Downers Grove pairs a lively, walkable downtown with tree-lined streets, nearly 600 acres of parks and three Metra stations. I've helped many clients buy and sell in Downers Grove over the years, and having lived here myself, I know its streets and neighborhoods firsthand.

Living in Downers Grove

Downers Grove is a village in DuPage County, about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. It takes its name from Pierce Downer, who settled here in the 1830s, and it borders Lisle, Westmont, Darien, Woodridge, Oak Brook and Lombard.

The heart of town is downtown Downers Grove along Main Street, centered on the Main Street Metra station. Local shops, restaurants and pubs fill the blocks, along with the historic Tivoli Theatre, one of the first theaters in the country built to show movies with sound. Concerts, car shows and festivals bring people downtown through the warmer months.

The Downers Grove Park District manages nearly 600 acres of parks, natural areas and golf, plus a recreation and fitness center. Lyman Woods offers 150 acres of oak woods, prairie and marsh with a nature center, and McCollum Park is the district's largest recreational park. The Downers Grove Golf Club is the site of America's first 18-hole golf course, and The Morton Arboretum sits just northwest of town in Lisle.

A Few of Downers Grove's Neighborhoods

Downers Grove has dozens of subdivisions. Here are some of the best known in each part of town.

Didn't find your subdivision? There are many more across Downers Grove. House hunting? Search every Downers Grove listing. Selling your home? Get a free value report for any Downers Grove neighborhood.

Homes in Downers Grove

Downers Grove offers a wide range of homes. Near downtown you'll find Victorian, Craftsman and other historic homes, plus one of the area's best-known collections of Sears catalog homes. Much of the village grew in the decades after World War II, so many neighborhoods feature ranches, split-levels and two-story homes on established, tree-lined lots.

New custom homes often replace older ones, so new construction appears on established streets throughout town. There are also townhomes and condominiums, including newer buildings within walking distance of downtown and the Main Street station.

Downers Grove Schools

Most of Downers Grove is served by these public school districts:

• Downers Grove Grade School District 58 (elementary and middle school)
• Center Cass School District 66 (elementary and middle school, parts of the south side)
• Community High School District 99 (Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South high schools)

A small section of Downers Grove is served by Westmont Community Unit School District 201.

Several private schools are located in the village, and North Central College, Benedictine University and the College of DuPage are a short drive away. School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address directly with the district.

Commuting from Downers Grove

Downers Grove sits at the crossroads of I-88 and I-355, with quick access to I-294 and I-55. Average drive times from Downers Grove:

Off-peak times shown in the circles. Times vary by starting point and traffic.

By train

Downers Grove has three stations on the Metra BNSF line: Belmont, Main Street downtown and Fairview Avenue. Main Street is one of the busiest suburban stations on the Metra system. Express trains reach Chicago Union Station in about 25–35 minutes, and local trains take about 45–55 minutes. See current times on the Metra BNSF schedule.

Downers Grove Real Estate Market

Downers Grove homes are consistently in demand, and conditions can differ a lot from one neighborhood to the next. For current prices, days on market and recent sales, see today's Downers Grove real estate market report.

Why Work with Kimberly Thurm in Downers Grove

I've been selling homes in Downers Grove and the western suburbs for more than 35 years, including 12 years as a broker/owner and years in real estate management. Downers Grove offers a wide mix of neighborhoods and home ages, and I help buyers, sellers and relocating clients compare them with confidence.

• 500+ homes sold or partnered on
• 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President's Circle
• ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR and Corporate Mobility Specialist (CMS) for relocation

Call or text me at (630) 464-1181, or send me a message.

Downers Grove FAQ