Clarendon Hills, IL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Museums
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
Clarendon Hills is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The population was 8,702 at the 2020 census. It is a south-west suburb of Chicago.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the village is the Village of Clarendon Hills . It is located in DuPage County, Illinois, approximately 18 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop . As an incorporated village, it is a municipality within the county and the state of Illinois. DuPage County is known as one of the wealthiest and most populous counties in the Midwest, characterized by its prosperous suburbs, excellent schools, and significant commercial corridors.
Founding Date and Age
The area that would become Clarendon Hills was first platted in 1873 . The plat's design was inspired by the principles of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, featuring winding streets that followed the natural contours of the land . The village was named after a Boston suburb . Clarendon Hills was officially incorporated as a village in 1924 to avoid annexation by the neighboring community of Hinsdale . Henry C. Middaugh, who acquired a large tract of land in the area in 1869 and built the historic Middaugh Mansion (since demolished), is considered a founder of the community . As of 2026, the village is 102 years old since its incorporation.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Clarendon Hills is located in northeastern Illinois at coordinates 41.7981° N, 87.9568° W [citation:input]. The village sits on elevated prairie land, characterized by small rolling hills to the north and larger hills to the south, some rising as much as 70 feet above the level of Lake Michigan . The center of the village has an elevation of approximately 222 meters (728 feet) above sea level . It is a residential suburb situated within the Chicago metropolitan area. Two main creeks, the Blackhawk and the Kuhn, flow through the village, which is located on a watershed divide between the Des Plaines River and the Mississippi River .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Clarendon Hills is primarily a commuter suburb and residential community . Its economy and identity are centered on its role as a bedroom community for Chicago. A significant portion of its residents commute to jobs in the city and other parts of the metropolitan area, largely facilitated by its Metra train station . The village has a small, walkable downtown business district that serves the local community with shops, restaurants, and services .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Clarendon Hills was 8,702 . With a total area of just 1.82 square miles, the population density is approximately 4,808 people per square mile, classifying it as a small, densely populated suburban village . The village is known for its affluence, with a median household income of $103,486 and a per capita income of $67,540 as of 2020 . The racial makeup in 2020 was 80.66% White, 8.47% Asian, and 1.47% African American, with 5.96% identifying as Hispanic or Latino .
"City's Calling Card"
Clarendon Hills is a classic, tree-lined American suburb, offering a peaceful, upscale residential environment with a strong sense of community. Known locally as "The Volunteer Village," its calling card is its exceptional quality of life, characterized by top-rated schools, a charming and walkable downtown, and a convenient Metra train station that provides residents with a direct connection to the jobs and culture of downtown Chicago .
Geography
Water Bodies (Creeks)
While not a large river or lake, two main creeks flow through the village.
- Blackhawk Creek and Kuhn Creek: These two streams flow through Clarendon Hills, which is situated on a watershed divide. They are part of the larger drainage systems that feed into the Des Plaines River and, ultimately, the Mississippi River .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Clarendon Hills experiences a humid continental climate . It is characterized by four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The village is known for being partly cloudy year-round .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures in Clarendon Hills vary significantly between seasons . The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, and the cold season lasts from December to early March.
- Hottest Month: July, with an average high of 83°F (28°C) and an average low of 66°F (19°C) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average high of 31°F (-1°C) and an average low of 16-18°F (-8°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: The record high temperature is 104°F (40°C) , and the record low is -27°F (-33°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
The village receives an average of approximately 38.64 inches (981 mm) of precipitation per year, which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, though the warmer months tend to be wetter .
- Wettest Month: June, with an average of 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with an average seasonal total of about 39.1 inches (99 cm) . February is typically the snowiest month .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Days: The sunniest months are generally from June to September. August is the clearest month, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 67% of the time . December and January are the cloudiest months .
- UV Index: During the summer months, particularly in June and July, the UV index in northern Illinois can reach high levels, typically around 8 or 9, requiring sun protection during peak daylight hours.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Clarendon Hills for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-September .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up significantly, from averages in the 40s°F in March to the 60s°F and 70s°F by May. This is a wet period with frequent rain showers.
- Summer (June-August): This is the warmest and most pleasant time of year, with average highs in the low 80s°F. It is also the wettest period, with frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
- Fall (September-November): Autumn starts with mild temperatures in September (average high 74°F) and cools down considerably by November (average high 48°F). It is a generally dry and crisp season with beautiful fall foliage.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs below freezing in January. This period is best for indoor activities or enjoying winter scenes.
Landmarks
Notre Dame Catholic Church
Located in the heart of the village, Notre Dame Catholic Church is a prominent local landmark and a fine example of mid-20th-century religious architecture. Its traditional design features a stately facade with intricate stonework and beautiful stained-glass windows that illuminate the interior with colorful light. The church serves as both a place of worship and a central gathering place for the community .
Graue Mill & Museum (Oak Brook)
Just a short distance from Clarendon Hills, in the neighboring village of Oak Brook, lies the historic Graue Mill & Museum. This well-preserved gristmill dates back to the mid-19th century and is a classic example of early American industrial design, built with a sturdy stone foundation and a wooden superstructure. Visitors can see the working mill in operation and explore exhibits on local history, including the site's role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is located along scenic Salt Creek .
