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To figure out if moving to the Chicago suburbs is right for you, consider reading this guide covering all things Hinsdale. From the city’s historical background to its climate and economy, this guide will give insight into what the city has to offer. Ane when you decide to move to Hinsdale, be sure to utilize the local moving companies and mobile storage containers MI-BOX provides.   

The rich history of Hinsdale dates back to 1862 when businessman, William Robbins, purchased 700 acres of land running alongside the Burlington & Quincy Railroad. This prairie was later developed into one of the most desirable suburbs for middle-class families, and thus Hinsdale came about. The land was incorporated in 1873, but it wasn’t until the 1890’s that the city saw dramatic civic changes. In 1890, waterworks were developed, a sewage system was engineered in 1891, road paving began in 1892, and electrical lines were added in 1896. Downtown Hinsdale experienced its most significant renovations in the early 1900s with the addition of brick and terra-cotta business buildings. During the 1870s, 43% of Hinsdale’s population came from the northeastern region of the United States. The remaining portion were immigrants who came from German, English, and northwestern European descent. Hundreds of homes were constructed during this time to accommodate the growing population. 

Today, the city of Hinsdale still captures the visions that William Robbins and early developers had for the land. Since the 1870s, however, the population has greatly expanded and an increase in acreage was needed. The original 700 acres purchased by Robbins is now present-day south Hinsdale. Historical landmarks from the 19th century can still be found within the city limits for those who have an interest in seeing and learning more about the city’s historical beginnings.  

Hinsdale is located on the outskirts of DuPage county, just 20 miles west of the city of Chicago. As of 2020, it is home to 17,632 residents making it the 144th largest city in Illinois. Since 2010, the population has increased 4.85%, but has been on a slow decline in recent years. The population density of Hinsdale is 3,818 people per square mile. Caucasians make up 84.76% of the population, Asians make up 11.37%, and African Americans make up 1.22%. The median age of the Hinsdale adult is 41.5 years old, with a male average age of 40.8 and female average of 42.2. The median household size is 3.02 people, and average family size is 3.41 people as of 2018. With over one-third of the population falling in the age range of 18 and below, Hinsdale is a welcoming environment for children to grow and prosper. It also has a low crime rate, which further encourages family life. 5.3% of the population falls between the ages of 18 and 24, 17.4% are between 25 and 44, 32.3% are between the ages of 45 and 64, and 11.5% are 65 or older. Overall, Hinsdale fosters a pleasant family-friendly atmosphere for residents of all ages. 

Before moving to Hinsdale, it is a good idea to consider the cost of living in the area. The United States average cost of living index is 100, whereas, the Hinsdale cost of living index falls at 202.2. This means that, on average, it is quite expensive to live in this city. When compared to Illinois alone, Hinsdale is 2.2 times more expensive than the average Illinois city. The median household income is $163,558, with an average annual resident income of $79,535. This is nearly three times greater than the United States average income. 

Being one of the more-wealthy Chicago suburbs, the median cost of a home in Hinsdale is $940,600, which is almost three times greater than the national average. In general, the cost of healthcare, groceries, transportation, and housing is greater than both the national and state average; however, the cost of utilities is lower. This is useful information to keep in mind when preparing to move to Hinsdale, as the cost of living exceeds most other suburbs. For this reason, Hinsdale is an excellent place to live if you are interested in a high-end Chicago suburb. 

The town has an employment rate of 58.7%, and an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 3.2%. The labor force participation rate exceeds 60% of the population which is key for stimulating the economy. Being one of Chicago’s wealthier suburbs, the poverty rate is relatively low and falls at 2.95%. 

The heart of downtown Hinsdale is lined with many small and locally owned businesses that help to stimulate the town’s economy and create job opportunities in the area. These boutiques and restaurants tend to attract visitors from neighboring towns, which helps to bring in revenue for the city. Hinsdale, like most western Chicago suburbs, has a sales tax of 8.0% on all goods and an income tax of 5.0%. Both of these numbers are slightly higher than the national average.

