West of the city lies a string of suburbs that draw a steady stream of Chicagoans looking for more space, strong schools, and a quieter pace – without giving up reasonable access to downtown. The western suburbs are among the most popular destinations for people leaving the city, and each one has its own distinct character.
If you’re considering a move west, here’s what the major communities are like and what the move itself involves.
Oak Park: City-Adjacent and Walkable
Oak Park sits right at the city’s western edge and is the most urban of the western suburbs. It’s known for its architecture – including a remarkable concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings – its walkable downtown, and its strong sense of community.
For people who want to leave the city but not the lifestyle, Oak Park is a natural landing spot. The Green Line and Metra both serve it, making the downtown commute short and easy. It feels less like a suburb and more like an extension of the city’s best residential neighborhoods.
Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn: Established and Family-Friendly
A little further west, Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn offer the classic suburban combination: good schools, walkable downtowns, established neighborhoods, and Metra access. Elmhurst has a lively downtown with shops and restaurants, and its location makes for a manageable commute on the Union Pacific West line.
Glen Ellyn has a charming, village-like downtown and a strong reputation for its schools. Both communities appeal to families who want space and quality of life while keeping the option of commuting into the city.
Wheaton: Space and Top Schools
Wheaton is further out and offers more space for the money, along with highly regarded schools that draw families specifically for the district. It’s a community oriented around family life, with parks, good amenities, and a quieter pace than the city-adjacent suburbs.
The trade-off is a longer commute – the Metra ride to downtown runs around 45 minutes. For people who work in the western suburbs or commute only a few days a week, that’s an easy trade for the space and schools.
Naperville: The Big Western Destination
Naperville is one of the most popular suburbs in the entire Chicago area, and for good reason. It consistently ranks well for schools, safety, and quality of life, and its downtown along the Riverwalk is genuinely appealing. It’s a full-service community with everything a family needs.
Naperville is also the furthest of these communities from downtown, with a commute of 35 to 45 minutes by Metra. It functions almost as its own city, which is part of its appeal – many residents rarely need to go into Chicago at all.
Downers Grove and the Surrounding Communities
Downers Grove offers a strong balance of affordability, schools, and commute access, with a pleasant downtown and Metra service. It’s often considered by families who want Naperville-style suburban living at a slightly more accessible price point and a somewhat shorter commute.
The Move from the City
A move from a Chicago apartment to a western suburb covers real distance, but the delivery side is usually straightforward – driveways, garages, and ground-floor entry make unloading efficient. The city side still involves the usual logistics: parking, building access, and elevator coordination if you’re in a larger building.
H2H Movers serves all the western suburbs including Naperville, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Downers Grove, with a 4.9 Google rating across nearly 4,550 reviews. The team handles city-to-suburb moves throughout the area regularly.
For a free quote on your move to the western suburbs, call +1 773 236 8797 or email info@h2hmovers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best western suburbs of Chicago to move to?
A: Naperville, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Downers Grove are among the most popular. Oak Park is closest to the city with strong transit; Naperville and Wheaton offer more space and top-rated schools further out.
Q: How long is the commute from the western suburbs to downtown Chicago?
A: Via Metra, Oak Park is about 15-20 minutes to downtown, Elmhurst around 25 minutes, and Naperville roughly 35-45 minutes depending on the train. The BNSF and Union Pacific West lines serve these communities.
Q: Does H2H Movers serve the western suburbs?
A: Yes. H2H Movers serves Naperville, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, and other western suburban communities. Full details at h2hmovers.com/locations.
Q: Is it expensive to move from Chicago to the western suburbs?
A: Cost depends on distance, volume, and timing. A move to a closer suburb like Oak Park costs less than one to a further community like Naperville. Decluttering beforehand and booking off-peak helps manage cost.