Willow Springs

The Village of Burr Ridge is among the wealthiest towns in Illinois and is locally known for its large, elegant mansions and luxury lifestyles. Located 20 miles southwest of Chicago, the village offers a secluded suburban lifestyle with natural beauty and modern amenities. Living in Burr Ridge East, residents enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to all Chicago offers. "People who like gated communities will like Burr Ridge," says Diana Ivas, a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway and resident of the neighboring village of Hinsdale. "It's an upscale area, and many of the houses go for around a million dollars, but you also have a lot of houses that were built in the 1980s that are smaller and more affordable." Homes in Burr Ridge East range from $300k to upwards of $1 million. For $300k and a $485-per-month HOA fee, buyers can find three-bedroom condo units with in-unit laundry, underground parking spots, and secured storage. On the higher end of the range, homebuyers can discover million-dollar French-inspired estates resting on sizable lawns and overlooking small manmade ponds that decorate the neighborhood. The Pleasant Dale Park District operates the parks in Burr Ridge East. Walker Park is the central park in the area and includes a recreation center, athletic fields, walking paths, picnic areas and a playground. The recreation center has a double-court gymnasium, activity room, multi-purpose room and office space. Just east of Walker Park is Edgewood Valley Country Club, a member-owned private club featuring a challenging 19-hole golf course and a Tudor-style clubhouse. On the south end of the neighborhood, bordering the Des Plaines River, is Colombia Woods. Go for a walk or bike ride along the river or go kayaking on the river. Residents can also stroll along the Centennial Trail, which runs 13 miles from Willow Springs to Romeoville. Two highly rated school districts serve Burr Ridge East and Burr Ridge West. Burr Ridge East is served by Pleasantdale District 107, which includes an elementary school and a middle school. Pleasantdale Elementary School received an 'A' ranking from Niche and provides students with various after-school clubs and activities, including coding, art, and board game clubs. According to Niche, Pleasantdale Middle School is also an 'A'-ranked school and has published authors visit each year, giving a presentation about the writing and publishing process and concluding with a question-and-answer session. To finish out their education, Burr Ridge pupils commute to Hinsdale Central High School, boasting an A-plus rating and being served by the Hinsdale Township High School District No. 86. Burr Ridge Village Center is an upscale shopping center with free parking and a wide range of brand-name fashion shops and dining. "The Burr Ridge Village Center is pretty much the downtown area where everyone eats, shops and hangs out," says Ivas. Check out The Hampton Social, a breezy hangout serving seafood and beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings, known for its lobster rolls and truffle fries. Kirsten's Danish Bakery is just across Burr Ridge Parkway and offers classic Danish pastries and desserts, like its award-winning Danish Kringles. For a morning bite, Patti's Sunrise Café is a family-owned eatery serving American breakfast fare and sandwiches in a warm, contemporary space for brunch on the weekend. Customers rave about the attentive service and pancakes, a unique blend of buttermilk and Swedish style. Driving is the best way to get around in the village. Burr Ridge East is placed right beside Interstate 55, which can take residents to downtown Chicago after a 20-mile drive east.