Best Downtown Strips Compared: Naperville vs. Elmhurst vs. Downers Grove

Lifestyle

Naperville’s downtown is easily the most expansive of the three. It has a lively, almost city-like energy with a mix of national retailers, local boutiques, and a huge variety of restaurants.

The anchor here is the Naperville Riverwalk—a scenic path that winds through downtown and gives the whole area a polished, destination feel. It’s common to see people dining outdoors, shopping, or just walking along the river.

Best for:

Buyers who want a vibrant, “always something to do” atmosphere
Date nights, group outings, and entertainment
A more built-up, upscale suburban feel

Keep in mind: With popularity comes crowds—especially on weekends—and pricing in surrounding neighborhoods tends to reflect that demand.

Elmhurst: Upscale, Walkable, and Community-Focused

Elmhurst offers a more refined, boutique-style downtown. It’s smaller than Naperville’s but highly walkable and thoughtfully curated, with a strong mix of local businesses, dining, and coffee spots.

You’ll also find cultural highlights like the Elmhurst Art Museum, which adds to the area’s charm and gives it a slightly more elevated, artsy feel.

Best for:

Buyers who want walkability without the hustle of a larger downtown
A polished, community-driven atmosphere
Easy access to the city while still enjoying suburban charm

Keep in mind: It’s not as large or high-energy as Naperville, so if you’re looking for nonstop activity, it may feel quieter.

Downers Grove: Charming, Lively, and Approachable

Downers Grove strikes a balance between the other two. Its downtown has a welcoming, small-town feel but still offers a solid mix of restaurants, bars, and local shops.

The area around Downers Grove Main Street Station makes it especially appealing for commuters, and the downtown often hosts community events that bring people together.

Best for:

Buyers who want charm and value with a social feel
A strong sense of community
A downtown that’s active but not overwhelming

Keep in mind: It doesn’t have quite the scale of Naperville or the polish of Elmhurst, but that’s exactly what many people love about it.

So, Which Downtown Is Right for You?

It really comes down to lifestyle:

If you want energy, variety, and a destination-style downtown → Naperville
If you prefer curated, walkable, and slightly more refined → Elmhurst
If you’re drawn to charm, community, and balance → Downers Grove

The good news? You really can’t go wrong. Each of these suburbs offers its own version of a great downtown—so the “best” one is simply the one that fits how you want to live day to day.