Located 18 miles southwest of Chicago, this 1.81 square mile village has been voted one of the best places to live and raise a family in Illinois. Well-established and affluent, this suburb is home to 8,500 people and more than 100 small businesses. With highly-rated schools, homes here have a great value, and Chicago attractions are easily accessible via the Metra rail station.
1. What to Expect
Vibrant community life.
2. The Lifestyle
Charming, family-oriented.
3. What Not to Expect
Big-box stores.
4. The Market
Single-family homes and new construction.
5. You'll Fall in Love With
Small, friendly community.
Commute Times
Clarendon Hills, tight-knit village rooted by a railroad.
Originally planned in the 1870s and later incorporated in 1924, Clarendon Hills really began to take shape when the railroad arrived, bringing commerce and tourism to this area. There was a boom in the 1950s as well when The Lions Club built the village’s first swimming pool on land donated by one of Clarendon Hills’ wealthy settlers. By the 1970s, the population of Clarendon Hills had reached 8,000. Today, Clarendon Hills is characterized by many unique village events. Community beautification programs also keep this suburb clean and connected.
Vibrant community life.
With its gently rolling hills and open fields, the landscape of Clarendon Hills is undoubtedly beautiful. And a number of seasonal events keep this community connected: Daisy Days celebrates the village’s humble beginnings as a daisy field every June; Dancin’ in the Streets is an eight-week concert series hosted during the summer months. There’s also an annual Oktoberfest, Christmas Walk, and Holiday Tree Lighting—all events that contribute to the culture and economy of Clarendon Hills.
Charming, family-oriented.
There’s a great school system here: Newsweek Magazine ranked Hinsdale Central High School as one of the top 200 schools in the nation, and Notre Dame, a private PK-8 Catholic school, is also located in the village. The neighborhoods are affluent, and town officials are continually investing time and money into Clarendon Hills’ commercial districts.
Big-box stores.
Small business dominates in Clarendon Hills. Mom-and-pop hardware stores, clock shops, and other family-run stores make up the heart of the village, and although you’ll find a Starbucks and Target nearby, corporate-owned stores only make up a small part of the economy here.
Clarendon Hills punches well above its size. This small, tight-knit DuPage County village of fewer than 10,000 residents consistently produces one of the most competitive real estate markets in the western suburbs, driven by outstanding schools, a walkable downtown, and direct Metra access. At just 17 median days on market, it is the fastest-moving community in Colleen's entire service area.
Median Sale Price
$770,000 (Current market level)
Days on Market
17 days (Down 45% year-over-year)
Market Speed
Fastest (Quickest in western suburbs)
Inventory
Very Limited (Low supply defining feature)
Market Condition
Highly Competitive (Multiple offers common)
New Construction
$1M+ (Typical new build price)
Small, friendly community.
A quiet respite from the city, Clarendon Hills offers sufficient value for homeowners interested in a reasonable commute and suburban lifestyle. There are plenty of roots and character here that contribute to this community’s charm.
Clarendon Hills is consistently regarded as one of the best small communities in the Chicago western suburbs. Residents love its genuinely walkable downtown, direct Metra Burlington Northern access to Chicago, top-ranked schools, and strong neighborhood identity. It has a small-town feel with big-suburb amenities, a combination that's increasingly rare and increasingly valuable.
As of 2026, the median sale price in Clarendon Hills is approximately $770,000. The market moves extremely quickly, with a median of just 17 days on market, meaning well-priced homes in desirable locations routinely see multiple offers. New construction in Clarendon Hills can push well above $1 million.
Very. With only 17 median days on market, a 45% improvement over last year, Clarendon Hills is currently the fastest-moving community in the western suburbs. Buyers need to be pre-approved, decisive, and working with an agent who can move quickly and write a competitive offer. This is not a market for casual exploration.
Clarendon Hills is part of Community Consolidated School District 181 for elementary and middle school, the same highly regarded district that serves Hinsdale, and Hinsdale Township High School District 86 for high school, giving students access to Hinsdale Central or Hinsdale South. These schools are a primary reason families target this community specifically.
Colleen C. Wilcox of Compass brings extensive experience representing buyers and sellers throughout Clarendon Hills and the DuPage County western suburbs. Recognized by Chicago Magazine as a Five Star Real Estate Agent for nearly 10 consecutive years, Colleen understands the speed and precision this market demands, and has the local relationships and Compass network to give her clients a meaningful edge in a fast-moving environment.
In a market where homes go under contract in under three weeks, the difference between getting the home you want and missing it entirely often comes down to your agent's speed, relationships, and ability to write a compelling offer. I've helped buyers successfully navigate Clarendon Hills' competitive environment by leveraging Compass's Private Exclusives network for early access, and by crafting offers that win — not just on price, but on terms that matter to sellers. If Clarendon Hills is on your list, let's talk before you start searching.
Compass
One Grant Sq., #201
Hinsdale, IL 60521
