For frequent travelers, whether for business or leisure, living near a major airport can be a game-changer when it comes to convenience. If you’re investing in real estate in the Chicago area, proximity to Chicago O’Hare International Airport might be a key factor in your decision. Located on the city’s northwest side, about 17 miles from downtown Chicago’s Loop, O’Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, spanning 7,627 acres. It serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, offering extensive flight options to destinations across the globe.
From O’Hare, you can reach countless domestic and international cities with ease. Whether you’re heading to Hong Kong, London, Paris, Dubai, Vancouver, or closer destinations like Denver, Portland, or Key West, O’Hare ensures you have access to wherever your travels take you. With its central location and extensive connections, it’s no surprise that O’Hare is a vital gateway for frequent flyers.
If you’re ready to maximize your travel convenience and rack up those frequent flyer miles, let’s explore some Chicago suburbs that offer easy access to O’Hare—perfect for hitting the runway whenever adventure calls.
Park Ridge, IL
Located just 15 miles north of downtown Chicago, Park Ridge is a vibrant suburb home to approximately 40,000 residents. With its close proximity to O’Hare International Airport—only an eight-minute drive away—and easy access to major highways and rail systems, Park Ridge offers unmatched convenience for commuters and travelers alike.
One of the suburb’s standout landmarks is the iconic Art Deco Pickwick Theatre, a cherished destination that earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Once a hub for brick manufacturing to support Chicago’s rapid growth, Park Ridge has since evolved into an upscale community known for its exceptional schools and welcoming atmosphere.
The area is rich with recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Scenic parks, a casino, a waterpark, and several historical sites provide endless options for leisure and learning. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful afternoon outdoors or an educational outing, Park Ridge delivers.
Housing options in Park Ridge cater to a wide range of budgets and lifestyles, offering everything from single-family homes to apartments and townhomes. With an average listing price of around $570,000, homes in Park Ridge are in high demand and tend to sell quickly.
Blending small-town charm with suburban sophistication, Park Ridge continues to attract families and professionals looking for a thriving, well-rounded community to call home.
Schiller Park, IL
Schiller Park, Illinois, is hard to beat when it comes to proximity to the airport. Located just a five-minute drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, this charming village offers a safe, welcoming atmosphere with plenty to love. Schiller Park is home to a diverse community and boasts strong public schools, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of today’s home buyers.
The housing options here are as varied as its residents, featuring an eclectic mix of styles and price points, from cozy apartments to single-family homes. With a population of around 11,000 and growing, the village maintains a close-knit, small-town feel. Seasonal celebrations, street fairs, and festivals are common, fostering a strong community spirit and adding a touch of charm to daily life.
Schiller Park’s affordability is another major draw. While demand for homes close to the airport continues to rise, the average home price remains around $340,000—offering a more budget-friendly alternative compared to some nearby towns. For those seeking convenience, community, and value, Schiller Park is an ideal place to call home.
Elmhurst, IL
Just 15 minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport, Elmhurst offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. This western suburb of Chicago, home to approximately 45,000 residents, is known for its sense of community, picturesque tree-lined streets, and an outstanding public school system—among the best in the nation. While the Windy City is just a short trip away, Elmhurst boasts its own vibrant downtown, featuring cozy cafés, unique boutique shops, and cultural gems like the Elmhurst Art Museum, an excellent spot to explore on a rainy day. Many parts of Elmhurst are walkable, enhancing its appeal for residents seeking a connected, relaxed lifestyle.
Demand for homes in this sought-after suburb is steadily rising, with the average listing price currently around $807,000. For those looking to enjoy the best of suburban living with easy access to world-class amenities, Elmhurst is an exceptional choice.
Elmwood Park, IL
Elmwood Park is a vibrant community just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, offering a unique blend of charm and convenience. With a population of around 25,000, the town is celebrated for its Italian-American heritage, though its demographics have diversified over the years, reflecting a modern and evolving community. Elmwood Park is known for its excellent public schools, diverse dining options, and welcoming atmosphere.
Thanks to its close proximity to the city, residents can easily venture into Chicago for world-class entertainment, art, and culture not typically found in the suburbs. Additionally, the short 20-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport—just 15 minutes without traffic—makes it an ideal location for frequent travelers.
The housing market reflects the area’s appeal, with a median home price of approximately $370,000, marking a 5% increase over the past year. Offering a balance of suburban charm, urban accessibility, and a growing reputation for diversity, Elmwood Park continues to be a highly sought-after place to call home.
Des Plaines, IL
Just 10 minutes north of Chicago O’Hare, Des Plaines offers a quieter suburban escape while staying connected to the city. This Cook County gem, home to roughly 60,000 residents, has earned national recognition as one of the best places to live in the United States. Its thriving job market, paired with relatively affordable housing, allows many residents to live close to work and enjoy shorter commutes.
Des Plaines boasts a wide variety of beautiful homes, from charming properties to spacious estates in prestigious neighborhoods. For families, the city delivers with excellent public schools and a welcoming community atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of recreational opportunities, including Lake Opeka and the scenic Des Plaines River Trail.
Thinking of settling down in this friendly Midwestern city? The real estate market here is on the rise, with the median home price reaching approximately $336K over the past year—an indicator of its growing appeal. Des Plaines combines accessibility, affordability, and charm, making it an ideal place to call home.