Glen Ellyn, a charming village in DuPage County, Illinois, is a suburb of Chicago with a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1896. Known for its picturesque streets and historic architecture, Glen Ellyn presents a perfect blend of historical charm and modern suburban amenities. 

Its strategic location near Chicago makes it an ideal place for those who desire suburban tranquility while being close to the vibrant city life. 

As part of the greater Chicago area, Glen Ellyn is a testament to the diverse suburban landscape surrounding one of America’s largest cities. Compared to other Chicago suburbs like Naperville and Schaumburg, Glen Ellyn stands out for its quaint village feel and strong community bonds. The village’s proximity to major transportation routes and its well-developed suburban infrastructure make it a sought-after location for families and professionals alike. 

Over the years, Glen Ellyn has seen significant growth and development, transforming from a rural community into a thriving suburban hub. This growth has been carefully managed to preserve the village’s unique character, blending new developments with historic preservation. The village’s ongoing efforts to enhance community facilities, parks, and public spaces further affirm its reputation as a desirable place to live.

Residential Appeal

Home Values and Real Estate Trends

The real estate market in Glen Ellyn is robust, with home values reflecting the high demand for property in this area. As of the latest data, the average home value in Glen Ellyn is approximately $368,213, showcasing the suburb’s upscale nature. 

The real estate trends in Glen Ellyn indicate a stable market, with property values consistently appreciating over time, making it a sound investment for homebuyers.

Demographic Diversity and Population

While predominantly White, Glen Ellyn’s population of 27,741 inhabitants offers a degree of diversity. The village’s demographics are gradually evolving, reflecting broader regional and national trends towards greater diversity. Despite this, Glen Ellyn retains a strong sense of community, with residents priding themselves on a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Living Experience in Glen Ellyn

Living in Glen Ellyn provides a unique experience that combines suburban comfort with a touch of urban sophistication. The village’s tree-lined streets, family-friendly parks, and a vibrant downtown area contribute to a high quality of life. Community events and local traditions further enhance the living experience in Glen Ellyn, making it not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Employment and Economy

Glen Ellyn, IL, has shown a healthy employment growth rate and a diverse economic landscape. As of 2021, the employment rate in Glen Ellyn grew by 1.93%, increasing from approximately 13.2k to 13.5k employees. 

This growth is reflective of the town’s diverse job market. The most common employment sectors for Glen Ellyn residents include Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance. Such a diverse range of industries suggests a robust and versatile local economy.

The median earnings in Glen Ellyn also highlight a significant wage disparity between genders. In 2021, the median earnings for men were around $101,210, whereas women earned a median of $45,194. Men working in Finance & Insurance, Real Estate & Rental & Leasing, Wholesale Trade, and Information industries earned the highest median wages. 

For women, the highest-earning industries were Finance & Insurance, Real Estate & Rental & Leasing, Transportation & Warehousing, Utilities, and Wholesale Trade. Glen Ellyn’s unemployment rate as of November 2023 was 3.60%, which is lower than the long-term average of 4.74% for the area. This lower unemployment rate is indicative of a stable job market in Glen Ellyn.

Transportation and Commuting

Transportation and commuting in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, offer a mix of convenience and efficiency, making it an area where navigating has never been a problem, as noted by movers in Glen Ellyn. The village is well-connected to the greater Chicago area and provides residents with various transportation options. 

One key feature is the Metra train line, which offers easy and fast travel to downtown Chicago and connects commuters to several suburbs like Elmhurst, Villa Park, and Lombard. This is complemented by the Pace bus service, which runs throughout Glen Ellyn, providing access to local schools, parks, shops, and businesses.

The average one-way commute time in Glen Ellyn is about 30.5 minutes, which is slightly longer than the U.S. average. Most residents (69.2%) prefer to drive their car alone, while a significant portion (13.1%) use mass transit. The community also encourages active transportation, as evidenced by the Move Glen Ellyn Active Transportation Plan. This plan, initiated by the Village’s Department of Public Works, aims to enhance the overall transportation infrastructure, including the development of bike paths and other amenities to support a diverse range of commuting options.

Arts and Culture

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is a community that actively embraces arts and culture, offering various venues and events that cater to art enthusiasts and the general public. One of the central hubs of artistic activity in Glen Ellyn is the McAninch Arts Center (The MAC) at the College of DuPage. 

This center is renowned for its Cleve Carney Art Gallery and the Belushi Performance Hall. The MAC stands out as a premier destination for experiencing a diverse range of art forms, including exhibitions from regional, national, and international artists, as well as performances by student and professional ensembles. The venue hosts world-class touring attractions, making it a significant contributor to the cultural landscape of Glen Ellyn.

In addition to The MAC, Glen Ellyn hosts annual arts festivals that are key highlights in the community’s cultural calendar. One such event is the Festival of the Arts, which takes place each August. 

This festival has become a hallmark event, attracting over 40 artists to the picturesque shores of Lake Ellyn. The Festival of the Arts features juried art showcases, booths, and live performances, including folk music and other entertainment forms. These events are not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural environment.

Cost of Living

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, is characterized by a cost of living that is somewhat higher than the national average. With a cost of living index of 108.1, it stands 8.1% higher than the U.S. average and 15.4% higher than the Illinois average. This index reflects the combined costs of various essentials such as housing, groceries, health care, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

Housing costs in Glen Ellyn are a significant factor in this higher cost of living, with the median home cost at about $467,600, which is substantially higher than both the Illinois and national averages. The housing index itself is marked at 140.2, indicating that housing costs are 40.2% higher than the U.S. average. When it comes to other living expenses, utilities are on par with the national average, while transportation costs are higher with an index of 122.8, indicating that these expenses are about 22.8% above the national average. 

Grocery prices in Glen Ellyn are slightly above the national average with an index of 101.3. However, healthcare costs are slightly more affordable, marked at 94.4, which is below both the state and national averages. The miscellaneous expenses, which can include clothing, restaurants, repairs, and entertainment, also contribute to the higher cost of living with an index of 140.8.

Additionally, for those considering renting, the average cost for a 3-bedroom apartment is around $2510, and the local transport ticket price stands at about $4.26. These numbers suggest that while Glen Ellyn offers many of the amenities and comforts of suburban living, it does so at a cost that is above average when compared to both the state and national levels.

Real Estate Investment

Investing in real estate in Glen Ellyn, IL, appears to be a promising venture, particularly for those looking into rental properties. The real estate market in Glen Ellyn presents a variety of investment opportunities with varying capitalization rates (CAP rates), an indicator of potential return on investment. 

Properties in Glen Ellyn show CAP rates for traditional rentals ranging from around 2.35% to 5.66%, with higher rates for Airbnb rentals, suggesting a potentially lucrative market for short-term rentals.

Key factors that influence real estate investment decisions in Glen Ellyn include property taxes, price-to-rent ratio, median gross rent, and median population age, among others. A diverse employment base and a stable rate of new job creation are also vital considerations, as they contribute to a robust rental market. 

The quality of local schools can significantly impact property values and the appeal of the area to potential renters or buyers. For those considering a Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat strategy, the market dynamics in Glen Ellyn could be favorable, especially if the property appreciation rates are solid, which is an important aspect of long-term investment planning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Glen Ellyn presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance between a peaceful suburban lifestyle and the amenities of a vibrant community. With its strong focus on safety, education, and community involvement, Glen Ellyn offers a high quality of life that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. 

While the cost of living and commute times may be higher than in some other areas, the benefits of living in this charming village often outweigh these factors. As a place to live, work, and raise a family, Glen Ellyn continues to be an attractive choice for many.