LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Megan Bergin - Clarendon Hills, IL
We chose Clarendon Hills because it’s a quick trip to the city; close to the train; has highly rated schools; loads of activities for kids; close to both airports; close to great shopping; and has a charming vibe with a fun little downtown.
What are your three favorite things about the town?
-The people! Everyone is so nice, welcoming, fun, willing to help one another and they share similar family values.
-The downtown is quaint but abundant with anything you need…great restaurants, Starbucks, toy store, candy shop, ice cream shop, boutiques, family doctor, beauty salon. I patronize all of these spots and they are great. In the summer, we have a free concert series in town and there are often events happening in Prospect Park which is a great green space in the middle of town. There is also an annual family race on Father’s Day called the Daisy Dash. There are usually over 1,000 people who participate. Daisy Days is an annual carnival that also happens for several days in the summer. We have a Christmas walk and Santa attends. Also, people gather in Prospect Park to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. It’s a happening little village!
-The schools are top notch and the facilities are great. I love that my kids can walk to school from Kindergarten through 8th grade bc it’s a small town and both the elementary school and middle school are close to one another. The teachers are great educators but also really wonderful people. It is a very nurturing environment and my kids are really happy.
What do you like to do with your family in your town?
We walk to town for dinner quite a bit. In the summer, we often walk to the ice cream shop. We play at the playground in Prospect Park and often meet other families there in the summer on Friday nights. We go to the sledding hill in Prospect Park during the winter. We attend several events hosted by the park district…Easter Egg Hunt, other holiday events, etc. And the kids love to just run around with their friends, ride bikes and just play.
What do you like to do with your significant other in your town?
There are several nice restaurants in town so we will often walk to the village for a nice dinner or meet friends for a drink. The community is very social so there are often events happening. There is even a fun monthly bowling league that includes about 70 couples from Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale. Some nights, we will hop on the train for a quick trip to the city for dinner. Or we will go to a nearby town for dinner as there are several great downtown areas nearby…Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Western Springs, LaGrange, Downers Grove.
What are your thoughts about the schools in your town?
They are exactly as advertised…some of the best in the state. The facilities are new and the teachers are excellent. There is an enormous amount of parent support. The students are challenged and afforded many opportunities and resources.
What amenities, municipalities or parks and recreation activities do you appreciate the most?
I appreciate the fact that we are really centrally located to so many activities. The CH Park District is right in town (they have great summer camps as well as loads of yearlong activities). We are 10 minutes or less from most major shopping needs…Oak Brook, Target, Costco, Standard Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, downtown Hinsdale, downtown Downers Grove, etc. As for the kids, there are gyms, dance studios, sports complexes all less than a 10-15 minute drive.
What would you tell someone who was thinking of moving to your town?
You will LOVE it! Once you move here, you will wonder why you didn’t move sooner. It is truly a happy, charming, social and fun little village that is a wonderful place to raise a family. Life is easy and fun.
