West Chicago

When Kanye and Kim had their third child, the reveal of her name, "Chicago West," was mostly met with approval by Windy City locals, according to the Washington Post. West Chicago, on the other hand, is appreciated by those seeking a convenient suburb. "Strategically, it's a hub," Cindy Banks, RE/MAX Cornerstone owner/broker, says. "There are many areas of interest you can get to in 25, 30 minutes. It's in the center of desirable towns like Geneva, Naperville, Elmhurst and Barrington." Banks, whose team has been in the top 10 within RE/MAX for northern Illinois since 2001, contrasts West Chicago to Westside Chicago, which is part of the city. "This is a suburb. The downtown is pretty small, really," she says. "It used to be a train-switching town, the first community established by the railroads." Within about 15 square miles, there are varying streetscapes. Downtown's wide brick sidewalks run along Main Street, which looks exactly as you'd expect an old-school Main Street to look. Historical, brick-fronted buildings have been repurposed into offices and shops. Residential areas are where suburbia kicks into gear, with the expected sidewalks, average-sized lots with well-kept yards and driveways. You'll find grand older homes around the downtown area. "We have some historic districts with Victorians and properties from the late 1800s," Banks says. Subsequent builds include architecture such as midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary and traditional styles from more recent decades. A single-family home can be as low as $150,000 for a three-bedroom of about 1,000 square feet. When you pay above $800,000, four to five bedrooms and 4,000 square feet give you plenty of room. Other options include townhouses or condos, typically about $150,000 to $250,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Kids may attend public schools, including Wegner Elementary, graded C-plus by Niche; Leman Middle, graded C; and West Chicago Community High, graded A-minus. The high school is notable for its award-winning theater program, Wego Drama. The school newspaper, the Wildcat Chronicle, has been honored multiple years with national awards from the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association. There are plenty of activities for both kids and adults. Reed Keppler Park has much to offer, with a skate park, dog parks, sports amenities and more. Indoors at the park, the ARC Center provides a gym, track, and dance studio, among other perks. Turtle Splash Water Park is a summertime destination. It's probably the biggest water park around," Banks says. "People get season passes." More serene natural spaces await at forest preserves, whether you like hiking, fishing or just relaxing outside. Pick from preserves like West Chicago Prairie, Timber Ridge and West DuPage Woods. If you're more of a golfer, book a tee time at Prairie Landing Golf Club, which Golf Advisor rated as the no. 1 public golf course in the state. After the last round, whoever got a hole-in-one is treating for beverages at the club's McChesney's Pub & Grill. When it's time to pick up groceries, options include Jewel-Osco and Carnicerias Jimenez. There are plenty of other shops for whatever your household needs, and assorted eateries to choose from. If you are craving crepes, benedicts or burgers, check out Egg Yolk Café's menu. This family owned spot has been serving breakfast and lunch since 2010. If you're planning to commute to downtown Chicago, there are options for the 40-mile trip. "The way I sell it is that from West Chicago, it's about an hour into the city," Banks says. "I can go in the morning and get back in the afternoon. The drive itself isn't horrific unless you hit the bad hours." If you decide to forgo the gas expenses and potential traffic on major roads like State route 59 and interstates 88, 290 and 355, Metra rides are available from the station on Main Street. Find a vintage or contemporary home in West Chicago, where you can stroll the historic downtown and enjoy numerous parks and nature preserves.