The Complete Guide to Moving from Chicago to Oak Brook

Thinking about moving from Chicago to the western suburbs? Oak Brook is one of the most recognizable communities in the western suburbs, known for its expansive residential properties, mature landscaping, shopping and dining, business community, and convenient access to major highways.

For Chicago buyers considering a suburban move, Oak Brook offers a very different setting from the city while remaining relatively close to Chicago. The community is also centrally located within the western suburbs, making it convenient to neighboring communities such as Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Westmont, Elmhurst, and Oakbrook Terrace.

If you're considering making the move from Chicago to Oak Brook, here's what you should know.

Where Is Oak Brook?

Oak Brook is located approximately 15 miles west of downtown Chicago in both DuPage and Cook counties.

The community is positioned near major transportation routes including:

• I-88
• I-294
• Route 83
• Route 56
• 22nd Street

Its location is one of Oak Brook's biggest advantages for people who regularly travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

Unlike some western suburbs that are centered around a commuter rail station, Oak Brook is particularly car-oriented, with major highways providing access to Chicago, O'Hare, neighboring suburbs, and major employment centers.

What Is Oak Brook Known For?

Oak Brook has a very different character from many of the communities you'll encounter in the western suburbs.

Rather than having a traditional, concentrated downtown, Oak Brook is known for its large residential properties, mature trees and landscaping, commercial centers, golf and recreation, and proximity to major business and shopping destinations.

The Village encompasses approximately 5.3 square miles and is also a significant employment center, with thousands of businesses located throughout the community.

For someone coming from Chicago, the biggest transition may be the scale and layout of the community. Oak Brook feels much more spacious and spread out than a traditional city neighborhood.

Oakbrook Center

One of Oak Brook's defining destinations is Oakbrook Center, the expansive outdoor shopping and dining center located near I-88.

Oakbrook Center features a large collection of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options in an open-air setting. The shopping center describes itself as a premier shopping destination in Chicago's western suburbs.

For someone moving from Chicago, this is one of the major conveniences of living in Oak Brook.

Instead of traveling into the city or another suburb for shopping and dining, many options are right in your backyard.

Oakbrook Center also hosts seasonal events and activities, including outdoor programming on The Lawn.

Dining in Oak Brook

Oak Brook has a substantial dining scene, with restaurants ranging from casual options to upscale dining.

Many restaurants are concentrated around Oakbrook Center and other commercial areas throughout the village.

The community's location also puts residents within easy reach of restaurants throughout Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Westmont, and other nearby western suburbs.

For Chicago buyers accustomed to having restaurants and entertainment nearby, Oak Brook offers considerably more dining and retail options than its residential character might initially suggest.

What Is the Housing Market Like in Oak Brook?

Oak Brook's residential real estate is known for larger lots, spacious homes, mature landscaping, and a variety of architectural styles.

Buyers may find:

• Custom-built homes
• Luxury homes
• Traditional single-family homes
• Renovated older properties
• New construction
• Townhomes
• Condominiums

One of the things that distinguishes Oak Brook from many of the more densely developed western suburbs is the amount of space found on some residential properties.

For buyers coming from Chicago, this can represent one of the biggest lifestyle changes.

Instead of a condominium or smaller city lot, Oak Brook offers opportunities for substantially more outdoor and interior space.

New Construction in Oak Brook

Oak Brook is an established community, but new construction and redevelopment continue to be part of the local real estate market.

New homes are often created through the redevelopment of existing properties, particularly when older homes sit on larger lots.

For buyers considering new construction in Oak Brook, it's important to evaluate more than the finishes.

Consider:

• Lot size
• Location
• Floor plan
• Builder reputation
• Construction quality
• Property taxes
• Long-term resale potential
• Landscaping and outdoor space

As Realtors with extensive experience in new construction throughout Chicago's western suburbs, we help buyers evaluate both the home itself and the overall investment.

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Oak Brook has an extensive amount of green space and recreational opportunities.

The Village highlights nearby destinations including Fullersburg Woods, Mayslake Forest Preserve, Graue Mill, and other DuPage County Forest Preserve properties.

Oak Brook also has its own recreational facilities, including the Oak Brook Sports Core, Oak Brook Golf Club, and Bath & Tennis Club.

For someone moving from Chicago, the amount of open space is one of the more noticeable differences.

Golf in Oak Brook

Golf is an important part of Oak Brook's recreational landscape.

The community is home to the Oak Brook Golf Club, while several private golf clubs are located nearby.

