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This guide of Willowbrook covers everything the town offers and all the information you want to know about the area. Specifically, the guide reveals the village’s history, the diversity, the job and housing market, the weather, the schools and hospitals to take care of you and your family, and of course, all of the fun activities that the area has for you to endeavor.

After reading this guide, there’s no doubt that you will want to call Willowbrook your home sometime very soon.

In 1946, the Nationally Famous Chicken Basket opened, which became a hotspot for live music, food, and rooftop ice skating for all in the area. The restaurant was purchased later by Dell Rhea, who renamed it the Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. The business from this restaurant caused many to choose to settle in the former farmlands. 

In the 1960s, housing development boomed, and Willowbrook became an established village. With the massive growth of suburbs in the 1970s, the industry flourished. The town became a home for industrial parks, shopping centers, and so much more. The city entirely grew in population and industry until it became the thriving suburb that it is today.

Curious about the location and geography of the area? Well, Willowbrook, IL, is located in DuPage County along Route 66. It is a mere 18 miles from the Chicago Loop, making for an easy commute to the city’s nightlife. 

By reason of the 2010 Census, Willowbrook covers about 2.75 square miles of land bordered by well-known suburbs such as Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, and Oak Brook. 

Willowbrook is not just a cultural hub, as the area further holds some of the most beautiful parks and forest preserves that Chicagoland has to offer. Willowbrook is the perfect blend of business and leisure among miles of exquisite forests, lakes, and nature.

As of 2019, Willowbrook carries a population of 8,579 residents, proving it one of the smaller suburbs in the Chicagoland area. There are 3,977 households that makeup Willowbrook, with an average of 2.16 people per household. The village’s racial demographics indicate that 80.7% of residents are White, 15.8% of residents are Asian, 6.5% are Hispanic or Latino, and 2.4% are Black or African American. The racial makeup makes for a relatively diverse cultural and physical population of people. 

The population of Willowbrook is female-dominated, with 55.2% of the population containing women and only 44.8% containing men. The median age for women in Willowbrook is 49.5 years old. The median age for men is 44.4 years old, making for a total median age of 47.6 years old. Though the population may sway slightly on the older side, Willowbrook renders amenities and activities for all ages!

Money is always a significant factor to consider when looking to move; thus, let’s take a look at the job and housing markets in Willowbrook. In regards to career opportunities, Willowbrook is home to 572 businesses. Whether you want to commute to work or stay close to home, the village of Willowbrook is a great spot. In Willowbrook, 66.6% of residents are part of the workforce. 

On the contrary, the town has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, significantly lower than the national average at 4.7%. The unemployment rate is also relatively low for Illinois, where the average unemployment rate is 5.3%. Additionally, Willowbrook has a poverty rate of 5.1%, which is very low compared to the national average at 15.1%.

In Willowbrook, as of 2019, the average household income is $76,999. This number is much higher than the national average household income of $55,322. The housing market indicates that the median value of a house in Willowbrook is $284,046. This price is less than the 2020 national average at $320,000. A house affordability index is a tool that registers the general cost of living in one area in comparison to the rest of the country. In Willowbrook, the affordability index is 130, which is higher than the national average of 100. 

If buying a home is not for you, Willowbrook has various apartments, condos, and houses available to rent at an average of $1,585 a month. Altogether, when it comes to employment and housing, Willowbrook is hard to beat. Willowbrook brings forth a market full of opportunities and accommodations for the diverse population it upholds.

Although Chicagoland is known for its bitter cold and windy weather, Willowbrook is rather temperate all year long. The average temperature in Willowbrook is 49.2 °F. July is the warmest month that Willowbrook sees, with an average temperature of 78.3 °F. Adversely, with an average temperature of 21.6 °F, January is their coldest month in Willowbrook. We would certainly recommend purchasing a heavy winter coat before moving here.

In terms of precipitation, Willowbrook can get quite a bit of rain. The yearly average precipitation is 38.6 inches of rainfall. Even in the driest month of the year, February, Willowbrook still gets an average of 1.4 inches of rainfall. 

Though, there is simply no need for you to worry about the difficult process of moving in this ever-changing weather. Willowbrook is home to many storage options that can protect your belongings in even the worst of weather conditions.

