Thinking about a move to Lombard and wondering what daily life really feels like? You want a place that balances easy commutes, parks and trails, and a friendly, small-town vibe with solid suburban convenience. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of neighborhoods, home styles, transportation, parks, schools, and shopping so you can decide if Lombard fits your plans. Let’s dive in.
Where Lombard fits in Chicagoland
Lombard sits about 20 to 25 miles west of downtown Chicago in DuPage County. It’s part of the Chicago–Naperville–Arlington Heights metro area, with quick access to major suburban job hubs. With a population of 44,476 (2020 Census), it is large enough to offer plenty of amenities yet small enough to feel connected.
The village is known as the Lilac Village, a nod to Lilacia Park and the annual Lilac Festival. For community info, events, and services, the Village of Lombard official site is a helpful starting point.
Neighborhoods and home styles
You’ll see a mix of architectural styles and settings as you explore Lombard:
- Historic pockets near downtown and Lilacia Park feature early-20th-century homes like bungalows, Tudors, and American foursquares.
- Postwar subdivisions from the 1940s to the 1970s offer ranches, split-levels, and colonials on modest to medium lots.
- Townhomes and condos cluster near transit, Yorktown retail, and commercial corridors. These can be great for first-time buyers or downsizers.
- Infill and renovated homes pop up throughout the village, often on subdivided lots.
Most streets are tree lined with a comfortable suburban feel. You’ll find walkable pockets near downtown and more car-oriented blocks elsewhere.
Daily life: parks, trails, and rec
Lombard’s park system is a standout. The Lombard Park District maintains neighborhood parks, playgrounds, recreation programs, and seasonal activities. Lilacia Park is the signature green space, especially in spring when the lilacs bloom.
If you love the outdoors, the regional trail network is a huge perk. The Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail in DuPage County run through or near Lombard, connecting you to miles of biking and walking routes across the western suburbs. These trails are popular for weekend rides, stroller walks, and even bike commutes.
Shopping, dining, and local vibe
You’ll find a mix of local spots and national names. Yorktown Center anchors one of the area’s main shopping and dining hubs, and it’s surrounded by additional retail, services, and restaurants. Downtown Lombard offers cafes, bakeries, and independent shops for a more small-town feel.
Community events keep the calendar full. The Lilac Festival is the marquee celebration, joined by seasonal farmers markets, concerts, and park district programs. The Village of Lombard website and the Park District calendar are good places to check for current dates.
Commute and getting around
For city-bound commuters, the Metra Union Pacific West Line is a major advantage. From Lombard’s station, the Union Pacific West Line schedule offers direct trains to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center. Depending on the train, typical rides into central Chicago often fall in the 25 to 40 minute range.
If you drive, you’ll have access to regional routes like I-88 and I-355 that connect to job centers across DuPage and beyond. Expect longer rush-hour drive times into the city than by train. For local trips, the Pace suburban bus network and rideshare options help with first and last-mile connections.
Schools and learning options
Public school assignments in Lombard depend on your exact address. High school students are commonly served by Glenbard Township High School District 87, and multiple elementary districts cover different parts of the village. Because boundaries and programs can change, you should review current info on the Illinois State Board of Education School Report Card and district websites before you buy.
Families also find private and parochial options in and near Lombard. For lifelong learning and community programs, the Helen Plum Library offers events and resources for all ages. College of DuPage in nearby Glen Ellyn adds convenient higher-ed and continuing education options.
Cost of living and taxes
Your largest cost will likely be housing, which varies by home type and neighborhood. Day-to-day expenses such as groceries and utilities generally track with Chicagoland suburban levels. Property taxes in Illinois are often higher than the national average, and actual bills depend on assessed value, exemptions, and the local tax distribution. For the most accurate information, review current DuPage County assessment and tax resources when you are evaluating a specific property.
Who Lombard fits best
- Commuters who value a manageable train ride to downtown Chicago.
- Young households seeking parks, programs, and a friendly community setting.
- Downsizers who want lower-maintenance living near shopping, healthcare, and transit.
If you identify with one of these groups, Lombard likely deserves a closer look.
A day in the life in Lombard
- Commuter morning: Walk or drive to the Metra station, grab coffee downtown, and be at Ogilvie on an express train in time for your first meeting.
- Family Saturday: Hit the playground, bike a stretch of the Prairie Path, then meet friends for lunch by Yorktown. Cap it with a seasonal event or a library program.
- Easygoing evening: Stroll Lilacia Park at sunset, then enjoy a casual dinner downtown before heading home on a quiet, tree-lined street.
Smart home shopping checklist for Lombard
- Confirm your school boundaries and programs on district sites and the ISBE report cards.
- Compare your train vs. drive commute during the times you’ll actually travel.
- Review a property’s estimated tax bill and exemptions with county resources.
- Ask about recent updates, floodplain details, and any easements.
- Map your proximity to parks, trails, and the Metra station.
Is Lombard right for you?
Lombard blends suburban comfort with real convenience. You get parks and trails, a lively community calendar, practical commuting options, and a range of homes from historic to low-maintenance. If that sounds like your sweet spot, it’s worth seeing a few neighborhoods in person and timing the commute you expect to make.
When you’re ready to tour homes or compare neighborhoods, connect with a local guide who lives and works in the community. Reach out to Annamarie Moise for a friendly, data-informed plan that fits your move.
FAQs
What is the commute from Lombard to downtown Chicago like?
- The Metra UP-W line from Lombard offers direct service to Ogilvie, with typical train times often 25 to 40 minutes depending on the run; driving usually takes longer during rush hour.
Are there good parks and bike trails in Lombard?
- Yes. The Lombard Park District maintains many parks, and the Illinois Prairie Path and Great Western Trail provide miles of biking and walking connections across the suburbs.
What types of homes will I find in Lombard?
- You’ll see historic bungalows and Tudors near downtown, mid-century ranches and colonials in postwar neighborhoods, and condos or townhomes near transit and retail.
How are schools organized in Lombard?
- High school students commonly attend Glenbard District 87 schools, with multiple elementary districts serving different areas; always check the ISBE report card and district boundary maps for your address.
What is Lombard’s community vibe?
- Lombard has a friendly, small-town feel with a busy events calendar, highlighted by the Lilac Festival, plus farmers markets, concerts, and year-round park district programs.