For buyers who enjoy golf, the western suburbs offer a particularly strong concentration of courses and country clubs.

Getting Around Oak Brook

Transportation is an important consideration when comparing Oak Brook with other western suburbs.

Unlike communities such as La Grange, Clarendon Hills, or Downers Grove, Oak Brook does not have a Metra station within the village.

Instead, Oak Brook is heavily connected by major roads and highways.

I-88 and I-294 provide convenient regional access, while Route 83 and other major roads connect Oak Brook with surrounding communities.

There are also Pace bus routes serving Oak Brook and Oakbrook Center.

For someone commuting to Chicago, your preferred transportation method is something worth considering carefully before purchasing.

Living Near Oak Brook's Business District

Oak Brook isn't only a residential community.

It is also one of the western suburbs' major employment centers, with a significant concentration of corporate offices and businesses.

The Village has described Oak Brook as one of the region's largest employment centers, with approximately 2,000 employers and 60,000 jobs within its boundaries.

That means Oak Brook can also be convenient for people who work in the western suburbs rather than commuting into downtown Chicago.

What Is the Lifestyle Like in Oak Brook?

One of the biggest differences between Chicago and Oak Brook is the physical environment.

Chicago is dense, walkable, and highly urban.

Oak Brook is more spacious and spread out, with:

• Larger residential properties
• Mature trees
• Parks and open space
• Golf courses
• Shopping centers
• Restaurants
• Major corporate offices
• Easy highway access

Rather than having one traditional downtown that serves as the center of the community, Oak Brook has several commercial and recreational destinations throughout the village.

That gives Oak Brook a very different feel from communities such as La Grange, where the downtown and Metra station form a central hub.

Oak Brook vs. Other Western Suburbs

If you're moving from Chicago, Oak Brook may be just one of several communities you're considering.

Nearby options include:

• Downers Grove
• Hinsdale
• Westmont
• Clarendon Hills
• Elmhurst
• La Grange
• Western Springs
• Oakbrook Terrace

Each community has different housing options, transportation, commercial areas, lot sizes, architecture, and real estate markets.

Rather than assuming one community is right for everyone, it's worth exploring several to determine which characteristics align with your own priorities.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Oak Brook

Before making the move from Chicago to Oak Brook, consider:

Your Commute

If you regularly travel downtown, think carefully about whether driving or public transportation works best for your routine.

Your Housing Goals

Determine whether you're looking for a luxury home, custom new construction, a larger lot, a townhome, or another type of property.

Your Lifestyle

Think about how important restaurants, shopping, parks, recreation, and access to major roads are to your daily life.

Your Long-Term Plans

Consider how the size, location, maintenance, and overall cost of the property fit into your long-term plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Chicago to Oak Brook

How far is Oak Brook from Chicago?

Oak Brook is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Chicago.

Does Oak Brook have a Metra station?

There is no Metra station within Oak Brook. Nearby Metra stations provide rail access to Chicago, while Pace bus service also operates within the community.

What types of homes are available in Oak Brook?

Oak Brook has a diverse residential real estate market that includes luxury and custom homes, traditional single-family properties, renovated homes, new construction, townhomes, and condominiums.

Is there new construction in Oak Brook?

Yes. New construction and redevelopment continue to create opportunities for buyers, including custom homes on existing residential lots.

What is there to do in Oak Brook?

Oak Brook offers shopping and dining at Oakbrook Center, golf and recreation, parks, forest preserves, trails, community events, and convenient access to neighboring western suburbs.

Thinking About Moving from Chicago to Oak Brook?

Moving from Chicago to the suburbs is a significant decision, and the right community depends on your individual priorities.

Oak Brook offers a distinctive combination of spacious residential properties, luxury real estate, mature landscaping, shopping and dining, recreation, major employment centers, and convenient highway access.

If you're considering Oak Brook—or comparing Oak Brook with other western suburbs—we can help you explore the differences, understand the local real estate market, and find a home that fits your goals.

Explore Our Chicago-to-Western-Suburbs Guides

This article is part of our ongoing Moving from Chicago to the Western Suburbs series.

Explore our guides to:

• Moving from Chicago to Downers Grove
• Moving from Chicago to Clarendon Hills
• Moving from Chicago to Westmont
• Moving from Chicago to La Grange
• Moving from Chicago to Oak Brook
• Moving from Chicago to Hinsdale — Coming Soon
• Moving from Chicago to Glen Ellyn — Coming Soon
• Moving from Chicago to Wheaton — Coming Soon