In this video, we’re doing power rankings of the western suburbs based on price per square foot. The five areas we’ll look at are Darien, Willowbrook, Naperville, Burr Ridge, and Downers Grove. We’ll see where you can find the best deals and the most prestigious homes. Plus, we’ll cover unique features that set each suburb apart, from spacious lots to luxury amenities and the best downtowns. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the market, subscribe and stay tuned for all the latest insights.
Eric Andersen, B.A., M.Div.
Owner/Designated Managing Broker, Andersen Realty Group
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Transcript:
Today, we’re doing power rankings for the western suburbs of Chicago. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, and we’ll rank five areas by price per square foot so you can see where you can get the best deals and find the most prestigious homes, and we’ll also mention a few distinguishing features of the homes in each area to help you get a feel for what sets one area apart from the other. But first, a word of preface: I’m always apprehensive about reported square footage totals on listings. There are no standard reporting criteria for square footage, so the advertised square footage totals you see online are often inaccurate, almost to the point of making them useless. Sometimes the totals you see are wild guesses. Sometimes sellers exaggerate them. I also regularly see homes where the square footage is underreported. Sometimes they include the basement, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes the numbers come from government records, which aren’t always accurate, and other times, the square footage isn’t reported at all.
The usefulness of reported square footage totals in real estate is like the plus/minus statistic in hockey. It can be helpful to look at as part of the big picture, but the numbers can be misleading, especially if you look at them in a vacuum or put too much weight on them. For example, if you look at the Connor Bedard’s plus/minus for his rookie season, which was a minus forty-four, you might get the impression that he’s a liability to his team. But nothing could be further from the truth. Connor Bedard is an amazing player that happens to be on a rebuilding team. Square footage totals for an individual home are like hockey’s plus/minus stat. They don’t tell the whole story, and as we’ve already noted, they’re often inaccurate. Price per square foot for a neighborhood is kind of like a team’s goal differential, which may be a little more useful and less subject to misuse. You know a hockey team that lets in twice the number of goals it scores probably isn’t very good. In the same way, an area with a very low price per square foot is going to be more affordable with one with a significantly higher total.
All of this is to say, take individual square footage totals with a grain of salt, and when looking at price per square foot, it’s important to look at a decent sample size over a reasonable period of time since these totals can vary widely depending on what’s reported for an individual home, not to mention the home’s age and condition. New construction will have a much higher price per square foot than a small home that hasn’t been updated since World War II. For our purposes today, we’ll look at 3 months’ worth of sale data from June to August, 2024, which should give us enough information to see some general trends and get a sense for these areas. So, without further ado, here are my power rankings for the Western Suburbs by price per square foot.
#5 – Darien: Most Affordable
Let’s start with Darien, the most affordable area on our list. The median price per square foot here is about two hundred fourteen dollars, which offers excellent value for the price. Homes in Darien average three and a half bedrooms and two and ha half bathrooms, with a median square footage of two thousand forty six square feet. The average year built for homes in Darien is 1992, and you’ll find a mix of older and newer homes, some in original condition and others that have recently been updated. Overall, Darien is an area that offers a lot of that classic suburban charm and practical homes that offer a lot of value.
Darien stands out for its traditional home styles and functional amenities. Nearly half of the homes here feature hardwood floors, adding a touch of elegance and timeless style. Darien also has the highest number of detached garages of the areas on our list, reflecting a preference for more traditional home styles. Detached garages offer versatility and extra space, which is ideal for storage or workshops.
Another unique feature of Darien is its abundance of screened patios. These outdoor spaces allow residents to enjoy fresh air while offering protection against bugs and weather, making them ideal spaces for relaxing or entertaining. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a summer evening, a screened patio provides a comfortable and versatile outdoor living area. Overall, Darien is a great choice for buyers seeking affordability, space, and classic suburban features.
#4 – Willowbrook: Outdoor Living
Next up is Willowbrook, with a median price per square foot of about two hundred fifty dollars, which is a jump of thirty six dollars per square foot from Darien, and the single biggest increase on our list. Again, it highlights how much value buyers can find in Darien.
As you might expect, homes in Willowbrook are slightly larger than those in Darien. They both average three and a half beds and two and a half baths, but Willowbrook’s homes have a median of two thousand two hundred nine square feet, compared to Darien’s two thousand forty six. The average year built for homes here is 1993, just one year newer than Darien.
Willowbrook’s homes are known for their emphasis on outdoor living. The area features the most homes with outdoor amenities like grills and fire pits, making it perfect for those who enjoy entertaining or relaxing outside. These features enhance the appeal of the homes and create inviting spaces for gatherings and cookouts.
