Clarendon Hills
- Suburb of Chicago, IL
Suburb
Clarendon Hills Reviews
Rating 4.52 out of 5 29 reviews
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We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. It's a great place to live!
I have lived in Clarendon Hills since 1992. I know of no place could rate as it’s peer. The small town feel with warm neighbors make the town an extraordinary village.
I’ve live is CH since 1999 and it’s the best place to raise a family. It’s safe, quiet and that is how residents like it. Schools are fantastic. The community is upper middle class with many families walking the streets with kids. Upgrades are being made to the downtown and that will help the overall look and feel. Previously the downtown was a bit dated but things are changing. The town does need to attract more businesses that will help drive down property taxes.
Pros: Small town, very clean and safe, upper middle class community. Easy to walk to parks and schools. Great for small children.
Cons: Lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Very conservative views. Before the 2020 Election saw a lot of ads supporting on house lawns Trump administration. That gives you an idea of peoples ideology in the neighborhood. Mostly empty downtown. Not good restaurants, bars, bakeries or shops. Very limited options. Lack of options for teenagers. The only 2 places you mostly see them hanging out are Starbucks or Brama La Pizza.
Have to drive to Westmont and Downers Grove for good restaurants and a better downtown.
Cons: Lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Very conservative views. Before the 2020 Election saw a lot of ads supporting on house lawns Trump administration. That gives you an idea of peoples ideology in the neighborhood. Mostly empty downtown. Not good restaurants, bars, bakeries or shops. Very limited options. Lack of options for teenagers. The only 2 places you mostly see them hanging out are Starbucks or Brama La Pizza.
Have to drive to Westmont and Downers Grove for good restaurants and a better downtown.
We moved here 2 years ago and love it! Housing is spendy but there are no "cookie cutter" houses and the neighborhoods look great. Everything is walk-able. We love letting our kids walk to the library and into town for an ice cream cone or slice of pizza. I walk to the Metra station and can be in Chicago in 1/2 hour without dealing with the horrendous Chicago traffic. People are friendly and folks wave and visit. The middle school is top notch and feels much smaller than it is. My kids' teachers actually know who they are. We are so glad we are here.
That's a big "nah" from me, chief. I spent about five years here, two living in an apartment by the tracks and three couch-surfing on and off between college semesters.
This town has a reputation for being family-friendly, but being a teenager here is awful. Most of them have a whole ton of money and not much to do with themselves. Teens generally have these enrichment options:
-Hey-mister someone at the Jewel on 55th for a bottle of whipped cream Svedka and drink it around a bonfire
-Buy a half-ounce of weed from one of Central's plentiful dealers and smoke it at Prospect Park
-Overdose on cough syrup at Central (saw that happen twice)
-Overdose on pain pills (also saw this happen a few times)
-Go out to Lagrange Park and buy some ecstasy/acid/blow to take in your friend's basement
-Vandalize public property for no reason
-Walk to the 7/11 and buy, like, Takis or whatever
I hate this town so much. Literally nothing will ever bring me back here.
This town has a reputation for being family-friendly, but being a teenager here is awful. Most of them have a whole ton of money and not much to do with themselves. Teens generally have these enrichment options:
-Hey-mister someone at the Jewel on 55th for a bottle of whipped cream Svedka and drink it around a bonfire
-Buy a half-ounce of weed from one of Central's plentiful dealers and smoke it at Prospect Park
-Overdose on cough syrup at Central (saw that happen twice)
-Overdose on pain pills (also saw this happen a few times)
-Go out to Lagrange Park and buy some ecstasy/acid/blow to take in your friend's basement
-Vandalize public property for no reason
-Walk to the 7/11 and buy, like, Takis or whatever
I hate this town so much. Literally nothing will ever bring me back here.
Great small town with excellent schools and a cute downtown. Easy to get to downtown Chicago on train or highway. Cons: lack of diversity and more conservatives than I would like to live near. Also, lack of local businesses leads to higher taxes and the downtown needs some work (though it is improving). Needs better restaurants and a bar or two that doesn’t close at 9:30. It’s a safe, clean and friendly community and a really nice place to live.
I like living in Clarendon Hills because of its small size. The residents always come in contact with each other and know what is going on in the lives' of their neighbors. I also appreciate the competitive nature of the athletics in town.
I have lived here since around when i was 20 months. My family has only moved once but 3 blocks over. This neighborhood is so friendly and welcoming of new families. All of the children here are extremely close and the parents are as well. We have the best block parties and get togethers.
The ideal suburb. Great housing options; walking distance to restaurants/coffee, train, schools; safe and clean.
I wouldn't move back to DuPage County if you paid me, but as 630- (and now 331-) suburbs go, Clarendon Hills is a good place to own a home and do the old-fashioned commute to the city for those who still have careers like that. If you want your children to grow up in a diverse population, this is SO not the area for that. Many may consider the whole area to be too conservative, but it's not as stifling as, say, Wheaton. Schools are good.
Clarendon Hills is an aspirational town of modest socioeconomic diversity with value-based, community-centered families who share priorities of public safety and quality education as core initiatives of government service.
I work and live in the community and have the best job in town - as a Realtor, not only do I get to help people find homes to live, but I walk one block to my office. I knew it was the best town before anyone said it was #1. I write a local column about the everyday life that goes on here and can say that the schools are fantastic (we have 4 children in the district), the downtown is quaint (and safe), and the parks and programs are family focused. I love our town and am glad it is recognized to be the best. Mike McCurry
Great schools, family friendly town. Decent mix of old and new architecture. The downtown is quaint, but needs a revamp to become a true destination town.
Clarendon Hills is a very cute town and has lots to offer! Very safe, great schools, cute downtown, very family-friendly. Does lack diversity and nightlife, however.
There is an unstated charm with diverse charitable organizations that create many social opportunities. The schools also have a strong parent network and high academic standards. Warm and welcoming to all but especially young families.
Clarendon Hills helps people slow down, truly feel a sense of community where people know their neighbors and people genuinely care about each other. Some may call it Mayberry, we call it Clarendon Hills.