Why Live in Hillside
Hillside, Illinois, located about 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, is a small city with midcentury roots and abundant green spaces. Known for its limestone production and as the final resting place of Al Capone, Hillside grew significantly during the mid-20th century with the installation of Interstate 290. The local housing stock reflects this era, featuring midcentury ranches and bungalows with brick facades, front stoops, gabled roofs, and sprawling profiles. Newer homes built in the 2010s maintain this midcentury aesthetic, and bi-level properties add height to the residential grid. Connecting sidewalks and wide streets provide a spacious feel, with personalized touches like steel decorative pinwheels and lion statuary adorning lawns and porches.
Hillside offers a variety of things to do, with numerous parks and recreational areas. Eisenhower Park is a popular destination, featuring pools at Adventure Bay Water Park, athletic fields, and courts. The Illinois Prairie Path, a nearly 60-mile trail, runs just below Eisenhower Park, tracing the historical route of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad. Fresh Meadow Golf Club includes an 18-hole course and a golf learning center. The city is also home to several forest preserves, including Fullersburg Woods, Salt Creek Woods, and York Woods, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Local schools have consistent ratings, contributing to the city's appeal. Dining options range from fast casual eateries along Butterfield Road to locally owned restaurants on Roosevelt Road, such as Emilio's Tapas Bar Restaurant. Summer events at Hillside Commons Park include an open market, car shows, and live music concerts. For history enthusiasts, Mount Carmel and Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemeteries offer tours, with Mount Carmel being the first graveyard in Hillside and Queen of Heaven featuring Gothic Revival architecture and an art gallery.