Elmhurst Named a Top Transit Community in DePaul Study

The City of Elmhurst was ranked 5th among the 25 top “transit friendly” communities in a recent study by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.

The study “evaluated the attractiveness of the suburbs of metropolitan Chicago for those with lifestyles oriented toward the use of public-transportation.” It evaluated data on the amenities and services available to those traveling without a car, the vibrancy of retail areas adjacent to transit nodes and the community’s public transportation culture.

The report measured a community’s success at transit friendliness through a scoring system derived from published data for all 250 suburbs in the metropolitan Chicago region and a series of field visits conducted in the 25 suburbs selected as finalists.   

In addition to scoring a perfect 10 in accessibility for disabled persons and station hours, the city received 98 out of 100 points for downtown amenities adjacent to the Metra station. This earned Elmhurst the title of Walker’s Paradise.

La Grange ranked first, with a score of 82.6, followed by Wilmette (82.6), Arlington Heights (81.0), Glenview (80.1) and Elmhurst (79.8).

The study contends to be a “useful tool for prospective homeowners and real estate professionals,” as well as “planners, designers and developers seeking to create attractive suburban environments that reduce reliance on private automobile travel.”