Distance to Downtown Chicago
22 Miles

Average Drive Times
30 Minutes to Chicago Loop
29 Minutes to O’Hare Airport
30 Minutes to Midway Airport

The community of Downers Grove traces its name to Pierce Downer, who first settled the area on 150 acres of land in 1832. The arrival of the railroad in 1864 brought new opportunities to the area and stimulated town growth. The original business and residential district adjacent to the railroad tracks steadily expanded in all directions. The mid-1960’s to the mid-1980’s saw a boom period in which the population doubled. Today’s Downers Grove is a wonderful blend of new and old. Home to a growing number or sophisticated corporate, retail and commercial enterprises, Downers Grove’s small town atmosphere and high values are still very evident. Abundant trees, park land and greenery have earned Downers Grove the nickname, “Village of Trees.” Many homes in the area enjoy scenic wooded settings.

Transportation
Commuters enjoy Metra rail service to the Chicago Loop in 30 minutesfrom in-town or close-by stations. Drivers enjoy easy connections to both the East-West (I-88) Tollway on the north side of the village, the North-South (I-355) Tollway on the west side and the Stevenson (I-55) Expressway just to the south.

Schools
Students generally attend elementary schools in District 58, with a small percentage in District 69. Two fine high schools, Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South (District 99), rank among the top ten in Illinois for quality facilities, programs and instruction. A total of ten elementary and two junior high schools serve the community, in addition to several noteworthy private and parochial schools.

Shopping
There are many fine shopping opportunities close by for local residents. Both the Yorktown Mall in neighboring Lombard and the fashionable Oak Brook Center are major regional malls right off I-88. Aurora’s Fox Valley Shopping Center is another popular alternative. In addition, the village has an extensive and admirable shopping district of its own.

Recreation
Downers Grove is now home to 42 park sites totaling over 500 acres. In addition, over 500 programs and events devoted to sports, recreation, leisure and learning are coordinated by the Park District, including fully-developed programs for the disabled and handicapped. A private 12-court racquetball club in the village, two members only swimming pools and nearby Downers Grove Golf Club are among many recreational options and attractions.

Hospitals
Residents are served by Good Samaritan Hospital and a number of smaller or specialized medical and dental facilities.

Places of Worship
Downers Grove is home to numerous places of worship representing all major religious denominations, including Baha’i, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of Christ, Christian Science, Quaker and Jehovah’s Witness.