Moving to Des Plaines, Illinois
Moving to Des Plaines? Compare cost of living, best neighborhoods, commute options, local jobs or schools, and things to do in this practical Illinois guide.
Cook County (Northwest suburb) • Population: 59,000
About Des Plaines
Des Plaines is one of the clearest choices for households that care about O'Hare access, northwest suburban practicality, and a more manageable price point than some neighboring markets. The city works especially well for frequent travelers, airport-linked workers, and families who want transit options without paying closer-in premium prices. Its appeal is less about glamour and more about logistics. If convenience is the point, Des Plaines makes a solid case.
Best For
- Frequent travelers (O'Hare access)
- Those seeking affordable northwest suburbs
- Families wanting diverse communities
- Workers in airport/hospitality industries
Things to Do in Des Plaines
Des Plaines Theatre
Historic restored movie palace.
Lake Opeka
Park with fishing and trails.
Rivers Casino
Gaming and entertainment.
First McDonald's Museum
Site of Ray Kroc's first franchise.
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Best for residents who want a more walkable core with easy access to rail and local services.
Golf/Greenwood
Often compared by buyers seeking established housing and a more residential suburban rhythm.
Living in Des Plaines: O'Hare's Neighbor, With the Noise and the Convenience That Comes With It
Des Plaines has an unusually direct relationship with O'Hare: the land the airport now sits on, originally called Orchard Place (the source of the ORD airport code), was annexed into Des Plaines by referendum in 1956, the same year the airport itself was carved out into Chicago. The city still borders O'Hare directly, hosts the intergovernmental O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, and built its economy around that proximity, Honeywell UOP's headquarters, Rivers Casino, and a cluster of airport hotels are all there, plus the site of the very first McDonald's franchise location, opened in 1955 (the replica building was demolished in 2018 after repeated flooding).
The Union Pacific Northwest Metra line gets you to Ogilvie in about 29 minutes on an express train, one of the faster commutes on this list. The honest tradeoff is airport noise: a 1989 study found Des Plaines logged more O'Hare noise complaints than any other community, and while newer aircraft are quieter, it is worth an in-person visit before buying near a flight path.
Who Usually Likes It Here
- You work at or fly frequently through O'Hare and want to minimize the airport commute to nearly nothing.
- A fast Metra ride into the city matters more to you than a quiet backyard.
- You want a real, diversified local job market (Honeywell UOP, hospitality, Sysco, Oakton College) rather than a bedroom-only suburb.
What to Think Through
- !Airport noise is a real, documented issue here, historically the worst of any O'Hare-adjacent community, so visit at different times of day before you buy.
- !Parts of downtown near the Des Plaines River have flooded before; ask directly about flood history for any specific address.
- !Housing price estimates vary widely by source here; get a current comparative market analysis rather than trusting a single online estimate.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Des Plaines
Is Des Plaines a good place to live in Illinois?
Des Plaines can be a strong fit depending on budget, commute needs, and lifestyle priorities. Review local housing costs, daily travel routes, and neighborhood fit before deciding.
What should I compare before moving to Des Plaines?
Airport noise is a real, documented issue here, historically the worst of any O'Hare-adjacent community, so visit at different times of day before you buy.
What is the cost of living like in Des Plaines?
Median Home Price is around $325,000. Average Rent (1BR) is around $1,250. The real monthly fit still depends on taxes, commute, childcare, and how much of your routine happens in or outside Des Plaines.
What are popular areas in Des Plaines?
Popular areas in Des Plaines usually balance commute convenience, school access, and nearby amenities. Start with neighborhoods listed on this page and compare recent local market trends.
What is Des Plaines known for?
Des Plaines has an unusually direct relationship with O'Hare: the land the airport now sits on, originally called Orchard Place (the source of the ORD airport code), was annexed into Des Plaines by referendum in 1956, the same year the airport itself was carved out into Chicago. The city still borders O'Hare directly, hosts the intergovernmental O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, and built its economy around that proximity, Honeywell UOP's headquarters, Rivers Casino, and a cluster of airport hotels are all there, plus the site of the very first McDonald's franchise location, opened in 1955 (the replica building was demolished in 2018 after repeated flooding).
Quick Facts
- Median Home Price
- $325,000
- Average Rent (1BR)
- $1,250
- Transit
- Metra, close to Blue Line
- O'Hare Distance
- 5-10 minutes
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