Glen Ellyn Named One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. — Here’s Why Families Love It

Glen Ellyn, Illinois has officially been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the 9 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and it’s no surprise families are taking notice. With outstanding schools, welcoming neighborhoods, abundant green spaces, and easy access to Chicago, it’s a place where children — and parents — can thrive.

Here’s what makes Glen Ellyn stand out, especially for those raising a family:

✅ Strong, Highly-Rated Schools

• Glen Ellyn is served by District 41 for elementary through middle school and Glenbard Township High School District 87 for high school. Both have a reputation for excellence. In particular, Glenbard West High School is often praised as one of the region’s top high schools.

• The educational offerings go beyond test scores: early childhood programs, supportive environments, and a variety of extracurriculars mean families have options at every age. 

🌳 Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Activities

What makes a suburb feel like a home is often its outdoor space, and Glen Ellyn has plenty:

• The Park District maintains nearly 30 parks, multiple recreation buildings and playgrounds, and Lake Ellyn Park offers scenic walking paths, a boathouse, swim facilities, and family-friendly events. 

• The Illinois Prairie Path runs right through downtown Glen Ellyn, offering easy biking, jogging, or nature walks without having to drive somewhere. 

• There are also strong recreational facilities like the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, which serves all ages with indoor and outdoor sports, and Village Links of Glen Ellyn, a premier golf facility. 

🚆 Commuting & Lifestyle Balance

Glen Ellyn strikes a rare balance: peaceful, suburban life that’s still very connected.

• The Metra Union Pacific/West Line provides service downtown, making it feasible to commute to Chicago without sacrificing quality of life. 

• There’s a charming downtown full of boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and frequent family-friendly events like festivals, parades, and seasonal markets. Living here means you get vibrant community life without feeling far from amenities. 

🛡️ Safety, Community, and Value

• Glen Ellyn is known for low crime rates and a safe, stable atmosphere that many families prioritize when choosing where to live. 

• The median and average home values are strong, but many families feel the trade-off is worth it for what they get in return: quality schools, beautiful parks, and an engaged community. 

• Residents report that Glen Ellyn has a strong sense of community: people tend to stay, get involved in local events, volunteer, and contribute to preserving the character of the village. 

🎯 What This Means for You

If you’re thinking of moving to a place where your kids can walk to school safely, ride bikes on trails, and grow up in a community with heart, Glen Ellyn is a strong contender.

• Buyers: It’s worth considering homes in the top school zones, near parks, or along transit lines. Those features tend to hold or increase value.

• Sellers: Highlighting those family-friendly amenities (parks, schools, trails, safety) in your marketing can make a big difference.

Glen Ellyn’s spot on Travel + Leisure’s list is more than just a recognition — it’s confirmation of what many of us already know: this is a place where families build roots, where neighbors become friends, and where life feels balanced.