← Best suburbs near Chicago

Downers Grove vs Woodridge

Two popular IL suburbs of Chicago, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
9/10
8/10
Commute to Chicago
52 min
69 min
Median home price
$482K
$395K
Annual property tax
$8K
$9K
Walk score
68
38
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Downers Grove leads in 4 of 6 metrics. It edges out on school rating, commute to chicago, annual property tax, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Downers Grove

DuPage County's most complete suburb. Downers Grove South and North HS are both excellent. Burlington Northern Metra, a great walkable downtown on Main St, and more affordable than Hinsdale/Western Springs.

communitywalkable

Woodridge

DuPage County planned community adjacent to Lisle and Downers Grove. Woodridge Park District has excellent facilities including the Village Links of Glen Ellyn golf course. Good CUSD 68 schools. I-355 and I-55 access. An affordable DuPage alternative to higher-priced Downers Grove and Lisle.

familyplannedcommunity

Who should pick which?

Pick Downers Grove if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Want the shortest commute to Chicago
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Pick Woodridge if you...

  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Drawn to the family character

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Downers Grove and Woodridge — and every other town in the Chicago Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

Talk to Burbia →