A charming and historic village, Hinsdale has long been one of Chicago’s most coveted luxury suburbs.
The village is a premier destination for families for its high safety marks, excellent schools, and superior parks. It was even recently named one of Chicago’s Top 12 Suburbs by Chicago Magazine.
Residents enjoy the charming Downtown Hinsdale, on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s not to say Hinsdale is old-fashioned– with hip local restaurants, boutique shops, and a wealth of recreation and natural amenities– it’s an exciting modern community.
Hinsdale’s biggest attraction just might be its lovely homes and neighborhoods. On its rolling hills sit some of Chicago’s most attractive properties, ranging from traditional manors to modern, artsy homes.
Hinsdale Village Guide
Downtown Hinsdale, complete with its stunning colonial architecture, is the vibrant hub of the village. There, one can find boutique shops, local restaurants, workout studios, and, of course, the historic Hinsdale train station. An active, welcoming community can be found at annual community events and at youth sports games. A peaceful village with excellent schools, Hinsdale is especially popular with families, though anyone will feel welcome!
Hinsdale Food and Drink
Eating out in Hinsdale is a joy. From cozy coffee shops and friendly lunch spots to world-class fine dining, Hinsdale has the eatery for any occasion. Date night favorites include Nabuki, for contemporary Japanese cuisine and high-end sushi, and Vistro, an American bistro serving great cocktails and oysters. Families enjoy Page’s Restaurant, a great spot for a weekend brunch and dinner classics. One can also find Italian cuisine, local dives, and familiar chains in the area.
The area also has its fair share of cozy bars. Grab a cold one at York Tavern and enjoy the game and the friendly vibes.
Unique Shopping
You can find big-name, national retailers like Home Depot and Kohls in neighboring communities. What really sets the Hinsdale’s shopping scene apart are its unique local boutiques. Some favorites include Stockholm Objects, a unique clothing and jewelry boutique, and ArtQuest Gallery, a charming gift store.
What’s Nearby?
From enjoying history, to golf courses, and great community events, living in Hinsdale is never boring. Residents enjoy the Meadowlark Golf Course, a beautiful public 9-hole golf course. Those interested in Hinsdale’s History will enjoy the Graue Mill and Museum, once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
A short drive away in neighboring Oakbrook Terrace, you can find aa AMC-12 Movie Theater and Jus-Fun Amusements. Jus-Fun is a family amusement park featuring go-karts, batting cages, and mini-golf. It’s perfect for an afternoon of fun with (or without!) kids.
And, of course, the big attractions of Chicago are well within reach. Head to the city for a trip to a museum, concert, or sporting event!
Facilities, Parks, and Nature
The Village of Hinsdale boasts an excellent parks system. Residents enjoy picturesque parks, state-of-the-art facilities, and acres of forest reserves. A special attraction is the Katherine Legge Memorial Park, a stunning 52-acre park used by many as a wedding venue. The community also features a public swimming pool, sports fields and courts, and a recreation and fitness center. The community also organizes community events, including the 4th of July Parade and Festival, the Fall Family Festival, Holiday Express, and many other special events throughout the year.
Hinsdale History
Early History
The first Euro-American settlement in the area was established in 1873. Originally called Fullersburg, this early village was a thriving farming community with several taverns and a post office. Like many of Chicago’s early suburban communities, growth was made possible by the construction of a train-line into Chicago. As the train station was built around a mile south of Fullersburg, the newly platted community around the train station was named Hinsdale.
Becoming Hinsdale
The village began to take on the characteristics of a modern suburban community in the 1890s. New additions to the community in these years included paved roads, electric streetlights, and telephone service. By the late 1890s, Hinsdale had become one of the most desirable middle-class suburbs in Chicago. In 1898, the elegant new train station that still serves the Village opened.
In the new century, the charming downtown area and several municipal buildings were built in the colonial revival style. In the 1920s, schools, theaters (including the Hinsdale Theater), and the Ruth Lake Country Club were constructed. These luxury additions were crucial in attracting an affluent population to the area.
Modern Hinsdale
After World War II, Hinsdale continued to grow. The baby boom generation saw the village double its population to more than 16,000 residents today. A major addition to the community was the beautiful Katherine Legge Memorial Park, which was donated to the village in 1973. More recently, many historic structures and homes have been restored.
Today, Hinsdale is a modern, affluent suburb known for its excellent schools, beautiful homes, and active community.
Hinsdale Homes
Simply put, Hinsdale homes are stunning. On the neighborhood’s quiet-tree lined streets, Hinsdale residents enjoy some of the most beautiful homes in Chicagoland. The stock is almost entirely single-family homes ranging from cozy cottages to historic manors. The area experienced something of a rehab and teardown craze in the 1990s, which has led to the community being filled with beautiful homes with modern amenities and features. Architectural styles range from traditional (Tudors and Colonial) to modern, artsy homes.
A sophisticated, affluent suburb, Hinsdale has long been one of Chicago’s most attractive suburban communities. With great schools, lovely parks, and charming downtown– that’s no surprise. Come and check it out!
