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Willowbrook

Willowbrook

$1,039,896 Average Value
$301 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

Willowbrook’s small size and active village government build a sense of community

Once an unincorporated area of Hinsdale along Route 66, Willowbrook became a village in 1960. That humble beginning leaves Willowbrook hemmed in compared to many of its sprawling peer communities in Chicago’s southwest suburbs. But its smaller size – the village has just over 9,000 residents – comes with the benefit of a sense of community and an active local government. “It offers a lot of the same amenities as other villages,” says Alex Arteaga, assistant to the village administrator. “But because we’re smaller, we have that close neighbor feeling.” The village government is active in cultivating a sense of community. “In my brief time in local government, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a mayor as hands-on as ours,” Arteaga says. “They really see the value in our village and the work we do."

Willowbrook Village Hall organizes many fun events in Willowbrook.
Willowbrook Village Hall organizes many fun events in Willowbrook.
The water tower is a notable landmark in Willowbrook.
The water tower is a notable landmark in Willowbrook.
Gower West Elementary School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning in Willowbrook.
Gower West Elementary School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning in Willowbrook.
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Lack of property tax levy a factor in affordability compared to neighbors

Owning to a higher percentage of condos and townhouses than neighboring DuPage County suburbs, Willowbrook’s median home price of around $308,000 is significantly less than its neighbors – particularly Hinsdale, where the median price soars over $1 million. The median price for single-family homes in Willowbrook is around $450,000, which is comparable to neighboring Darien. Willowbrook’s property tax also makes it more affordable than most DuPage County communities. “We’re one of two villages without a property tax levy in DuPage County,” Arteaga says.

The streets are quiet and safe in Willowbrook.
The streets are quiet and safe in Willowbrook.
There are many homes with beautiful brick exteriors in Willowbrook.
There are many homes with beautiful brick exteriors in Willowbrook.
There are many housing styles in Willowbrook.
There are many housing styles in Willowbrook.
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Students attend highly rated schools

There are only two schools in Willowbrook – Gower West Elementary and Gower Middle School. Both receive an A rating on Niche. High schoolers attend A-rated Hinsdale South, which is in Darien. Hinsdale South has nearly 100 extracurricular activities for students to choose from. The school also has a Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, established in 1966, that serves students from throughout the area.

Gower West Elementary School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning in Willowbrook.
Gower West Elementary School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning in Willowbrook.
Gower Middle School in Burr Ridge West has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 in Willowbrook.
Gower Middle School in Burr Ridge West has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 in Willowbrook.
Hinsdale Central High School ranked 25th nationally in public high schools in Willowbrook.
Hinsdale Central High School ranked 25th nationally in public high schools in Willowbrook.
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Park improvements in progress

The Willowbrook Parks Department manages 10 parks, many of which are getting updated to improve amenities. “We’re doing more work now than we have in decades,” Arteaga says. These plans include updating Creekside Park, which will have a new playground, gaga ball pit, ADA-compliant trails and a 6-hole disc golf course when work is complete in 2025. Midtown Athletic Club and Willowbrook Ice Arena provide indoor recreation, which comes in handy during Willowbook’s chilly winter months. Ruth Lake Country Club, just across the border in Hinsdale, is a private 18-hole course with a lakeside clubhouse.

Creekside Park is a great place to workout in Willowbrook.
Creekside Park is a great place to workout in Willowbrook.
Ruth Lake Country Club conveniently has pickleball courts in Willowbrook.
Ruth Lake Country Club conveniently has pickleball courts in Willowbrook.
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Local restaurant known for decades-old chicken recipe

Much of Willowbrook’s shopping and dining is along Kingery Highway (Illinois Route 83), including the Willowbrook Town Center mall. And though chain restaurants and stores are the norm, Willowbrook’s most distinctive eatery has been here since long before the village itself. Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket, initially opened in 1946 on Route 66, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was featured on a Route 66-themed episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The Chicken Basket has great fried chicken in Willowbrook.
The Chicken Basket has great fried chicken in Willowbrook.
Locals love the atmosphere at The Chicken Basket in Willowbrook.
Locals love the atmosphere at The Chicken Basket in Willowbrook.
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Neighborhood Nights allow families to enjoy a night out

The village government hosts several community events, including the traveling Neighborhood Nights, where small-scale events are brought to several parks throughout the summer. Community-wide events include the Mug Run, where attendees run or walk 1 mile with a mug of beer provided by the Black Horizon Brewing Company before ending the night with drinks and music.

