Western Springs Community Spotlight

Fifteen miles west of the loop is the nationally recognized award-winning village of Western Springs. Originally named for its local mineral springs, it is the last known Cook County campground of the Potawatomi.

Soon after, a large number of Quaker settlers moved into the area. Many Quakers had deeds that prohibited the sale of alcohol and so the city has been a DRY city since the 1800s, until most recently when a few restaurants began serving alcohol.

“Living in Western Springs is as if living in a Hallmark movie,”

said one Western Springs resident

The village of about 13,000 residents offers the quintessential small-town feel while being only minutes away from the third-largest city in the United States.

“Living in Western Springs is as if living in a Hallmark movie,” said one Western Springs resident, and many agree. Western Springs ranks high on many lists as the best place to raise a family, best place to live in Illinois, and most recently was recognized in 2019 as the best place to live in America only behind West University Place, Texas by HomeSnacks.com.

• The best place to live in America
• The best place to raise a family
• The best place to live in Illinois

The town’s picturesque downtown is quiet but still has much to offer. The main shopping district has many vintage buildings that house longtime businesses like  Casey’s Deli and Meats, Kirshbaum’s Bakery,

The Village Hardware Store, Oberweis Dairy, and the Fruit Store. Just north of the train station stands the village’s historic water tower. Built-in 1892 with Naperville stones (said to have come from the centennial pool), it was retired in 1962 and became a museum in 1970.

Dining/ Food

Western Springs also has many great places to dine, including Vie a French American restaurant, Davanti Enoteca Italian cuisine, Lou Malnati’s Pizza, Salernos Pizza, The Hillgrove Tap, and The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant just to name a few.

Housing/ Real Estate

The village comprises many smaller neighborhoods, including Old Town North, Field Park, and Timber Trails in the southernmost boundary of the village. The median home price in Western Springs in March 2022 is $650,000 and there are a wide variety of homes to choose from, including Craftsman, Colonial, Tudor, Farmhouse, as well as many new builds since the 1990s. 

Education/ Schools

Western Springs is more than just good looks as it backs up its charm with high ranking high school districts, including Districts 101 and 106 and Lyons High Schools district 204.

Lyons Township High School has two campuses: freshmen and sophomores attend classes on the South Campus in Western Springs, while juniors and seniors head to the North Campus in La Grange where the graduation rate is over 96%.

Green Spaces/ Parks

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Western Springs has many green spaces to explore. The village has 12 parks while only being 2.79 square miles in total area. The Western Springs Park District offers a full slate of things to do and see at its own Recreation Center and at the Grand Avenue Community Center.  

Spring Rock Park on the western edge of town is an expansive green space that also includes a walking/running path, recently improved fields for baseball and soccer, tennis courts, and in-line skating rink, among other features.

At least 12 other parks lend green space. County Forest Preserve’s Bemis Woods in Western Springs is also an attraction for its groves and trails as well as a new “Go Ape” obstacle course featuring treetop zip lines.

It holds many events throughout the year, the two biggest being the Memorial Day Parade and Gathering on the Green where there are concerts and activities such as a petting zoo and rock climbing.

Community Events

A regular and popular event throughout the summer is the weekly French Market, held on Hillgrove Avenue near the iconic water tower. Visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, along with fresh-baked bread and pastries, meats and cheeses, wine and flowers, as well as artisan-made goods.