Moving To Glen Ellyn, IL
Located West of and under 30 miles from Chicago, Glen Ellyn is a prosperous suburb of the Windy City. As of 2020, the peaceful village of Glen Ellyn has a population of about 28,000 people. The village – which is in DuPage County – encompasses about 6.77 square miles with most of that (6.61 square miles) land and the rest (0.163) water. Anchored by the main street with quaint buildings and boutique shops, Glen Ellyn is known by the motto, “Village of Volunteers.”
Taxes
The sales tax rate in Glen Ellyn is 8.25 percent. This is broken down in the following manner:
- Glen Ellyn: 1 percent
- Special tax: 0.75 percent
- DuPage County tax: 0.25 percent
- Illinois state tax: 6.25 percent
Glen Ellyn maintains a property tax rate of 6.43 percent of the property’s assessed value. The median property taxes paid for residents in Glen Ellyn is about $7,000.
Schools
The residents put ample time and effort into educating their youth along with offering options for higher education. In addition to numerous public schools that serve its children, Glen Ellyn also offers a variety of options for private schooling.
Most students who are in grades K-8 go to schools that are overseen by Community Consolidated School District 89 or Glen Ellyn School District 41. The following elementary schools serve those students:
- Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
- Churchill Elementary School
- Westfield Elementary School
- Park View Elementary School
- Arbor View Elementary School
- Forest Glen Elementary School
- Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Children can then attend one of two middle schools – Hadley Junior High School or Glen Crest Middle School. The high schools that serve Glen Ellyn are under the jurisdiction of Glenbard Township High School District 87. Students attend either Glenbard South High School or Glenbard West High School.
The village is also home to five private schools:
- Maryknoll Montessori School
- Montessori Academy of Glen Ellyn
- Phillip J. Rock Center and School
- St. Petronille Catholic School
- St. James the Apostle Catholic School
The last two schools listed above provide education for students from kindergarten to high school. Students who wish to continue their education after graduating from the area’s high schools can attend the College of DuPage’s main campus that is located within the village of Glen Ellyn. Two of its most famous alumni are the Belushi brothers, comedians James, and John.
History
The first European landowner, Deacon Winslow Churchill, arrived in 1834 from New York. Later, other people who settled within the region built the framework that was necessary for a town to thrive. For example, a War of 1812 veteran, Moses Stacy, arrived the following year in 1835 and completed Stacy’s Tavern in 1846. This tavern became a welcome stop for weary travelers who were making their way to and from other destinations in the state such as Galena, Chicago, Rockford, and the Fox River valley.
Located at present-day Main Street and Geneva Road, Stacy’s Tavern has been designated as a historical monument to note its importance to the history of the area.
With the completion of the railroad through the village in 1849, the area surrounding the tracks began to grow. This growth exploded after an enterprising resident, Lewey Q. Newton, offer to build a water tank and train depot with his own money if the railroad company stopped its trains there. Today, this depot is Newton Station.
Incorporated in 1892, Glen Ellyn had a slew of names before this occasion including Stacy’s Corners, Prospect Park, Babcock’s Grove, and Newton Station. The name Glen Ellyn was chosen after residents Philo Stacy and Thomas E. Hill pushed for the creation of a lake.
Attractions
Established in 1919, the Glen Ellyn Park District provides an array of opportunities for its residents to play, relax, and have fun. Each season, the Glen Ellyn Park District releases a brochure detailing which of its more than 700 programs are available.
Since the sessions are divided according to the season – Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter – many of the activities are dependent on that time frame. With activities aimed at satisfying the interest levels and abilities of its residents from infants to seniors, the Glen Ellyn Park District is pleased to offer events for all ages and families.
In addition, the Glen Ellyn Park District maintains all the village’s parks. Offering a mix of unstructured and structured programs, residents can find activities that pique their interest such as softball, outdoor aquatic facilities, four buildings dedicated to recreation, and lots more. Also, the agency oversees two lakes and their respective buildings – the Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center.
Dining
Whether your gastronomic tastes lie within restaurants that are found throughout the country or you prefer an establishment that offers a one-of-a-kind fare, you can enjoy both options in Glen Ellyn. Find a select few listed below:
- Chipotle Mexican Grill: Feel like building your burrito – either with or without a bowl? If so, head down to Roosevelt Road and enjoy the popular chain restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill.
- Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink: At Glen Prairie Local Flavor Fine Food & Drink, you can enjoy tasty American favorites in a stylish, upscale, and thoroughly modern setting.
- Meatheads: Conveniently located on Roosevelt Road, Meatheads takes counter service to a whole new level with its satisfying menu of burgers, sandwiches, shakes, hot dogs, fries, and more.
Shopping
Downtown Glen Ellyn offers a pleasing array of shopping options that are so charming you don’t even need to think about heading to Chicago when you need something. In addition to specialty shops, you can find professional services, spas, barbers, salons, and more. Downtown Glen Ellyn also sponsors exciting events that provide residents with the opportunity to get to know their neighbors in a fun and casual atmosphere.
Officials
The local government of Glen Ellyn comprises a Village President and a Village Board of Trustees. The Village Board is made up of six trustees. Both the Village President and Village Trustees are elected to four-year terms. Currently, the following people are serving as local elected officials:
- Village President: Diane McGinley
- Village Trustee: Kelli Christiansen
- Village Trustee: Bill Enright
- Village Trustee: Craig Pryde
- Village Trustee: Gary Fausles
- Village Trustee: Mark Senak
- Village Trustee: Steve Thompson
Average House Prices
Currently, 76% of residents own their home and the medium value in Glen Ellyn is $436,500. This is well above the national average, but the amenities make it worthwhile. Rates are at an all-time low so now is a great time to buy.
If you’re interested in renting, you can find some cheaper options with the median rent being $1,032. You won’t have to worry about closing costs and will still have access to all the great features of the town.
Fun Facts
Average Income
The median income for a household in Glen Ellyn is $110,669. This is almost double the national average which is currently at $55,322.
Average commute time
The average commute time for a Glen Ellyn resident is 24.7 miles. Many residents also take the train to the city.
Educational Statistics
Nearly 95 percent of Glen Ellyn’s residents have attained their high school diploma with most of them also completing higher education. Almost 70 percent of the residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
As you can see, Glen Ellyn makes a fantastic place to settle down. If you are interested in purchasing a home in Glen Ellyn, get pre-approved today by filling out a mortgage application.
