Downers Grove is a village located in DuPage County, Illinois, and is a southwest suburb of Chicago. The village was founded in 1832 by Pierce Downer, and it was named after a lush grove of old-growth bur oak trees that surrounded the area. According to the 2020 census, the population was 50,247, slightly higher than the figure you provided of 49,387.
Geography and Climate
The village spans an area of 14.457 square miles, with a majority being land (98.98%). It experiences a humid continental climate with January being the coldest month and July the warmest. The village has been designated a Tree City USA 28 times by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Housing
The housing landscape in Downers Grove is diverse, with some homes dating back to the mid-19th century. The median home price stands at $463,000. The village has seen a high rate of teardowns, where smaller older residences are replaced with much larger new houses, a trend that has led to a rich mix of old and new properties being available.
Economy
Downers Grove has a robust economy, housing the headquarters of several businesses including Devry University, FTD, and Ambitech Engineering Corp. The local section of Ogden Avenue supports the retail economy, hosting a variety of stores and car dealerships. The median household income as of 2020 was approximately $97,197.
Government
The village operates under a council-manager form of government, with Robert T. Barnett serving as the Mayor. It falls mainly within the 6th US Congressional District of Illinois, represented by Sean Casten (Democrat) as of 2019.
Education
Downers Grove has a well-established education system, with numerous public and private schools, including two high schools: Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. The village is also home to Midwestern University, which offers training in various healthcare disciplines. Notably, over 50% of individuals above the age of 25 hold bachelor’s or advanced degrees, significantly above the national average.
Arts and Culture
The village is home to several parks and forest preserves, offering residents recreational opportunities. The Tivoli Theatre, built in 1928, is a notable landmark, being the first theatre in DuPage County to show “talkies”.
Transportation
Transportation in the village is facilitated by three Metra BNSF line stations and major highways including Interstates 355 and 88. The Grove Commuter Shuttle offers convenient transportation to various train stations in the village.
Notable People
Downers Grove has been home to several notable individuals including musicians, athletes, and actors such as Denise Richards and Emo Philips.
Taxation
The average property tax in the area is $6,492, with a tax rate of 2.29%. The village encompasses several ZIP codes including 60515, 60516, and 60517.
Conclusion
Downers Grove stands as a testament to a community that harmoniously blends history, modernity, and natural beauty. The village offers a rich cultural scene, excellent educational facilities, and a variety of recreational opportunities, making it a great place to live for individuals and families alike. The robust economy and well-planned transportation network add to the convenience of living here, promising a high quality of life for its residents. It is indeed a place where one can enjoy the best of both worlds – a tranquil suburban life with easy access to the vibrant life of the nearby city of Chicago.
Downers Grove stands as a testament to a community that harmoniously blends history, modernity, and natural beauty. The village offers a rich cultural scene, excellent educational facilities, and a variety of recreational opportunities, making it a great place to live for individuals and families alike. The robust economy and well-planned transportation network add to the convenience of living here, promising a high quality of life for its residents. It is indeed a place where one can enjoy the best of both worlds – a tranquil suburban life with easy access to the vibrant life of the nearby city of Chicago.
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