A self-contained residential and commercial "Utopia"
Not to be confused with nearby Oak Brook, the 1.8 square mile city of Oakbrook Terrace began as a quaint farming village in the 1950s called Utopia. As suburban residential and commercial development gradually replaced farmland and paved thoroughfares replaced stone roads, the strong sense of community remained. Bob Shanahan, Chairman of the Oakbrook Terrace Historical Society and member of the Oakbrook Terrace Lions Club, is part of a family four generations strong in the community. “I moved back as soon as I had the opportunity,” he says, “and that’s a common thing that happens in our community... When my kids were learning to ride a bike on the same street I learned, the neighbors came out to cheer and chat. And at the same time, when your kid’s getting into trouble, they’re calling you!”
Visitors know they've arrived when they see Oakbrook Terrace Tower, a 31-story office complex. Along with the neighborhood's seven hotels, the tower provides plenty of meeting space for high-profile companies. With a central shopping hub drawing locals from nearby DuPage County communities, Oakbrook Terrace provides a steady mix of quiet, nature-rich living and commercial buzz just 20 miles from downtown Chicago.
From Little Sprouts to Willowbrook High
Tots can start their education strong at Little Sprouts Early Learning—a preschool program within Oakbrook Terrace's Heritage Center—before attending Salt Creek Elementary School through first grade. They transfer to Stella May Swartz Elementary School, a short walk from home for many residents that receives an A-minus rating from Niche. John E Albright Middle School scores a B-plus and serves kids in fifth through eighth grades. Willowbrook High School, which gets an A-rating, boasts a robust theater program and a long list of accomplished alums from Major League Baseball pitchers to Plain White T's band members.
Exploring the Heritage Center and Lake View Nature Center
The Oakbrook Terrace Park District maintains several vibrant green spaces and indoor hubs. The playground, picnic spaces, regularly stocked lake and softball diamond at Heritage Park are anchored by the Heritage Center, which houses the preschool and Mario Parente Theater, a 130-seat venue. Terrace View Park is home to Lakeview Nature Center, which hosts interactive programs for all ages to learn more about their natural surroundings, and a full-scale Fitness Center available by membership. The William Cizek Walk/Bike Way connects these two parks, making for a leisurely day of exploration.
Celebrating Oakbrook Terrace's heritage and community
Oakbrook Terrace residents keep their schedules full year-round thanks to the efforts of their local government and organizations. Kids hunt for eggs at the Annual Easter Event, driveways fill with old treasures during the city-wide garage sale, and live music brings Terrace View Park to life with the Summer Concert Series. Locals gather around the fire and roast smores during Community Campfires at Lake View Nature Center, while the Heritage Center rents out Mario Parente Theater for private events and concerts. The show continues at Drury Lane Theater, a Chicagoland staple bringing professional and off-Broadway theater to the west suburbs.
Chain fare and local spots on Roosevelt Road
Proximity to the Oakbrook Center shopping mall means that locals can quickly peruse either department store or boutique shopping options. While this option is technically located within the next-door community of Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace itself is a proud home to 40 restaurants. Frankie's Deli is both physically and socially central within the community, having been established in 1964 by a local family. The casual vibe and classic American bites at ANYWAY'S Pub make it a great meeting spot for the Oakbrook Terrace Lions Club, and a sweet tooth is satisfied at Stan's Donuts and Coffee, which features a unique selection of doughnut flavors that changes with the seasons. The other options on Roosevelt Road are interspersed with grocery stores, from ALDI to family-owned Pete's Fresh Market.
Oakbrook Terrace subdivision and condos
Most of the neighborhood's homes were built over farmland in the mid to late 20th century, with a few builds from the 2010s scattered throughout. Most homes are pushed farther back from the road to opt for spacious, sun-washed front yards and compact backyards under heavy tree cover. Though sidewalks are scarce, folks take walks to their local park on the wide roads that connect each subdivision. Brick ranch-style homes and Cape Cods neighbor New Traditional and Craftsman-style options, with prices ranging from $285,000 to $500,000. A wide selection of townhouses can also be found in the neighborhood's west end, along with mid-rise condos; these range from $150,000 for a one-bed, one-bath with pool access in Oak Brook Towers to $400,000 for a brick townhouse.
Getting around and downtown from Oakbrook Terrace
With Oakbrook Terrace Tower within eyeshot from most angles and headquarters of companies like Redbox and the Joint Commission nearby, some residents won't have to commute far for work. Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital is also just 2.5 miles away. As for getting downtown, locals can head north to Villa Park to take the Union Pacific West Line or south to Hinsdale for the BNSF Railway train. Pace bus routes line Roosevelt Road as a closer alternative for downtown travel—and with Interstates 88 and 294 interchanging near the neighborhood, drivers have an easy 15-mile ride to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. “Within minutes you can be on 88, 294, 295 and on the way to Wisconsin, Indiana or Iowa,” Shanahan adds.
Oakbrook Terrace: A small-but-mighty city
Despite its smaller size, Oakbrook Terrace is distinctly a city. “It’s got all the committees of a city running the public works and other departments,” says Shanahan. “It's got all those things you’d want in a big city, but with much lower taxes—one of the lowest in the area.” Because of its many perks, homes go fast and those interested can face some steep competition.