Additionally, Willowbrook has the highest number of homes with 1st-floor bedrooms, which can be a significant advantage for accessibility or multi-generational living. It’s an ideal layout for seniors who are looking to avoid stairs, or for those who prefer the convenience of single-level living. Willowbrook also has a high percentage of homes with attached garages (over eighty one percent), reflecting more modern home designs that prioritize ease and functionality. These garages provide added security and easy access to the home, which is especially helpful during the winter or when it’s rainy and you need to get groceries into the house.
Willowbrook combines the charm of suburban living with practical features, making it an excellent choice for families and those who love the outdoors. Waterfall Glen, which is on the southwest end of Willowbrook, is a forest preserve that offers over twenty five hundred acres of open space. With its outdoor amenities and modern conveniences, Willowbrook offers a well-rounded suburban experience.
#3 – Naperville: Best Downtown
Here at the midway point we have Naperville, with a median price per square foot of about two hundred fifty five dollars, or just about five dollars higher than Willwobrook. This is the first home on our list that averages four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and they are also larger with a median square footage of almost twenty eight hundred square feet. They are newer, too. The average year built for homes in Naperville is 1999.
Naperville’s homes feature a higher percent of vaulted or cathedral ceilings, which makes rooms feel larger and more welcoming. It adds a sense of spaciousness and elegance to the homes, making them a popular choice for buyers who are looking for style and comfort.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, about eighteen percent of Naperville’s homes have first floor full bathrooms and laundry rooms, making them accessible and convenient.
Naperville also has the best downtown in the suburbs, some of the top-rated schools in the state, and several opportunities for recreation and community events. Whether you’re looking for a home with unique architectural features or a neighborhood that offers convenience and character, Naperville has something for everyone. It’s a great place for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a well-rounded suburban lifestyle.
#2 – Burr Ridge: Luxury Living
Coming in at number two on our list and moving up the price scale is Burr Ridge, where luxury meets spacious living. The median price per square foot is five dollars higher than Naperville at two hundred sixty dollars per square foot. Here, we find the biggest homes, which have a median of three thousand eight hundred and sixty square feet, which is by far the largest on our list and well over a thousand square feet higher than homes in Naperville. Burr Ridge caters to those looking for luxury and sprawling estates. The average year built for homes in Burr Ridge is 1999, the same year as Naperville, and reflects a preference for more modern, upscale properties.
Burr Ridge is all about luxury and comfort. The homes here feature the largest master bedrooms and offer plenty of space for relaxation and privacy. Their master suites usually offer walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms, making them true retreats within the home.
Another distinctive feature of Burr Ridge homes is the high prevalence of fireplaces. While fireplaces aren’t uncommon in the suburbs of Chicago, in Burr Ridge, it’s almost a given. They add a warmth and coziness to the homes, creating a perfect setting for family gatherings or quiet evenings.
Burr Ridge’s homes also feature the largest lot sizes of the five areas on our list, offering the most outdoor space. Visually, you’ll notice Burr Ridge’s homes are usually spaced well apart from their neighbors. This isn’t like in the city where you look out your window and you’re looking at a brick wall because the homes are practically built on top of each other.
Burr Ridge combines luxury living with a suburban feel, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for space, privacy, and high-end homes. Their homes are spacious and come well-equipped with several amenities, and the neighborhood is quiet with a touch of elegance. Plus, the Burr Ridge Village Center offers everything from groceries, shopping, dining, Kohler Waters Spa, and LifeTime Fitness.
#1 – Downers Grove: The All-Rounder
The highest median price per square foot of the five areas on our list belongs to Downers grove, coming in a nearly two hundred sixty six dollars. I have to say, this surprised me, as the homes are definitely not the largest. They average three and a half bedrooms and two and a half baths, with a median square footage of only two thousand eighty eight square feet, so you will definitely pay a premium to live in Downers Grove. It’s a great area, and that is reflected in the price. The average year built of homes here is 1990.
Downers Grove stands out for its diverse range of features. It has the highest number of homes with pools, making it a great choice for those who love swimming. Downers also has a high number of homes with decks and patios, which, like Willowbrook, will appeal to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Homes in Downers also have a lot of homes with porches, which adds to the neighborly feel of the community and offers a nice space for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
Downtown Downers Grove is much smaller than Naperville’s, but its shops and restaurants are no less amazing. With its mix of charming homes, outdoor amenities, and excellent Downtown, Downers Grove is a strong community that offers something for everyone.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our power rankings for the top five western suburbs by price per square foot, with a few highlights about what makes each area unique. Whether you’re looking for value, luxury, outdoor living, or community, you can find it in the western suburbs. Please like this video, subscribe to my channel, and turn on notifications, and if you have questions or need help finding the perfect home or selling your home in the western suburbs, you can find my contact info below. I’m Eric with Andersen Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage where we treat our clients like family.