The Hinsdale unemployment rate is lower than the national average. However, the current economy is slowly declining at a rate of 0.2% per year. Over the next ten years, national job growth is predicted to reach 27.6%, which is lower than the national average of 33.5%. 

Although Hinsdale is ranked among the top 1% wealthiest Illinois towns, the economy is not growing as rapidly as it has been in the past. The employment rate is steady, and Hinsdale has a reputable name across Illinois. These are all good economic factors to consider when deciding to move to Hinsdale.

From museums to nature preserves to sports, Hinsdale offers entertainment for everyone. For those who love the outdoors, Hinsdale is home to the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. This 220-acre plot of land allows visitors the opportunity to hike, canoe, fish, and picnic among the natural scenery. The hiking trails are open to bikers, cross-country skiers, and even horseback riders. Salt Creek runs through the forest preserve and houses crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and walleye for fishers 16 and older with a valid license to catch. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage provides visitors with multiple picnic tables and shelters to use as they please. Not only is this forest preserve perfect for getting out and about, but it also provides some visitor education on the wildlife and vegetation in the area. Children are even given a hands-on learning experience at the Fullersburg Nature Education Center. 

Located just 0.8 miles from Fullersburg Woods is Graue Mill & Museum. This 166-year-old historical building with an operating waterwheel and grinding stones is an inexpensive attraction great for exploring with children. The historic building is open from April to November and is a great attraction for visitors who want to take a peek into Hinsdale’s past. 

The Hinsdale Community House is a facility that serves people of all ages and walks of life. This non-profit organization offers athletic, theater, art, education, and counseling programs along with volunteer opportunities for children and adults. It is a fantastic way to meet new people and get involved in the community. For nearly 80 years, the Community House has been serving the citizens of Hinsdale and surrounding towns. 

For those who enjoy golf, tennis, and swimming, Hinsdale is home to the Hinsdale Country Club, which remains one of the most famous private golf clubs in Illinois. This country club was established in 1898 and has endured and overcome fires, wars, and financial downfall in the past. Hinsdale also has public golf courses, including Meadowlark Golf Course. Meadowlark is a nine-hole par 36 course that provides golfers with unique challenges. Unlike most courses, Meadowlark is a forest preserve golf course that offers scenery and wildlife unlike any other in the area.   

When the weather is hot, the Hinsdale Community Pool is the perfect place to cool down. This 50 meter pool features two diving boards and a slide for visitors to enjoy. The pool is divided into the diving well and the wading pool. The wading pool ranges from 3.5 to 5 feet in depth and has play features for children. The pool deck has plenty of room for sunbathing and a concession area. The Hinsdale Community pool holds special events all summer for members and they offer both group and private swim and dive lessons. They also have a bathhouse to shower off before or after swimming which includes lockers to keep your belongings safe. When moving to Hinsdale with children, this serves as the perfect summer hang-out location. 

The entertainment options in Hinsdale are endless, no matter what season it is. Whether you are interested in a learning experience or a recreational activity, there is something for the whole family to enjoy, guaranteed.

If you’re a seafood lover, have a taste for authentic Mexican food, or you prefer to stick to the classic American favorites, downtown Hinsdale is the place to go. The restaurants in Hinsdale are family-friendly and foster a pleasant dining environment while also being affordable. There are many family-run restaurants, such as Fuller House, which offers a dining experience unique to the town. You can also find quaint cafes and diners, authentic Chinese and Japanese restaurants, and of course, pizza parlors. Being a suburb of Chicago, you can expect to find deep-dish pizza at almost any pizza parlor in the area. In Hinsdale, the local favorite pizza place is Giuliano’s.  

For those with a sweet tooth, Hinsdale has some of the best bakeries around. Sweet Ali’s is a gluten-free bakery in the heart of downtown. Their sweet treats can be found in over 150 restaurants and retail Chicagoland locations. Overall, the restaurants of Hinsdale cater to every appetite, and the bakeries are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. 