Interstate 55 creates an easy commute to Chicago

Traces of historic Route 66 are still visible here, but these days, Interstate 55 is the highway connecting Willowdale to Chicago and beyond. Due to I-55, the majority of the village’s south side is either commercial or industrial. Argonne National Laboratory, the largest Department of Energy facility in the Midwest, is less than 5 miles from Willowbrook.

Several hotels capitalize on Willowbrook’s location 20 miles southwest of The Loop. Chicago Midway International Airport is less than 15 miles away, and Chicago O’Hare is about 20 miles away. Metra’s West Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills stations are the nearest commuter rail stops.

Interstate 55 connects Willowbrook to Chicago.
Interstate 55 connects Willowbrook to Chicago.
Willowbrook is a safe and family friendly community.
Willowbrook is a safe and family friendly community.
There are many available homes for many different budgets in Willowbrook.
There are many available homes for many different budgets in Willowbrook.
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Action addresses higher-than-average cancer rates

In the late 2010s, the Illinois Department of Public Health investigated an alarming trend—residents of Willowbrook had an incidence of cancer that was more than seven times higher than neighboring communities. The investigation attributed the heightened cancer rate to the release of ethylene oxide from Sterigenics International, Inc. The company shut down its Willowbrook facility in 2019 and reached a $400 million settlement with more than 800 local residents.

Property and violent crime rates in Willowbrook are below the national averages.

Willowbrook Village Hall organizes many fun events in Willowbrook.
Willowbrook Village Hall organizes many fun events in Willowbrook.
The water tower is a notable landmark in Willowbrook.
The water tower is a notable landmark in Willowbrook.
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Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

18 min drive

Willowbrook Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$575,000
Median Sale Price
$485,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$679,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$575,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$485,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
66
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
42%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$301

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,131
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
5,400
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,400
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,096
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
32,670

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    10am - 12pm

    6808 Caitlin Ct, Willowbrook, IL 60527

    $899,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,703 Sq Ft
    • 6808 Caitlin Ct
    • New 3 days ago

    Start making memories in this stunning all-brick 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, just minutes from dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Step into the bright, open layout designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The dramatic two-story foyer welcomes you into the cozy living room, while the formal dining room impresses with vaulted

    Paul Mancini @properties Christie's International Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1 - 3pm

    5524 S Bruner St, Hinsdale, IL 60521

    $779,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,927 Sq Ft
    • 5524 S Bruner St

    This fully remodeled home is a delightful blend of contemporary design and luxurious finishes, making it a true standout. The kitchen is a showstopper with custom cabinetry, elegant granite countertops, and updated stainless steel appliances. The open and airy living and dining areas are perfect for gatherings, and the four spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room to relax, with the master suite

    Ginny Stewart Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    11am - 1pm

    608 W 55th St, Hinsdale, IL 60521

    $1,349,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 5,022 Sq Ft
    • 608 W 55th St

    Move right in to this completely renovated home in Hinsdale Central School District! This luxurious, light-filled home features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and is 5000 sq ft! The chef's kitchen is a dream with top of the line Jenn-Air appliances, custom maple wood cabinetry, a separate paneled refrigerator and freezer with storage in between, a massive Cambria quartz center island with seating,

    Katie Barreto Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anna Fattore, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,523
Median Age
50
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$157,430
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$180,715

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
67.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

48 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

39 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Willowbrook