Welcome to Downer's Grove
Only 25 miles west of Chicago, Downers Grove (population: 49,470) has a strategic location near the Interstate 88 and 355 corridors and is known for its business-friendly environment. The village houses several corporate and regional headquarters as well as Class A office parks, and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is the top employer. Designated a Tree City USA, attractions include two forest preserves and several parks that give residents places to enjoy the outdoors. Downers Grove provides its residents with plenty of entertainment options, great schools, and things to do. But, of course, the city's proximity to a major metropolis is an added benefit. Between the rich history, restaurants, parks, and a renowned vintage car exhibition, visitors and the nearly 50,000 residents who live in Downers Grove have plenty to choose from within its city lines.
Thousands of visitors take a stroll on the streets of downtown Downers Grove each week to check out the area's great shopping scene. The downtown area is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, including a renowned Anderson's Bookshop location, which was named Bookstore of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Cadence Kitchen & Company, Egg Harbor Cafe, and Capri. Aside from shopping, downtown Downers Grove hosts events throughout the year, including a Christmas ice sculpture show and a chili cook-off. Downtown Downers Grove, in fact, hosts one of the town’s biggest events. Celebrating 24 years in 2016, the Summer Nights Classic Car Shows welcome thousands of car enthusiasts to the streets of downtown during the summer months who come to get a long look at pre-1985 Pontiacs, Corvettes, and other coupes, sedans, and convertibles of yesteryear. Between peeking under hoods, event-goers can take in the live music or hop into one of downtown’s many restaurants. In 1832, Pierce Downer settled in modern-day Downers Grove and the rest, as they say, is history, which visitors can see at the Downers Grove Museum. The 19th-century home houses permanent exhibits of Downers Grove treasures, including the city's early 20th-century fire engine, and seasonal exhibits, such as Victorian fashion and a local’s Egyptian artifacts from a long-ago exploration.
Affordable Places to Live
Median Household Income - $99,728
Median Home Value - $364,236
Housing Affordability Index - 128
Adults with 201(k) - 20.60%
Education & Career Opportunities
Unemployment Rate - 3.00%
Population With Bachelor's Degree or Higher - 55.60%
Population in the Workforce - 67.30%
Food Scene
Adults Drank Beer in Last 6 Months - 46.20%
Restaurants per Capita - 27.20
Adults who Dined Out - 61.60%
Average Annual Spending on Lunch Out - $1,541.00
Love Where You Live
Volunteerism Rate - 21.40%
Voting - 62.90%
Local Participation, Served on Local Committee - 7.70%
Diversity Index - 35.40
Health
Population Has Health Insurance - 95.60%
Population Jogged in the Past Year - 15.20%
Hospitals per Capita - 2.20
Households Used Organic Food in Last 6 Months - 28.30%
Real Estate
Average Mortgage Amount - $1,404.56
Median Rent - $1,071.00
Homes Owned - 77.40%
Homes Rented - 22.60%
Experiences
Population Went to Art Gallery Last Year - 10.70%
Population Attended Live Theater Last Year - 15.50%
Population Went to a Zoo Last Year - 13.60%
Population Attended a Sporting Event Last Year - 20.40%
