Western Chicago Suburbs Where You Can Find a Big Backyard

If you’re moving from Chicago to the suburbs, there’s a good chance one of the things you’re dreaming about is space.

A bigger yard. Room for a swing set or pool. Maybe a dog that can actually run around. A little distance between you and the neighbors.

The good news? You can still find larger lots in the western suburbs of Chicago. Here are some communities worth putting on your search list if a big backyard is high on your priority list.

Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn has plenty of established neighborhoods with mature trees, older homes AND certain parts of the city have very generous lots.

Some of Glen Ellyn’s most established neighborhoods were developed on relatively small, close-together lots. But both north and south of the downtown center you can find more generous parcels. You really have to look at the individual neighborhood — and even the individual block.

The payoff can be a beautiful, mature setting with established landscaping and plenty of character.

Winfield

Winfield is another community where larger lots can pop up, particularly outside some of the more densely developed areas near the village center.

You’ll find a mix of older homes, newer subdivisions and properties with more breathing room. Its access to parks, trails and Cantigny makes it especially appealing if outdoor space is part of your suburban wish list.

West Chicago

West Chicago is one to keep on your radar if lot size is important.

The housing stock is a mix of older homes, established neighborhoods and newer construction, and you can find properties with noticeably more yard than you might expect at similar price points closer to Chicago.

There are also pockets with larger parcels and more space between homes, making it worth expanding your search beyond the communities that tend to get the most attention.

Elburn

If your definition of a big backyard is closer to “I could actually have some land,” start looking farther west.

Elburn offers more opportunities for larger lots, including properties with substantial yards and rural-suburban surroundings. You’ll find newer subdivisions, established homes and properties where you get considerably more land for your money.

The trade-off is distance. If you’re commuting to Chicago, you’ll want to factor the Metra schedule and commute time into the equation — but for buyers who prioritize space, Elburn can be worth the extra distance.

St. Charles & Geneva

Once you get toward St. Charles and Geneva, larger lots become easier to find, particularly once you venture beyond the most walkable and densely developed areas near the downtowns.

You’ll find everything from older homes on mature lots to newer construction on larger parcels. And, of course, you get the Fox River, beautiful downtowns, parks and plenty of recreational options thrown into the mix.

If you want a larger yard without feeling like you’ve moved completely into the country, these communities can offer a nice middle ground.

Go Farther West

This is one of the simplest rules of suburban real estate:

The farther you go from Chicago, the more likely you are to find land.

That doesn’t mean you have to move 40 miles away. Even expanding your search by 10–20 minutes can open up neighborhoods and properties with significantly more space.

Communities farther west can offer everything from half-acre lots to multiple acres, depending on how far you’re willing to go and what your budget looks like.

Before You Fall in Love With the Yard…

A big backyard is great — but there are a few things you’ll want to investigate before making an offer:

• Property taxes: Larger lots can come with higher assessments and taxes.
• Zoning: Check what you can actually do with the property if you’re dreaming about a pool, addition, detached garage or other improvements.
• Floodplain: Especially important with larger or more wooded parcels.
• Fencing: Check local regulations and subdivision restrictions.
• Septic or well: Some properties farther west may not have municipal utilities.
• Commute: That extra half-acre may come with an extra 20 minutes in the car.
• Lot configuration: A large lot isn't always a functional lot. Pay attention to usable backyard space, easements, drainage and where the house sits on the property.

The Bottom Line

If a big backyard is high on your suburban wish list, don’t limit your search to one or two towns. Remember: lot size doesn't always follow the age of the house or the reputation of the neighborhood. Sometimes the charming 100-year-old house has a huge yard. Sometimes it has a postage stamp.

That’s where having someone who knows the neighborhoods — not just the listings — can make a big difference.

Because yes, you can still find a backyard with some breathing room around here. You just may have to look a little beyond the first page of Zillow.