Welcome to Des Plaines, IL: Gateway to Opportunity in Chicagoland

About Des Plaines

Located just 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Des Plaines, Illinois is a thriving suburb in Cook County best known for its unbeatable location, diverse neighborhoods, and rich community resources. With a population of around 60,000, Des Plaines offers residents the convenience of city access with the comfort of suburban living.

Home to a mix of long-established families, young professionals, and business owners, Des Plaines has something for everyone — from great schools and parks to commuter transit, a growing downtown, and proximity to O’Hare International Airport. Whether you’re looking to move, invest, or grow your business, Des Plaines is a smart place to land.

Living in Des Plaines

Housing and Neighborhoods:
Des Plaines features a wide variety of housing options. From 1950s brick ranch homes and Cape Cods to modern townhouses, apartments, and new residential developments, the city caters to many lifestyles and budgets.

Popular areas include Downtown Des Plaines, Cumberland, Northshire, and Lake Opeka. Each offers access to local parks, schools, and transit while maintaining its own neighborhood character. Housing remains more affordable than many nearby suburbs while offering similar access to amenities and public services.

Cost of Living:
Des Plaines delivers strong value for its location. Residents benefit from lower housing costs than in neighboring Park Ridge or Rosemont, along with reasonable taxes and excellent municipal services. The city strikes a balance between affordability and convenience, making it an ideal choice for both homeowners and renters.

Education:
Families in Des Plaines are served by multiple school districts, including:

District 62 (Des Plaines Elementary)
District 59 (Elementary)
Maine Township High School District 207

Schools like Maine West High School are well-regarded for their academic offerings, arts, and athletics. Private and parochial schools are also available, and nearby colleges like Oakton College and Harper College offer workforce programs, certifications, and degree options.

Business and Economy

Des Plaines is a strategic location for business. Its proximity to O’Hare, I-90, I-294, and multiple rail lines makes it a hub for transportation, logistics, and commerce. Key industries include:

Transportation and warehousing
Healthcare and senior services
Retail and hospitality
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing and light industrial

Major employers include:

Rivers Casino
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
City of Des Plaines
FedEx and other logistics companies near O’Hare

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce supports business growth through advocacy, education, and networking events. The city is actively investing in infrastructure, downtown revitalization, and commercial corridors to attract and retain new development.

Things to Do in Des Plaines

Parks and Outdoor Recreation:
The Des Plaines Park District manages over 60 parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities across the city. Residents can enjoy:

Lake Opeka – A scenic lake with boating, fishing, walking paths, a golf course, and picnic spots
Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center – Water slides, pools, and splash areas in the summer
Prairie Lakes Community Center – Fitness center, gymnasium, and group fitness classes
Arndt Park – Popular for sports, sledding, and community events

In total, the city boasts over 350 acres of parkland, making it easy to stay active and connected to nature year-round.

Arts and Culture:
Des Plaines is home to a growing arts and cultural scene. Highlights include:

Des Plaines Theatre – A recently restored historic venue hosting concerts, comedy, and film screenings
Des Plaines History Center – Preserving and celebrating local heritage
Community Concert Band and local art showcases at the library and city events

Dining and Shopping:
Des Plaines offers a range of dining options — from longtime family-owned favorites to modern spots and global cuisines. Popular destinations include:

Giuseppe’s La Cantina – Classic Italian fare with decades of local history
Dotombori – Authentic Japanese ramen and sushi
Via Roma – Trendy and welcoming Italian-American bistro
Mr. Broast – A local favorite for halal fried chicken and burgers

For shopping, Des Plaines has several neighborhood plazas, downtown boutiques, and easy access to regional retail centers like Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont and Golf Mill Mall in Niles.

Community and Lifestyle

Events and Festivals:
Des Plaines offers a full calendar of community events that bring people together and celebrate local spirit. Signature events include:

Taste of Des Plaines – Featuring live music, food vendors, and family fun in downtown
Fall Fest and Harvest Fest – With seasonal crafts, games, and a community carnival feel
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
Summer outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations at Lake Park

The Des Plaines Public Library and park district also host year-round programs for families, teens, and seniors.

Public Safety and Services:
Des Plaines has its own full-time police and fire departments, known for their community outreach and professional service. The city consistently ranks as a safe, family-oriented suburb with strong infrastructure and public works departments.

Services include senior programs, environmental initiatives, snow removal, neighborhood outreach, and sustainability projects.

Transportation and Accessibility

Des Plaines is one of the most accessible suburbs in Chicagoland. Its robust transportation network includes:

Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line – Two Des Plaines stations offer direct rail service to downtown Chicago in ~35 minutes
I-90 and I-294 – Immediate access to key highways connecting to the region
Pace Buses and CTA connectivity
O’Hare International Airport – Just a 10-minute drive, ideal for commuters and frequent travelers

For both residents and businesses, Des Plaines’ location is one of its strongest assets.

Why Choose Des Plaines?

Des Plaines, IL combines convenience, culture, and community into one strategically located package. Whether you’re settling down, growing a company, or just seeking better connectivity, Des Plaines offers the infrastructure, amenities, and spirit to support your goals.

Why people choose Des Plaines: