Tell me about Wheaton? (Chicago, Glen Ellyn: sales, homes, purchase)

[MichiganApril]

Can anyone give me the inside scoop on Wheaton? It sounds like a great town? Would love some info on schools, community life, etc.

[ahava]

Wheaton is indeed a great town. Schools are good, there's a walkable downtown area and many parks. The southern portion is more typical suburbia, with shopping and McMansions, while the northern portion has the downtown and older homes. Wheaton is quiet, safe, and pretty conservative. It's very family-oriented too.

[Steve-o]

Wheaton is a great town, one of my faves. I have to pretty much echo what KristinLeigh said... she nailed it perfectly.

[gardener34]

Isn't Wheaton dry? It used to be...? If that is a big deal to you.

[M TYPE X]

My parents lived in the Wheaton area for a few months in the 1970s. Too far from downtown Chicago, which is true. They moved back to metro Detroit.

I don't know Wheaton personally. Glen Ellyn, to the east, is nice. I would hate to commute everyday from DuPage County into downtown Chicago. If that is not a factor, then you should consider DuPage and Kane counties.

[nanannie]

The commute to downtowon chicago is a breeze with the metra(train) as it is in alot of Dupage county.. Its about 1/2 hr maybe less with an express train with many commuters to the city.Its a nice community,great town,schools,and the home of Wheaton College,a conservative Christian school.I cant think of anything negative.What Wheaton was in the 70's,over 30 years ago is a bit irrelevant

[gardener34]

Wheaton is no longer dry: from wikipedia: Up until 1985, Wheaton had a prohibition on the sale and service of all alcohol products. This applied to all Supermarkets, Convenience stores, restaurants and other establishments.The city's ban had little effect on residents, as many would simply commute to neighboring municipalities to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. This prompted the city to repeal its ban in an effort to regain a new sales tax medium.

[Joe107]

Wheaton is a conservative, affluent, family oriented, suburban community. In October 2005 Chicago Magizine ranked Wheaton as healthiest and safest suburb for it's size. The dowtown area is great --lots of restaurants and stores but not alot of bars. Wheaton college is a beatiful campus that adds to the downtown atmosphere. The Illinois Prarie path also cuts through the downtown area. Wheaton also is home of Whittier elementary, the highest rated grade school in the state. Wheaton is home to 3 golf courses, Cantigny, Arrowhead and Chicago Golf Club (which is the oldest 18 hole course in the country)