Mayslake Peabody Estate (Oak Brook)
Also in nearby Oak Brook, the Mayslake Peabody Estate is a stunning example of Tudor Revival architecture from the early 20th century. This Gilded Age mansion, once the home of industrialist Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, features intricate brickwork, tall chimneys, and ornate stone carvings. Today, it is a cultural center that hosts theater performances, art exhibits, and other events, with its beautiful grounds and restored chapel open to the public .
The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
A short drive from Clarendon Hills in Lisle, The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned 1,700-acre outdoor museum. It is a haven for plant lovers and a showcase of beautiful landscapes, gardens, and woodlands. The arboretum features a collection of outdoor sculptures that blend with the natural environment and a sustainably designed Visitor Center. It offers a peaceful retreat with miles of hiking and driving trails .
Transport
Metra Train Station
The primary transportation hub in Clarendon Hills is its station on Metra's BNSF Railway Line .
- Full Name: Clarendon Hills Station
- Location: The station is located in the heart of the village, contributing to its walkable, pedestrian-friendly core .
- Service: It provides daily commuter rail service between Aurora, Illinois, and Chicago's Union Station. This direct link to the city is a key feature of the community .
Bus Service
- Pace Bus: The village is served by Pace, the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority. Currently, bus routes 663 and 664 connect Clarendon Hills with surrounding communities .
Walkability
Clarendon Hills has a very high Walk Score of 77 out of 100, meaning it is "Very Walkable" and most errands can be accomplished on foot, particularly in and around the downtown area near the Metra station .
Main Highways and Roads
The village is conveniently located near several major roads.
- Ogden Avenue: A major east-west thoroughfare that runs along the northern edge of the village .
- Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway) : This major interstate is just north of Clarendon Hills, providing access to the western suburbs and Chicago.
- Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) : Located to the east, this beltway connects to regional airports and other interstate highways.
Ride-Sharing and Alternative Transport
Ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Clarendon Hills for getting around town or to and from airports. Uber Eats also offers food delivery from local restaurants .
Museums
Local History Museums
For a small suburban village, Clarendon Hills offers a focused look into its own past through its historical society.
- Clarendon Hills Historical Society: Founded in 1975, this society is dedicated to preserving the town's history from its days as a rural farming community to its development into a thriving suburb . Its museum and archives are uniquely housed in a historic railway station building dating back to 1896 . Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents related to early settlers, the railroad industry, local schools, and community events . The museum is open to the public on Saturday mornings and by appointment .
Notable Museums in Neighboring Communities
The area surrounding Clarendon Hills is rich with diverse museums, including a truly unique one focused on the art of stone.
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art (Elmhurst, IL): Located just a short drive away in Elmhurst, this museum is described as "unique in the United States" . It is dedicated to the beauty of cut and polished stone, featuring exhibits of gemstone treasures, antique and modern hardstone carvings, and earth science exhibits . It's a fascinating destination for anyone interested in geology, art, or craftsmanship .
- Graue Mill and Museum (Oak Brook, IL): This is a historic operating waterwheel grist mill and homestead . It serves as a bridge between the past and present, allowing visitors to see how grain was ground in the 19th century and learn about the area's early history.
- Elmhurst Historical Museum (Elmhurst, IL): Operated by the City of Elmhurst, this award-winning regional history museum engages people with the area's past through exhibitions and educational programs . It's a great place to understand the broader context of the DuPage County region.
- DuPage County Historical Museum (Wheaton, IL): Housed in a beautiful 1891 building (the former Adams Memorial Library), this museum offers exhibits on the history of DuPage County, providing a wider historical perspective on the region surrounding Clarendon Hills .
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Local Medical Services
Clarendon Hills is home to local clinics and agencies that provide essential healthcare services to the community.
- Clarendon Hills Family (AMITA Health Medical Group Family Medicine Clarendon Hills): This is a primary care physician and surgeon's office located at 99 Park Ave, serving the immediate medical needs of local families . It is well-regarded in the community for providing attentive, relationship-based primary care for patients of all ages .
- CMK Home Health Agency Inc: For patients who require medical care in their homes, this agency, located at 115 55th St, Suite 202, provides skilled nursing services and other therapeutic services like physical and occupational therapy .
Broader Health Services Network
Residents of Clarendon Hills also have access to a wider network of health services provided by organizations serving the southwestern suburbs of Chicago.
- Pillars Community Health: This organization offers a variety of services, including behavioral and mental health support, to Clarendon Hills and numerous surrounding communities . They partner with local schools and community groups to provide accessible care, with service locations in nearby towns like Berwyn, Hickory Hills, and La Grange .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education
While Clarendon Hills itself is primarily a residential community, it is in close proximity to several institutions of higher learning.
- Nearby Colleges and Universities: The closest higher education institutions to Clarendon Hills include the ITT Technical Institute in Oak Brook and the College of DuPage . The College of DuPage is a large public community college in nearby Glen Ellyn, serving a vast number of students in the region.
Local Schools (K-12)
Clarendon Hills is served by highly-rated public and private schools, making it an attractive community for families.
- Highly-Rated Public Schools: The public schools serving Clarendon Hills receive excellent ratings. Prospect Elementary School (in nearby Downers Grove) has earned an A+ rating, while Walker School (in Clarendon Hills) and Holmes Elementary School (in Clarendon Hills) are rated A and serve the community's younger students . Clarendon Hills Middle School has a solid B rating .
- Private School Options: For families seeking private education, there is the Seton Montessori School (PK-6) and Notre Dame School (PK-8), both located within a few miles of the village .