Thinking about trading your Chicago address for Oak Brook’s space and convenience? You are not alone. Many city residents look west for larger yards, a quieter residential feel, and easy access to major highways. This guide walks you through housing, taxes, schools, commuting, and move logistics so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Oak Brook appeals
Oak Brook offers a suburban village setting with single-family homes, corporate parks, green space, and a major retail hub at Oakbrook Center. You will find more space on average than in many city neighborhoods. Proximity to I‑88 and I‑294 helps you reach both downtown and regional job centers. Lifestyle, school options, and perceived safety are common reasons people compare Oak Brook with city living.
Housing options in 60523
Oak Brook is primarily single-family, with some townhome and condo pockets. Homes range from mid‑century to high‑end custom builds. New construction is more limited than in farther‑out suburbs, so many buyers consider renovated or replacement homes.
How the market behaves
Oak Brook is generally higher priced than many Chicago neighborhoods and some nearby suburbs. Lot sizes and home sizes also tend to be larger. Inventory can be tight in certain price bands, especially for newer homes. For current numbers like median sale price or days on market, ask your agent for the latest MLS report and compare against nearby Hinsdale, Elmhurst, and Downers Grove.
Costs beyond the price
- Property taxes. DuPage County assessments and rates determine your tax bill. Review recent bills for specific addresses via the county’s sites, including the DuPage County portals for the Treasurer and the Supervisor of Assessments.
- HOA dues. Common for townhomes and condos. Budget for exterior maintenance, snow removal, and landscaping where included.
- Insurance. Homeowner’s insurance can differ from Chicago. Flood exposure is generally less common here, but verify at the parcel level.
- Utilities. Providers differ by suburb. See the Utilities section for quick setup guidance.
Financing notes
If you are selling a Chicago home and buying in Oak Brook, plan around timing. Bridge financing, rent‑back, or contingency strategies can keep your move smooth. Your lender will include DuPage County taxes and any HOA dues in monthly cost and debt‑to‑income calculations.
Neighborhoods and schools
Municipal boundaries in and around Oak Brook can affect school assignment, taxes, and services. Some addresses marketed as “Oak Brook” sit near borders with towns like Hinsdale, Elmhurst, or Villa Park. Always verify the exact district for a property rather than assuming town‑wide coverage.
- How to verify schools. Use the Illinois Report Card for official performance data, and confirm attendance boundaries on local district sites. If you are comparing private options, review admissions timelines and transportation.
- Making the right fit. “Better” is subjective. Consider test scores, programs, extracurriculars, commute to school, and your student’s needs. Tour schools and talk with district offices to understand enrollment and timelines.
Safety and research
Suburban crime rates are often lower than major urban neighborhoods, but patterns vary by area and time. Review crime maps from the village police and explore the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer by community. For village services and contacts, start with the Village of Oak Brook website.
Commute and transportation
Oak Brook is close to the Tri‑State Tollway and the East‑West Tollway, which can shorten regional drives but may include tolls. Travel times to downtown vary by time of day and route.
- Metra. Oak Brook does not have a Metra station within the village. Nearby stations in adjacent towns serve multiple lines. Check route maps and schedules on Metra.
- Pace bus. Suburban bus routes provide local and limited express service. Confirm routes, park‑and‑ride options, and timetables on Pace.
- Drive vs. transit tests. Use a trip planner or navigation app to compare door‑to‑door times at your actual commute hours. Test a few days to account for variability.
- Airports. O’Hare and Midway are both accessible by tollways and arterials. Check real‑time routes before departure.
Lifestyle and amenities
Oakbrook Center is a major open‑air shopping and dining destination. You will also find golf courses, corporate campuses, and parks woven throughout the village. The Oak Brook Park District offers programs, fitness facilities, aquatics, and seasonal events. Larger cultural destinations in the western suburbs and downtown Chicago are an easy drive.
Step‑by‑step move plan
A little planning goes a long way. Use this timeline to stay on track.
8–12 weeks out
- Get pre‑approved with DuPage County tax assumptions included.
- Research neighborhoods by exact address and verify school assignment.
- Interview local agents who know Oak Brook’s inventory and sale terms.
- If you are selling first, map a timing plan for listing, showings, and closing.
4–6 weeks out
- Request recent property tax bills and any HOA documents for target homes.
- Review HOA budgets, reserves, and special assessments.
- Book movers who know suburban access and any HOA move rules.
- Start utility setup and internet availability checks for your address.
2–3 weeks out
- Confirm permits if you plan post‑closing renovations.
- Schedule final walk‑through and review inspection items.
- Update driver’s license and vehicle address with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Moving week and after
- Transfer or start utilities, and confirm trash and recycling pickup.
- Update mailing address and notify banks and insurers.
- Register to vote in your new precinct via the county elections office.
Utilities to set up
- Electricity: ComEd
- Natural gas: Nicor Gas
- Water and sewer: Check the Village of Oak Brook utilities pages for service details.
- Trash and recycling: See the village site for the current provider and pickup schedule.
- Internet: Availability varies by address. Use provider coverage maps to confirm speeds and options.
Open house checklist
Bring these questions to your next showing in 60523:
- What is the exact school assignment by address? Confirm with district.
- Can I see the latest property tax bill and any exemptions?
- Are there HOA fees, rules, move‑in fees, or rental caps?
- What are recent utility costs for electricity, gas, water, and internet options?
- Any recent renovations, permits, or open permit items?
- What are the neighborhood parking rules, especially near retail or offices?
- Is the property in a flood‑prone area or special insurance zone?
Selling in Chicago first
If you are selling a Chicago home to buy in Oak Brook, build a timeline that reduces risk. Consider a rent‑back after closing, a bridge loan, or a sale contingency depending on your finances and the competitiveness of the Oak Brook home you want. Discuss inspection windows, appraisal timing, and tax proration with your attorney and lender so your buy and sell stay aligned.
Work with valuation‑first guidance
Oak Brook is a quality‑driven market where pricing accuracy and strong negotiation matter. You benefit when your advisor pairs certified appraisal expertise with hands‑on brokerage service. If you want data‑backed pricing, neighborhood insight, and a clear plan from search to closing, connect with Scott Heichert for a conversation about your move.
FAQs
How do Oak Brook property taxes compare?
- DuPage County taxes are based on assessed value and local rates, which differ from Cook County. Review recent bills for a specific address on the DuPage County sites for the Treasurer and Supervisor of Assessments.
Will my commute from Oak Brook be longer?
- It depends on your origin, destination, and time of day. Test drive and transit times at peak hours and compare routes using Metra from nearby stations and tollway access by car.
Are Oak Brook schools better than Chicago’s?
- “Better” is personal and varies by district and program. Use the Illinois Report Card and district boundary lookups to compare data that fit your priorities.
Is Oak Brook family‑friendly?
- Many buyers value the suburban layout, parks, and single‑family homes. Consider proximity to parks, programs at the Oak Brook Park District, and confirmed school assignments when evaluating.
What should Chicago sellers consider when buying in Oak Brook?
- Plan for timing across both deals. Discuss contingencies, rent‑backs, and funding options with your agent and lender, and align inspection, appraisal, and tax proration steps before you write an offer.