Of course, your family and children’s education is one of the most critical matters to consider when making a move. Lucky for you, Willowbrook has multiple great schools to nurture and teach your children. For the start of your child’s educational journey, the area holds two primary elementary schools. Gower West Elementary and Anne M. Jeans Elementary teach students from Pre-K to 4th grade. Each school is in a separate district, but both revere their care and dedication to their students’ growth. 

After elementary school, your student will continue on to Westview Middle School. Westview provides admirable education for all students in grades 5-8th. It is a very highly rated school noted for its ability to transition students into high school, both socially and educationally. 

Lastly, your student will transition to one of the two high schools in the area. There is Willowbrook High School and Hinsdale High School. Both schools are some of the top-rated in the suburbs for sports and academics. Also, in an effort to reach all students’ interests, both schools provide several clubs and activities for your child to get involved. 

Never undervalue the education of your child as it can affect everything about their future. Willowbrook contains a sharp school system with a conducive learning environment for all students.

We value you and your family’s health and safety, so let’s take a look at the healthcare providers. Adventist Hinsdale Hospital is a top-rated Illinois hospital that is located in the Willowbrook area. This high-tech facility was awarded the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2019. At Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, you are sure to receive exceptional care and a positive experience. 

AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center La Grange is another hospital located in the area. This center is well-known for its quality of care and safety. This hospital was also a recipient of the Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2019 and 2020, and the Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Both locations are fantastic options for healthcare. It will surely be a relief knowing that in worst-case scenarios, your loved ones will have the best care surrounding them.

So know that you’ve gotten to know the Willowbrook area a bit more, let’s get into what you really want to hear: all the fun Willowbrook has to offer.

For an extravagant day of shopping and dining, check out the Oakbrook Mall. This lovely outdoor mall is one of the premier shopping centers in all of Chicagoland. This mall has everything you could ever need from clothes, shoes, jewelry, home decor, and so much more. It also has a wealth of restaurants to check out, such as Famous Daves, The Clubhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and Pinstripes. Oakbrook Mall is sure to have something to make for a perfect day of fun and shopping for any family type. Who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy?

For those with more adventurous tastes, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park may be the place for you. This outdoor ropes and zipline course is ideal for a fun day regardless of skill. The course provides two hours of ropes and ziplines to adventure through. If you are up for it, they even have a 553-foot long zipline with 44 other unique obstacles to zip down along. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is the ultimate spot for a family day trip or a day out with friends. 

On the flip side, for a relaxing and educational experience, check out the Gregg House Museum. This historic site is a superb spot to learn more about the village and Chicagoland history in general. It will transport you to a different time. The museum is currently taking part in a geocaching experience. More information is available on their website. 

Are you looking to go for a hike or a bike ride? Waterfall Glen is the hiking and biking hotspot of the area. This massive forest preserve makes for the perfect spot to spend a day in the great outdoors. Whether you want to hike to the waterfall and wade in the ponds, bike or run to get in some exercise, or fish, Waterfall Glen has it all. In the winter, also consider trying out cross-country skiing.

No matter your family, your likes, your age, or your abilities, Willowbrook is sure to have plenty of activities to keep you engaged and having fun!

Are you getting hungry? Don’t worry; Willowbrook is known for its outstanding dining scene. Indeed, at the top of your list to check out is the famous Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket. Here you are sure to take a bite of history (and chicken) by checking out some of the best-known cuisines in the area. They are not only known for their chicken but also their friendly staff and fabulous atmosphere. It’s no surprise if Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket becomes your new favorite dinner spot.

For breakfast or brunch, Blueberry Hill Pancake House is Willowbrook’s place to eat. This quaint restaurant will hit the spot with a vast menu full of any breakfast dish imaginable. Make sure to try their famous pancakes! 

If you are up for more diverse cuisine, look no further than Malahini Terrace. This spot on 75th Street is perfect for a night out. It may even become your new favorite place for takeout. It is known for its large portions, friendly staff, and delicious food. It has a following of devoted customers, and you will undoubtedly become one too.

Now that you know all about the amenities and activities, I hope that you’ve gained a love for Willowbrook as we do. Assuredly, this small village is the spot to settle down and find a sense of community. Every lifestyle within the village has options for fun and comfort. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to Willowbrook to enjoy everything that Willowbrook and the rest of Chicagoland have to offer. Put simply; you are going to love your new home!