About the neighborhood

Des Plaines offers diverse housing options with many single detached homes alongside spacious apartment buildings, primarily featuring two and three-bedroom layouts. The city boasts convenient access to numerous primary and secondary schools, both public and private, located close to residential areas. Its flat terrain and bike-friendly roads provide easy connections throughout the city, while a well-established bus network ensures public transportation is readily available. With over 150 restaurants, cafés, and ample grocery stores along Metropolitan Way, dining and shopping needs are well served. Residents can explore around 40 nearby parks, such as Northwestern Park and Lake Park, adding to the neighborhood’s tranquil atmosphere.

Characteristics

Transportation

House buyers who want to reside in a compact community will enjoy the reasonably pedestrian-friendly nature of Des Plaines; many common errands can be run without needing a car, and numerous businesses are fairly close by. This part of the Chicago metropolitan area is also fairly appropriate for cycling as the area is moderately flat. Driving is a very good medium of transportation in Des Plaines. Many real estate listings are a rather short drive from the nearest highway, such as I-90, and it is easy to access a parking spot. On the other hand, getting around by transit can be difficult in Des Plaines due to the service's low frequency. Thankfully, homeowners are served by Rosemont with access to the Blue Line. There is the Des Plaines, Dee Road and O'Hare Transfer with access to the Union Pacific Northwest and North Central Service. The city is linked by approximately 20 bus lines, and the closest bus stop is generally very close by.

Services

It is a reasonably short distance to access both primary and secondary schools from any location in Des Plaines. Apart from public schools, this part of the Chicago metropolitan area offers private schools at both the elementary and secondary school level. With respect to eating, it is very easy to access the nearest grocery store without the need to get in a vehicle from any location in this city. Moreover, a restaurant is usually just around the corner, and there are also about 20 coffee shops in Des Plaines.

Character

Des Plaines is a "jack-of-all-trades" when it comes to the ambience of this part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Des Plaines is quiet, as the streets are reasonably calm, however some parts can be quite noisy, especially near one of the railway lines, Tri-State Tlwy or I-90. On the other hand, there are over 100 green spaces close by for residents to explore, like Big Bend Lake Preserve and Dam No. 2 Woods Preserve, which makes them very easy to get to from a large number of locations in the city. Finally, although the ambience is not the liveliest in this part of the Chicago metropolitan area with its around 20 bars, there are options for nighttime activities.

Car friendly8.0

Excellent access to freeways and/or major arteries, with a very low chance of parking problems

Cycling friendly5.2

Somewhat suitable for bicycle commuting and/or recreational cycling

Pedestrian friendly5.6

Some pedestrian-oriented shops within walking distance. Meeting daily needs on foot is occasionally practical

Transit friendly3.6

Transit is available for some trips

Restaurants6.6

Wide variety of restaurants within a short drive, including some within walking distance

Groceries7.4

Wide variety of groceries within a short drive, including some within walking distance