The city of Elmhurst in the Western Suburbs of Chicago was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi Native American people. In the mid-1830s European American settlers moved to the area and the town got its original name, Cottage Hill, in 1845. It was renamed to Elmhurst in 1869 and incorporated as a village in 1882.
Now a city of 45,000, Elmhurst is well-known for its parades and nightlife. Its Memorial Day Parade has been held annually since 1918 and the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is the third largest in the Chicago region. It’s perhaps no surprise that one of the first businesses to open, in 1843, was the Cottage Hill Tavern. Visitors to Elmhurst can learn more about its history at the Elmhurst History Museum.
Elmhurst is home to Elmhurst University, ranked by U.S. News and World Report in the top 15 regional universities in the Midwest, and is also the headquarters of Sunshine Biscuits and McMaster-Carr Supply Company. Notable Elmhurst natives include Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen and the poet Carl Sandberg.
Similar to nearby suburbs Downers Grove and Naperville, Elmhurst offers many of the amenities that can be found in Chicago in a smaller suburban setting, including a great restaurant, bar, and cultural scene. By suburban standards, you could call it something of a party town.
For potential homeowners, Elmhurst has a lot to offer. Because of its size, the city has a diverse housing market with upscale and affordable neighborhoods, condos and townhouses, and apartment and housing rentals. The Elmhurst Parkside neighborhood is filled with condo and townhouse options while Elm Estates, developed in the 1960s, features homes perfect for families looking to move into the area.
For families with school-aged children, Elmhurst schools are some of the best in the region. Elmhurst Community School District 205 operates seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and York Community High School. There are also private school options, including IC Catholic Prep, a perennial football powerhouse in the state of Illinois.
Restaurants are plentiful in Elmhurst, including fine dining options and Chicago favorites like Portillo’s, Lou Malnotti’s, and Egg Harbor Cafe. The more upscale Francesca’s Amici offers a full menu of Italian classics and Mack’s Golden Pheasant, the oldest continuously owned restaurant in DuPage County, is a local favorite for German dishes. For those who prefer farm-to-table, there’s 151 Kitchen|Bar.
Elmhurst is particularly known for its bar scene, and they come in all shapes and sizes, from the upscale to the dive. Club Shot & Beer is a local legend that recently celebrated its 80th year, as is Riley’s Gathering Place. For European Soccer fans, there’s Pints, which often shows English Premier League matches. Beer on the Wall is, as its name implies, a beer enthusiast’s dreamland.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Elmhurst. The Elmhurst Park District is one of the largest in the region, and operates sports leagues for adults and kids as well as aquatic facilities and programs, the Sugar Creek Golf Course, children’s camps, and a host of other options to keep families active.
The Salt Creek Trail, which runs along the DesPlaines River, is perfect for an evening walk or bike ride, and afterwards locals often pop into the historic York Theater to watch a classic movie. There’s also the local gem and much beloved Elmhurst Public Library which, in addition to its book collection, presents a full calendar of events for adults and kids of all ages.
For potential homeowners looking for a bustling community with an impressive nightlife, accessible to the city center of Chicago via train or expressway, Elmhurst can’t be overlooked.