When planning on moving to Chicago, picking a safe location should always be a priority. Luckily, Hinsdale has a very low crime rate and is a safe place to live for people of all ages. The crime rate in Hinsdale has decreased by 61% in the past year alone. Compared to the national average, Hinsdale experiences 97% less violent crime and is safer than 92% of other United States cities. Residents of the area consider their town to be extremely safe with virtually no crime. The probability of being a victim of violent crime in Hinsdale is 1 in 8,916 which makes it one of the safest towns in the country.

With the population on the rise in recent years, the beautiful neighborhoods of Hinsdale are ideal for raising a family. Their welcoming and safe atmosphere is suitable for residents of all ages. When Moving to Hinsdale, keep in mind it is among the top ranked towns in Illinois. The town has various hidden architectural gems. Among these include a few Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is also found in other neighboring towns and is worth exploring if you’re interested in structural design. The village of Hinsdale keeps parks well-manicured, which further adds to the beauty of the city. The numerous parks also serve as recreational areas for children and help to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Downtown Hinsdale is easily accessible and provides plenty of parking for visitors. The shops and restaurants are beloved by many and add to the charm of the city.

AMITA Adventist Hinsdale Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in Hinsdale and is the only teaching hospital in DuPage County. It was founded in 1904 and is conveniently located near downtown. It is a nationally recognized facility and has received a five-star rating from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Hinsdale Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art cancer institute, which provides patients with advanced medical screenings and treatment. The hospital stays up to date with medical technology and has even begun using the Da Vinci Surgical System to perform robotic surgeries for better surgical outcomes. When moving to the Chicago suburbs, it is helpful to be located near medical facilities that are known to provide exceptional patient care. 

Aside from AMITA Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, there are many medical facilities that offer focused medical treatment, including RLM Specialty Hospital and Hinsdale Orthopaedics. The RLM Specialty Hospital focuses its care on the needs of patients with acute illness or those experiencing medical trauma. Hinsdale Orthopaedics specializes in orthopedic surgery and care. All of the Hinsdale hospitals and clinics are very credible and provide patients with the quality care they are seeking. 

If you are moving to the Hinsdale area with school-age children, it is useful to get an understanding of the local education system. The schools in Hinsdale generally rank among the best in the area. Hinsdale Central High School is one of two Hinsdale high schools and ranks number 11 in Illinois. It has a 99% graduation rate, which makes it a very credible educational institution. Nearly 87% of their graduating students continue their education at an accredited college. The school system is diverse, inclusive, and fosters a safe learning environment. Hinsdale South High School is ranked number 37 best high school in Illinois and has an 88% graduation rate, which exceeds the average state graduation rate of 86%. Both of the high schools in Hinsdale offer numerous clubs and activities in which students are encouraged to get involved in. For students who would like to challenge themselves, both high schools offer honors and AP courses. These courses are designed for students who want to take more rigorous courses and get the opportunity to earn college credit. 

Hinsdale Middle School is a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, meaning that the students are provided with a top-notch education that prepares them to succeed in high school. To give you a brief history of the middle school, in the late 1800’s, Hinsdale Middle school was an all-boys education facility. It later became Hinsdale High School in the 1920’s, but then found its way back to being a middle school, this time open to boys and girls. Hinsdale Middle School caters to the needs of all students to ensure they are obtaining an education that goes above and beyond what is expected. 

The Hinsdale elementary schools are within the same district as the middle school. Like the middle school, the elementary schools in District 181 provide students with a focused education in preparation for higher learning. 

One key detail to point out is how much the Hinsdale public schools spend per student. On average, the administration board spends $16,788, which is over $4,000 more than the United States average school expenditure. The public high schools also have a 15:1 student to teacher ratio. These statistics showcase just how solid the Hinsdale public school system is. 

Whatever your motive is for moving to Hinsdale, just know that the city has much to offer for almost everyone. It is considered one of the best places to live for a reason. If you decide to make your move to Hinsdale, please consider using MI-BOX to help with your move or to provide you with any of your portable storage needs.