The Yorktown ReserveBlog

Lombard vs. Oak Brook vs. Downers Grove: Which Chicago Suburb is Right for You?

If you’ve landed a job in the Chicago area or are looking to move from the city, deciding if the suburbs make the most sense is hard. Once you hear the suburbs calling your name with their open spaces and lower rent and buying prices, the real question is which suburb?

 In your research, I’m sure you’ve seen that Lombard, Oak Brook, and Downers Grove have all come up as great places to live in the Chicagoland area. Within a reasonable shot of the city, they all attract people at different stages of their lives, from young professionals to families and more. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you decide – check out our short list of why these cities are great and why you might want to end up in one.

Oak Brook: Great Address, Quiet Life

Oak Brook is one of those suburbs that has a reputation and has earned it. This suburb has Tons of corporate headquarters, so young professionals are flocking to it left and right. They also have the Oak Brook Mall, and between all the manicured green spaces, the zip code is impressive on paper alone. With a higher median household income, the vibe very much reflects that. If you’re commuting to the city, the major highways I-88 and I-294 will take you downtown in about 30 minutes, but if there’s traffic, expect it to take more time.

If you’re looking for an after-work scene or a walkable neighborhood with coffee shops and bars, Oak Brook might not really be your place. It’s a very spacious suburb with houses with large backyards and privacy in each one. There is not much spontaneous social life within walking distance of your house or apartment, but it is a quiet and established neighborhood that will orient you towards a more settled lifestyle.

A bit more expensive than the other two suburbs. The average one-bedroom in Oak Brook is $2,600 a month, give or take. At that price point, you want to make sure you’re in the place you want to be. If you’re a working professional with a chill social life and a low-key lifestyle, Oak Brook is the perfect spot for you.

Downers Grove: The Young Professional Favorite

A lot of people in their late 20s or early 30s will tell you their favorite suburb is Downers Grove. Living in Downers Grove offers an urban-suburban mix with lots of cool restaurants, coffee shops, bars, parks, local shops, and more.

If you like living in a smaller downtown area, Downers Grove has the best one. It’s a genuinely walkable area with bars and restaurants around every corner. Spots like Bally Doyle’s and Emmett’s Brewing Company give it actual nightlife, and if you’re a commuter, the two metro stops in Downers Grove make getting in and out of the city totally doable.

What’s the catch, you might ask? Well, Downers Grove’s popularity has a price point. The median home value sits at about $500,000, and the cost of living is higher than the national average. But the high price point comes with incredible value, and if this sounds like the suburb for you, you can save money in other areas besides rent. If you have a more spontaneous social life and you want a walkable area with Metra access to Chicago, Downers Grove might be the right suburb for you.

Lombard: The One Worth a Closer Look

One of the biggest up-and-coming neighborhoods in the Chicago suburbs is Lombard. The best thing about Lombard is that it doesn’t have the premium price tag to match the other suburbs. Only about 20 miles west of Chicago, Lombard is the perfect mix of historic charm and urban life. With an easy commute, the Metra Union Pacific Line reaches downtown in just 30 minutes to an hour, and if you drive, the quick highway access will have you there in a flash.

With a price range for houses in the mid-300,000s. Lombard offers a strong community value and nearby suburbs like Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn to support it. Most renters get noticeably more bang for their buck in Lombard than in Downers Grove or Oak Brook. With an incredible downtown that has actual character, and the Yorktown Center, with over 150 stores and 20 restaurants within walking distance from some of the best apartments like Yorktown Reserve. Yorktown Reserve is an ultra-luxury rental community with the best amenities, custom finishes, and access to entertainment and nightlife in the area. Best for young professionals and young families who want the luxury feel without the price tag. 

The Bottom Line: Living in Oak Brook Vs. Downers Grove

Clearly, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to choosing a suburb of Chicago to live in. All of them have incredibly deep-rooted communities that will support you no matter your budget. Oak Brook is polished and convenient. Downers Grove has the energy and walkability that young professionals love, and Lombard quietly checks most of the same boxes but without the price tag. Sometimes the best move isn’t the most obvious.