Oak Brook is a vibrant and active community, with almost 200 years of rich history. Located just 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop, Oak Brook is primarily within DuPage County. The town offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities, including the Oak Brook Mall, delicious restaurants, award-winning schools, and so much more.
Originally settled in the 1830’s, many families from the East coast came to Oak Brook because of its rich soil. Before the Civil War, settlers maintained a way station on the Underground Railroad in the gristmill of Frederick Graue on Salt Creek. In 1898, Frank Osgood Butler (formerly a Hinsdale resident) purchased land along Salt Creek and led a transformative change that significantly impacted how Oak Brook looks today. Butler’s son, Paul Butler, is largely responsible for the development of Oak Brook, designing the quaint and luxurious community we know now.
In present day, Oak Brook has around 8,000 residents. My family has many personal ties to Oak Brook, as my wife Amy and I celebrated our wedding reception in Oak Brook at the Hyatt Lodge within the old McDonald’s headquarter campus. We are also proud and active members of Christ Church of Oak Brook. This “light in the community” was actually selected by Paul Butler to serve as a pillar for the town and aid in building a strong community foundation.
Oak Brook is most famously known for the Oakbrook Center, which really is the lifeblood of the community. Even while other shopping malls have closed around the country, Oakbrook Center continues to remain relevant as an ideal destination for shopping and dining. Another personal favorite of my family’s is Labriola Bakery Café. A delicious Italian bakery, Labriola offers everything from coffee and homemade gelato to specialty cakes and artisan breads.
Due in large part to the revenue generated from the Oakbrook Center, school taxes in Oak Brook are typically very low. This is advantageous for residents, as they still have access to nearby award-winning public school districts including those in Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and District 53. There are also many private school options in the area, offering a wide range of choices for Oak Brook residents.
From a real estate perspective, there is currently a large vacant footprint in Oak Brook from McDonald’s headquarters relocating and leaving the town. This includes not only the headquarter campus, but also the high rise on Spring Road. This high rise is now being converted to a 60-unit luxury apartment building at 1900 Spring Road, and is currently listed by Compass. If you are considering moving to Oak Brook, our team of local experts would be happy to share more about the community. In the current real estate climate an average Oak Brook home is valued about $700,000, although this value varies by property location, size of home, and many other factors. If you’d like to learn more, see the dedicated page on our website all about living in the Oak Brook community.
At the Mike McCurry Group, we are committed to helping families make meaningful moves to a community that aligns with their goals and aspirations. We are here to support you if you are interested in moving to Oak Brook, or any of the many great towns in the surrounding western suburbs. Learn more about buying a home with our team, and how we can get you settled in Oak Brook.
Here are additional resources to connect with the Oak Brook community too: