Seven years before the city of Chicago was incorporated, Robert Lietch made his way to the area that is now known as La Grange. Though it’s one of the closer western suburbs to Chicago, in the 1830s its residents were able to live a peaceful, rural existence.
In the following decades, more settlers moved to the area, many of whom grew tired of the growing population in Chicago, and in 1879 La Grange was officially incorporated. Founded by Franklin Dwight Cossitt, a Connecticut native who moved to the area from Tennessee in 1862 and built a successful grocery business, La Grange is now a thriving village located just 13 miles from Chicago.
Cossitt’s goal was to build an idyllic suburban village, and La Grange derives its name from the town in Tennessee where he was raised. Visitors to La Grange can learn more about the village from the La Grange Area Historical Society, which offers a detailed history of the village and a guide to its numerous historic places, including homes, its library, and schools.
Potential homebuyers would do well to explore La Grange if they’re looking for living options close to Chicago that have many of the amenities that can be found in the city of Chicago. La Grange is filled with great dining options, shops, and impressive housing choices. Situated along the BNSF railway, La Grange has two train stations providing easy access to Chicago’s city center.
The most desirable and affluent neighborhoods in La Grange tend to be near its downtown area, while more affordable neighborhoods are located in the southern and eastern parts of the village. Median home values are in the high $400k range, but potential homebuyers will also find more affordable options if they are willing to look a little further from downtown.
For families with children, La Grange elementary and middle school students are served by great schools in La Grange School District 102, including Cossitt Avenue School, named after the village’s founder, and four other elementary schools. Sixth through 8th graders attend Park Junior High School, and high schoolers attend Lyons Township High School in High School District 204. Freshman and sophomores attend the school’s south campus in nearby Western Springs and juniors and seniors attend the main campus closer to downtown.
Downtown La Grange features plenty of good dining options for locals. The German-themed Palmer Place has a large outdoor patio and rooftop deck. Blueberry Hill is a popular breakfast spot and there’s fabulous ice cream to be had at Tates. Chocolate lovers will find a little slice of heaven at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, perhaps accompanied by a mocha from the local downtown Starbucks.
Kama Indian Bistro offers Indian food with a twist, such as lamb tacos. MAK’s House serves pub fare and a selection of specialty drinks, Empanadus offers a fine variety of … empanadas, and Forbidden Noodles is a great spot for ramen lovers. Fine dining options include the farm-to-table Prasino, The Elm, Marco”s Kitchen, and fourteensixteen.
La Grange has served as the backdrop for a number of Hollywood movies, including “While You Were Sleeping” starring Sandra Bullock, and “Grace is Gone”, which featured Chicagoan John Cusack. The La Grange Theatre carries on a Chicago tradition of classic movie theaters and is a great night out for cinema lovers.
La Grange is also a town that embraces animals. Brookfield Zoo, the largest zoo in Illinois, is just a few miles away, and the village is notable for its annual Pet Parade, which began in 1947. Other annual traditions include the Craft Fair, the West End Arts Fair, and the Endless Summer Fest.
The La Grange Park District operates 11 different parks and a recreation center, providing a full range of opportunities for the residents of La Grange to stay active. The district operates early childhood and youth programs, after school care, athletic programs and leagues, and day camps.
La Grange is a great option for families looking for an active lifestyle and access to many of the finer amenities the larger city has to offer. It should definitely be on the list of places for potential homebuyers who want to live close to Chicago and easily access the city by train, but far enough away enough to enjoy a quieter suburban life.
