Downers Grove, Illinois

Downers Grove, Illinois is a village located in DuPage County, Illinois, approximately 20 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. The village is situated near the East Branch of the DuPage River and is home to a diverse range of businesses, including Amsted Industries, Dover Corporation, and Univar Solutions. Downers Grove is also close to several major highways, including Interstate 88 and Interstate 355, which provide easy access to nearby cities like Aurora, Illinois, Naperville, Illinois, and Lombard, Illinois. The village is served by Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport, both of which offer flights to destinations across the United States and around the world, including London, Paris, and Tokyo.

Geography

Downers Grove is located at 41.7942° N, 88.0214° W, and has a total area of 14.66 square miles, according to the United States Census Bureau. The village is bordered by Lisle, Illinois to the east, Woodridge, Illinois to the south, and Glen Ellyn, Illinois to the north. Downers Grove is also near several major parks and nature reserves, including Lyman Woods Forest Preserve, Maple Grove Forest Preserve, and Prince William Forest Park. The village has a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes. The nearby Illinois River and Lake Michigan also provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports, and are popular destinations for tourists from cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami.

History

The area that is now Downers Grove was first settled in the early 19th century by Stephen Downer and his family, who moved to the area from Rochester, New York. The village was officially incorporated in 1873, and was named after its founder, Stephen Downer. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Downers Grove experienced significant growth and development, driven by the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The village was also home to several major industries, including the Caterpillar Inc. and the John Deere company, which were founded by C.L. Best and John Deere, respectively. Downers Grove has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Europe, Africa, and Asia, and is home to several historic landmarks, including the Tivoli Theatre and the Downers Grove Park District.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Downers Grove was approximately 49,700 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. The village has a diverse range of demographics, with a mix of young and old residents, and a range of ethnic and racial backgrounds, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and European Americans. Downers Grove is also home to a large number of families, with a median household size of 2.64 people, and a median family size of 3.23 people. The village has a high level of educational attainment, with over 95% of residents holding a high school diploma or higher, and over 50% holding a bachelor's degree or higher from institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of Chicago. Many residents commute to nearby cities like Chicago, Illinois, Naperville, Illinois, and Aurora, Illinois for work, while others are employed by local businesses like Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab.

Economy

The economy of Downers Grove is diverse and thriving, with a range of industries and businesses, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. The village is home to several major employers, including Advocate Health Care, Edward Hospital, and DuPage Medical Group. Downers Grove is also a popular destination for shopping and dining, with a range of restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues, including the Tivoli Theatre and the Downers Grove Park District. The village has a strong sense of community, with a range of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Downers Grove Farmers' Market and the Downers Grove Days festival, which attract visitors from nearby cities like Lombard, Illinois, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Wheaton, Illinois. Many residents are also employed by nearby institutions like Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and DePaul University.

Education

Downers Grove is served by several school districts, including Community High School District 99 and Downers Grove Grade School District 58. The village is also home to several private schools, including Benet Academy and Montini Catholic High School. Downers Grove has a strong commitment to education, with a range of programs and resources available to support students, including the Downers Grove Public Library and the Downers Grove Park District. The village is also close to several major universities and colleges, including College of DuPage, Wheaton College (Illinois), and North Central College, which offer a range of academic programs and degree options. Many residents also attend nearby institutions like University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and Indiana University Bloomington.

Transportation

Downers Grove has a well-developed transportation system, with several major highways and roads passing through the village, including Interstate 88 and Interstate 355. The village is also served by the BNSF Railway and the Metra commuter rail system, which provide easy access to nearby cities like Chicago, Illinois, Aurora, Illinois, and Naperville, Illinois. Downers Grove is also close to several major airports, including O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, which offer flights to destinations around the world, including London, Paris, and Tokyo. The village has a range of public transportation options, including buses and trains, which are operated by Pace Bus and Metra, and make it easy to get around the village and surrounding areas, including nearby cities like Lombard, Illinois, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Wheaton, Illinois. Many residents also use nearby transportation hubs like Union Station (Chicago), Ogilvie Transportation Center, and LaSalle Street Station to travel to other parts of the country.