Which Chicago Suburbs Feel Like a College Town?
A college-town atmosphere is available far beyond the Midwest’s best small towns. A handful of Chicago suburbs also offer a mix of campus facilities, residences, restaurants, cultural programming, retail, and transportation. For buyers seeking suburban comforts along with the vitality and intellect of a college town, there are options.
Keep reading to figure out which Chicago suburbs feel the most like college towns for those who are interested in relocating.
What Creates a College-Town Atmosphere?
At their best, college towns generate activity despite the presence (or absence) of students. Lectures, theatre, concerts, and coffee shops contribute to the blend of students, residents, merchants, and entertainers found in Evanston, Lake Forest, Elmhurst, and Naperville.
Incorporating existing residential and transportation infrastructure is just as important to the appeal of a college town. Suburbs near Chicago can offer the best of both worlds: public events, residences, shops, and restaurants clustered together with the ease of an alternative commute. For homebuyers, the goal is to choose a college town where student housing isn’t the only option.
Evanston: The Strongest Traditional College-Town Experience
Northwestern University gives Evanston the strongest college-town presence, right next to Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Campus facilities, residents, restaurants, shops, and entertainment blend together in the city’s connected downtown. Metra and CTA transportation put Evanston directly in the path of Chicago commuters. Evanston housing ranges from older condos and townhomes to large single-family estates on the lakefront. Within a few minutes’ walk of downtown or campus, or choose a quieter residential setting elsewhere in the village.
Why Consider Lake Forest?
Lake Forest College’s small campus lies on either side of Lake Michigan, with historic Market Square an easy walk away and a Metra stop in the center of town. Lake Forest offers a less intense, more residential feel than Evanston, with the college’s programming adding speakers, performers, events, and athletics without overwhelming residential life. Historic large estates, colonials, townhomes, condos, and contemporary new construction represent its residential diversity.
Consider Lake Forest for its blend of culture and suburban simplicity. Housing includes larger estate homes closer to campus with classic 2-car garages, older single-family homes in traditional 3-sided neighborhoods, mid-century ranch-style homes, and new condos near the town center.
Elmhurst: A Walkable Western Suburb With Campus Energy
The Elmhurst University campus borders downtown Elmhurst, connecting campus events with restaurants, retail, and residential development. Elmhurst University maintains a public calendar of its own lectures, but also includes concerts, plays, art shows, and other entertainment. The Metra train maintains a regular schedule for the 30-minute commute to downtown Chicago, according to the university: “Elmhurst is a thirty-minute ride from the heart of downtown Chicago.”
Condos, ranch-style single-family homes, established traditional-style homes, and modern new construction offer different suburban looks. Elmhurst appeals to different home buyers, with condos near downtown, mid-century ranch-style homes, 3-sided traditional homes, and brand new housing developments further out from the campus.
Does Naperville Feel Like a College Town?
North Central College brings a college-town presence to the Naperville downtown area, situated near shopping, dining, the Riverwalk, and residential streets. Its campus amphitheater hosts dance, jazz, and classical ensembles, including touring groups and resident ensembles. North Central’s campus calendar offers a full schedule of activities during the academic year: “The college offers a complete program embracing the performing arts and the fine arts.”
Single-family and multi-family residential development spans from residences near downtown and campus to more suburban-style neighborhoods further out. Homebuyers seeking a stronger downtown experience should schedule a viewing well outside the academic school year, especially on weekends.
Comparing the Best Options
Evanston, Lake Forest, and Naperville offer distinct versions of college-town living, with Evanston providing the most comprehensive experience and public transportation options, while Naperville has the most extensive downtown commercial district. Each community also has residential options at varying distances from the campus.
Which Community Fits Your Lifestyle?
A local real estate agent can help buyers understand the nuances of college towns. An Evanston agent might note that CTA buses and Metra trains provide regular service and the downtown sees more public events during the school year. A Lake Forest buyer might consider how far they are from the nearest Metra station, especially for morning commutes. An Elmhurst agent would emphasize the close connection between campus and downtown, while a Naperville agent might describe downtown’s wide range of restaurants and entertainment options.
It’s also important to acknowledge areas at different distances within a given community. Campus energy extends farther in some communities than in others, and suburban-style housing appears at different distances from downtown.
“A true college-town atmosphere extends beyond the campus. Buyers feel it in the walkable downtown, independent restaurants, public performances, lectures, and steady calendar of events that keep the community active throughout the year.”–Jake McClure, Team Leader/ Real Estate Agent
What Should Buyers Research Before Making an Offer?
If a buyer considers property near a campus, they should research the proximity to athletic fields and facilities as well as classrooms, residence halls, and entertainment venues. Parking availability and regulations at public events can affect weekday as well as weekend activity. Events at public venues draw crowds, leading to increased traffic and parking concerns.
Homebuyers need to research their commute preferences as they relate to the property. A shorter distance to downtown can be offset by a less desirable drive from downtown to an interstate or freeway.
Finding Your Community Near Chicago
A college-town atmosphere can extend the value and experience of the Chicago suburbs, but each community offers different opportunities and conveniences. Homebuyers should evaluate proximity and accessibility just as they would a downtown residence, using the insights of a local real estate agent. Contact the professionals at Burling Square Group for more information on college-focused suburbs in North Shore Chicago if you’re interested in relocating to the area.
What Do Buyers Ask About College-Town Communities?
Q: Do you need to be affiliated with the college to attend events?
A: No. Lectures, concerts, theatre, art exhibitions, and athletic events often have public admission, although attendees might need to purchase tickets or sign up in advance. Prospective buyers should review the calendar of events from the institution to understand program frequency and availability.
Q: Are homes near a college difficult to finance?
A: A home buyer considering a property near a collegiate campus should understand how that property’s financing might work. Condo units, residences converted for multiple units, or non-conforming second homes might present greater difficulty. It’s always worth discussing with a lender if a property has a history as an investment or rental property.
Q: Will living near campus mean constant noise?
A: Proximity to athletic fields, residence halls, and entertainment venues will affect the likelihood of disturbances. Property buyers considering a home near a campus should visit in the evening as well as during the day, noting levels of activity and disturbances.
Q: Which option offers the easiest access to Chicago?
A: Naperville offers public transportation in the form of Metra. Evanston offers both the Metra train and the CTA ‘L’ system, making it the most accessible of the communities. Prospective buyers should evaluate a property’s distance to a public transportation stop and test that method, whether it’s Metra, CTA, driving, or another way to commute.