price.
Last but not least, we have Brookfield, where the cost of entry drops even further to around three hundred sixty thousand dollars, less than half of La Grange’s seven hundred fifty thousand dollars. Brookfield is moments from La Grange but offers a much more affordable way to enjoy the same suburban amenities and an unbeatable location for commuters, also along the BNSF Metra line. Home to the popular Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield has its own charm – a mix of casual dining, neighborhood parks, and a welcoming community feel. If you’re looking for a practical, budget-friendly option in the western suburbs, Brookfield delivers value, location, and amenities that are hard to beat.
So there you have it – five Chicago suburbs that may not have the spotlight of a big-name zip code but offer incredible value. These are the places where you can enjoy a high quality of life without an equally high price tag. Whether you’re looking for affordability, charm, or convenience, these suburbs offer it all. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family.