Along the lovely Des Plaines River, Des Plaines is part quiet suburb and vibrant city.
With excellent schools and parks, the area is great for families. And there’s plenty for your inner nature lover; you can explore the acres of forest preserve through lovely walking and bike trails. The city’s vibrant downtown is complete with great shopping, top restaurants, and fun attractions.
Buyers and renters alike are attracted to the area by the real estate market, offering great homes at affordable prices. One will find a variety of homes in the city, ranging from single-family homes to downtown condominiums.
Des Plaines City Guide
Des Plaines residents enjoy laid-back suburban lifestyles. Whether they’re enjoying a local festival, out on the trails for a bike ride, or out to eat at a local restaurant. there’s always something fun to do in this vibrant suburban city!
Des Plaines Restaurants
Residents enjoy a diverse (and delicious!) restaurant scene. One can find everything from American to Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Asian fare in the city. Some local favorites include Giacomo’s, a family Italian-American restaurant, Charcoal Delights, a classic Chicago dive, and Dotombori, for delicious sushi. Looking for something familiar? You can also find a number of local chains in the area.
Local Shopping
With everything from big-name retailers to local boutiques, Des Plaines has you covered. Metropolitan Square is the city’s new mixed-use shopping area. The development features a Shop & Save grocery store, a Panera Bread restaurant, and more. You can find grocery stores, beauty salons, and other shops throughout the city.
City Events and Attractions
All year long, residents enjoy city events that bring family, friends, and neighbors together. These include the Taste of Des Plaines in June, a Fourth of July Parade, and the summer Friday Night Live music series. The area has some fun attractions. One is the Mystic Waters water park. Park goers enjoy water slides, a lazy river, multiple pools, and a concession stand. The area includes a McDonald’s Museum, a reconstruction of the first restaurant. For something special, try out the Rivers Casino, one of the only casinos in Illinois.
The Great Outdoors
Des Plaines residents enjoy an extensive parks system including 35 parks and over 73 acres for fishing. The Park District offers three swimming pools, ice skating, and various bike trails. Lake Park offers paddleboats, fish, sailing lessons, and an 18-hole golf course. The Park District offers youth and adults sports leagues, arts programming, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Getting to Chicago
With the I-90 and I-294 highways and Metra train station, getting to the Loop is a breeze! And, getting to the Loop isn’t the only place you can go; with nearby, O’Hare Airport, anywhere around the globe is within reach.
Des Plaines History
Early Des Plaines
For hundreds of years, the area was home to Native American tribes who lived along the Des Plaines River Valley. The first Euro-Americans came to the area after the Treaty of Chicago in 1833. Many early settlers were German immigrants, fleeing instability in their homeland. In the 1850s, new railroads led to significant growth in the region. The settlement incorporated as a village in 1872 (later re-incorporated as a city) with a population of 818 residents.
Booming Railroad Town
In the early 20th century, the heart of the area’s economy was the Des Plaines River. Factories were built along its banks, supporting the local farmers. A commercial district grew around the downtown train station. The town itself grew steadily as many settlers relocated from Chicago. The area even became a summer recreation destination. Chicagoans would come picnic or camp out near the river. From 1920 to 1930, the population more than doubled, reaching nearly 9,000.
Modern Des Plaines
After the construction of O’Hare Airport in 1955, a round of significant growth began. The same year, the city became home to Ray Croc’s first McDonald’s franchise. In the years that followed, the population increased by almost five times to its modern level of 55,000. Today, Des Plaines is an economically diverse suburban city with top-services and a variety of local industries.
Des Plaines Homes
For buyers and renters, Des Plaines offers affordable, spacious homes. Housing ranges from quiet neighborhoods of single-family homes to condominiums in the city’s new downtown area. Mixed-use areas allow for some of the conveniences of city living (such as walking to restaurants, the train, and stores) while enjoying the services and beauty of the ‘burbs. Suburban living- with most homes having large lots with grassy backyards, driveways, and garages- is the main attraction for most.
The peaceful, safe area is perfect for families, who love having the extra space to stretch out a little. Come and check it out!
