Moving to Elmhurst, Illinois: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Elmhurst, Illinois? This premier DuPage County city offers downtown excellence, top schools, and exceptional amenities. With approximately 47,000 residents in 2025, Elmhurst combines urban sophistication with suburban safety and Chicagoland’s most desirable family destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Elmhurst:

Elmhurst’s 2025 population is approximately 47,000 residents in this DuPage County city 16 miles west of Chicago. The median age is around 42 years, with affluent families, professionals, executives, and retirees. The population is approximately 78% White, 11% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 2% Black or African American. Elmhurst features an exceptional downtown along York Street, Elmhurst University campus, tree-lined streets with beautiful homes, and serves as a model suburban city. The city attracts upper-middle to upper-class families, professionals seeking perfection, and those prioritizing education and quality of life. Elmhurst appeals to affluent residents valuing excellence, walkability, and community character. The city emphasizes downtown vitality, educational excellence, historic preservation, and maintaining premier status.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Elmhurst:

Elmhurst represents premium pricing for Chicagoland suburbs. Median home values range from $500,000 to $750,000+ in 2025, reflecting the city’s exceptional schools, downtown, and desirability. The median household income exceeds $110,000. Rental properties average $1,800 to $2,800+ monthly. Illinois’ state income tax is flat 4.95%. Property taxes are very high reflecting premium services. Overall cost of living reflects Elmhurst’s status as a premier suburb. The city attracts affluent professionals and families willing to pay premiums for excellence. Housing costs create significant exclusivity while maintaining community atmosphere. The combination of top schools, walkable downtown, and quality of life justifies ultra-premium pricing.

Economy and Job Market:

Elmhurst residents typically work in Chicago or throughout Chicagoland as executives, professionals, or business owners. Elmhurst University provides education employment. Elmhurst Hospital (part of Edward-Elmhurst Health) offers healthcare jobs. Many residents hold high-level positions in professional services, finance, healthcare, and corporate management. The broader Chicagoland economy provides opportunities. Typical commute times to Chicago via Metra are 25-35 minutes. The affluent population includes many successful professionals and business owners.

Education:

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 serves city students with consistently top-rated schools including York Community High School ranking among Illinois’ very best. The exceptional schools from elementary through high school attract families specifically for educational excellence. Elmhurst University (private liberal arts) creates college-town atmosphere. The outstanding school system is the primary reason families relocate to Elmhurst, creating intense academic focus and competitive environment with exceptional achievement.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Elmhurst offers an outstanding downtown along York Street with upscale restaurants, boutiques, Elmhurst Art Museum, Theatre Historic Elmhurst presenting performances, and vibrant walkable atmosphere rivaling urban neighborhoods. The city maintains beautiful parks including Wilder Park with conservatory. Residents enjoy Elmhurst University cultural programming and athletic events. The lifestyle emphasizes downtown activity, cultural enrichment, family events, and exceptional quality of life. The four-season climate enables year-round activities. The community fiercely values educational excellence, downtown character, historic preservation (stunning historic homes), walkability, and maintaining premier status. Living in Elmhurst means extreme costs, intense academic pressure, and prioritizing perfection while enjoying Chicagoland’s finest downtown, top schools, and exceptional quality of life with walkability, culture, and community creating the quintessential premier suburb.

Healthcare and Services:

Elmhurst residents access world-class healthcare through Elmhurst Hospital (Edward-Elmhurst Health), with additional facilities throughout DuPage County. The affluent population ensures access to premium healthcare providers and services.

Transportation:

Elmhurst benefits from Metra Union Pacific West Line providing excellent train service to Chicago with multiple daily trains, Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway), Interstate 294, and various arterial roads. Pace operates suburban bus routes. Downtown Elmhurst offers exceptional walkability. Most residents use personal vehicles for daily needs. Typical commute times to Chicago via Metra are 25-35 minutes, by car 25-50 minutes depending on traffic.

Conclusion:

Moving to Elmhurst in 2025 offers premier suburban living with exceptional downtown, top schools, and cultural richness. The city’s combination of York Street excellence, educational perfection, and walkable sophistication makes it ideal for affluent families, successful professionals, and those seeking Chicagoland’s finest suburb where downtown vitality meets educational excellence and exceptional quality of life defines the ultimate family destination.