Des Plaines' history dates back to 1857 when land was granted to accommodate the train running from Chicago to Janesville, which by 1869, would be a village of 800 people. The city grew as a result of the opening of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, just to the south, from 9,000 to 55,000 in 1944. That was combined with people moving to the suburbs from Chicago after World War II. "I grew up in Chicago but moved to Des Plaines to be closer to my mother almost 50 years ago," says Jan Goczkowski, a Realtor with Century 21 Langos & Christian since 1989. "My son is the current mayor of Des Plaines, so he's stayed too. We experience some traffic noise from the proximity to O'Hare, but it's something you get used to."
Today, the city of over 60,000 touts a robust transportation infrastructure to allow residents to get around town by bike, bus, or commuting to downtown Chicago by car. The historic downtown blends mainstay businesses and new arrivals with an eye toward revitalization. One of the city's major employers and revenue generators is the Rivers Casino, which opened in 2011 on the east side of Interstate 294 north of Interstate 90. "Taxes are affordable in Des Plaines because of the presence of the casino," Goczkowski says. "It generates about $5 million annually in revenue for Des Plaines, and a lot of the money is used to upgrade the city's infrastructure." Entertainment, dining and table games are spread out over 147,000 square feet.
Be sure to check out the historic Des Plaines Theater for their next show.
The Des Plaines River runs through the heart of the city.
The Des Plaines Metra is located downtown and can get commuters to Chicago in 30 minutes.
Rivers Casino opened in 2011 and offers free shuttles.
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Historic buildings in downtown Des Plaines
Downtown Des Plaines retains some of its historical buildings and businesses, including the nearly 100-year-old Des Plaines Theater, which was given a second life after the city purchased it and began renovating. “The casino pitched in money for the renovation costs,” Goczkowski says. Square Deal Shoe Store, down the street from the Des Plaines Theater, is a family-owned shoe store that has been in business since 1921, and also houses a small shoe museum.
There are dining options, including a 1920's style speakeasy and tavern. The Choo Choo has been open since 1956 and is a classic diner with the food delivered on a Lionel O scale toy train. Entertainment includes concerts, comedy and magic shows and special events around Christmas. More of the city's past is illuminated at the Des Plaines History Center in the downtown area in a 1907 Queen Anne Revival house. The June Taste of Des Plaines street festival features live music, local food vendors and a beer garden.
Families love taking their kids to the infamous Choo Choo restauarant in Des Plaines.
There are events that occur annually in Des Plaines including a holiday tree lighting.
Downtown Des Plaines is pedestrian friendly with wide sidewalks and numerous storefronts.
Be sure to check out the Des Plaines History Center near downtown.
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Flood risk near Des Plaines River
Many houses were built in the mid-20th century to accommodate the growth post World War II. Single-family homes include bungalows, cottages, ranch-style homes and Cape Cod. The median price is around $400,000, and the range is between $310,000 and $750,000. “Compared to western Chicago suburbs, this is affordable,” Goczkowski says. “Do we have million-dollar homes? Yes, but they are few and far between. The most expensive are the more modern homes that appear when an older one is demolished.” Many condos are downtown, with prices from $120,000 to $400,000. Townhouses are scattered and are from $220,000 to $550,000. “Inventory is low (as of Fall of 2024), and homes sell within 8 to 12 days if priced correctly,” she says. According to First Street, a website that tracks various environmental factors, houses near the Des Plaines River in the neighborhood’s eastern section are in a major flood zone. The CAP crime score index for Des Plaines is 4, which is right at the national average.
There are a number of newer condo buildings in the Des Plaines area.
You will find a number of bungalow style homes in Des Plaines.
The most common home style in Des Plaines are single story ranch homes.
Contemporary homes with brick facades and arched entryways can be found in Des Plaines.
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Public schools filter into quality Des Plaines high schools
Community Consolidated School Districts 62, 63 and 59 provide public education for kindergarten through eighth grade. The first two feature schools in Des Plaines and get B-plus grades from Niche. District 59 serves those living in the western part of the neighborhood who may attend schools in neighboring Elk Grove Village. That district gets a B-minus. Three high school options fall within two districts. Maine Township High School District 207 is rated an A-plus and is ranked the 23rd-best school district in Illinois out of more than 400. A few students could attend Township High School District 214, which has an A-plus grade and is ranked the 12th best school district in the state.
Some private schools include faith-based institutions and the Science and Arts Academy for gifted students. A couple of two-year colleges, Oakton or Harper Community College are nearby.
Central Elementary School has an average student to teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
Maine West High School is one of two high schools serving Des Plaines.
Harper Community College is a short distance from Des Plaines.
Oakton Community College is located in Des Plaines adjacent to a forested area.
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Des Plaines River Trail
Various recreation options are available around Des Plaines. The Des Plaines River Trail runs nearly 30 miles along the river. Prairie Lakes Park has multiple soccer fields, fishing ponds, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a skate and bike park. Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center is an outdoor water park with a lazy river, a zero-depth pool and a spray park for young kids. Minor league sports are available with the Chicago Wolves hockey team and Chicago Dogs baseball playing close by.
You can watch the Chicago Dogs play at Impact Field in the warmer months of the year.
The Prairie Lakes Recreation Center in Des Plaines has a lap pool for members to enjoy.
The Des Plaines River Trail runs for 56 miles and goes through the heart of Des Plaines.
Be sure to check out the 18 hole mini golf course at Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines.
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Two Metra stops
Metra stations are located downtown and 2 miles northwest at the Cumberland station. It's a 40 minute trip to the Ogilvie Transportation Center from the downtown station. The nearest CTA 'L' station to downtown Chicago is at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The Pace suburban bus system provides local transportation. The nearest medical center is 2 miles east at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
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