Westmont is a village located in DuPage County, Illinois, and is a southwest suburb of Chicago. With a population of 24,150, Westmont offers a blend of suburban living with a rich history. The village was initially inhabited by the Potawatomi Native Americans and later developed around the Illinois-Michigan Canal and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
History
The area known as Westmont was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe. After several failed attempts by the U.S. government to persuade the Native Americans to move, they vacated their land in 1833. The development of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in the 1830s contributed to Westmont’s early growth. Many of the canal workers turned to farming, and the area became one of the most prosperous sections of the state. Westmont was officially incorporated on November 4, 1921, and has since transitioned from an agricultural community to a commuter community.
Geography and Distance to Chicago
Situated at coordinates 41.7966° N, 87.9751° W, Westmont has a total area of 5.11 square miles, of which 97.94% is land and 2.06% is water. The village is approximately 22 miles away from downtown Chicago, making it a convenient location for those who work in the city but prefer a suburban lifestyle.
Demographics
The village has a diverse population, with a racial makeup of 78.02% White, 6.38% Black, 6.98% Hispanic, and 11.95% Asian. The median age is 40.1 years, and the population density is 4,782 inhabitants per square mile.
Housing and Taxes
The median home price in Westmont is $327,500, and the average property tax is $7,500. The average county tax rate is 2.29%, which is something to consider for potential homeowners. The primary zip code for the area is 60559.
Economy and Commerce
Westmont’s economy is diverse, with top employers like First Student Charter, Unit School District 201, and Autonation. The village recently opened a 94-unit luxury residential apartment building called Quincy Station as part of a larger effort towards revitalizing the Central Business District.
Education
The village is served by Unit School District 201, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The current Westmont Public Library building opened in 1993, offering a wide range of books and other resources to the community.
Transportation
Westmont has a Metra station on Metra’s BNSF Railway Line, providing daily rail service between Aurora, Illinois, and Chicago’s Union Station. Major highways like U.S. Route 34, Interstate 88, Interstate 55, Interstate 294, and Interstate 355 provide easy access to other parts of the Chicago Region.
Notable People
Notable people from Westmont include Robbie Russo, a professional hockey player; Kira Salak, a writer and journalist; and Muddy Waters, the musician considered the father of Chicago blues, who lived his last decade in Westmont.
Conclusion
Westmont, Illinois, offers a balanced lifestyle with its proximity to Chicago, diverse population, and various amenities. Whether you’re looking for good schools, a range of housing options, or a community with a rich history and promising future, Westmont has something for everyone.
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