Westmont, IL

Westmont grew up right along the railroad tracks, and that classic rail-town layout still defines the village today. In the late 1800s, local farms and brickyards shipped goods straight into Chicago to help rebuild the city after the Great Fire. The town got its name simply because it was the highest point on the rail line west of Chicago. You can still see that background in the walkable grid of quiet, tree-lined streets around Cass and Burlington avenues, where the tracks run straight through the center of downtown.

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The BNSF Metra train remains one of the biggest selling points for new residents. With frequent express service running directly into Chicago Union Station, getting downtown for work or a weekend trip is fast and straightforward. Housing styles vary quite a bit depending on where you look. Close to the train, you will find historic bungalows, newer townhomes, and modern apartments. As you move farther north or south, the scenery opens up into quiet residential subdivisions and condo communities that offer a more approachable price point than pricier neighbors like Hinsdale or Downers Grove.

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Downtown along Cass Avenue serves as the social hub for the community, especially once the weather warms up. On summer Thursday evenings, several blocks shut down for Cruisin' Nights, filling the street with classic cars, food vendors, and live music. In July, the four-day Taste of Westmont brings out big crowds for local food and outdoor concerts. The downtown area has also been steadily growing, bringing in new apartment options, craft taprooms, and locally owned restaurants that make it easy to grab dinner close to home.

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Westmont also has some surprising history, including a deep connection to Chicago blues as the longtime home of legend Muddy Waters. The village keeps that musical heritage alive through local museum exhibits and blues events throughout the year. Day-to-day community life revolves around great local amenities, like the bustling Westmont Public Library and its creative maker space, the nine-hole Twin Lakes Golf Club, and Ty Warner Park with its trails and popular summer splash pad. Together, these spots give the village an easygoing, neighborly feel that makes settling in simple.