Broadview

About Broadview

Broadview is a small village on the outskirts of Chicago. Though Broadview may rest in Chicago's shadow, this suburban village has its own set of charms. Residents enjoy a commute time shorter than the Illinois average, and homes are more affordable here than in other areas of the state. Also, Broadview's proximity to Chicago makes it a suitable city for people who want to live near but not in, the major city.

The History of Broadview

During the mid-1800s, the area where Broadview now sits was home to both settlers and Native Americans, who lived together with minimal conflict. The Des Plaines River cut through the area, which was filled with elm trees and housed a large lake populated with fish and migratory birds. Certain swampy areas were drained to create space for crops like potatoes, corn, rye and wheat. The land and its natural resources sustained small but flourishing settlements for many years.

In 1835, Frederick Bronson purchased 200 acres of land in the area. The land was subdivided, but the development company had very little success selling the lots. Instead, most of the area remained farmland, even at the turn of the century. The village was incorporated in 1914, and even then development moved at a fairly slow pace. During the mid-20th century, Broadview saw several population spikes, but the community has actually been growing smaller in recent decades.

Things to Do in Broadview

Broadview is a very small village, but offers amenities that will meet every day needs like grocery shopping. However, for retail shopping, entertainment and dining, many residents travel to the nearby city of Chicago.

There, you can attend professional sports games for the NFL's Bears, the NBA's Bulls, the NHL's Blackhawks, and MLB's Cubs and White Sox. There are numerous restaurants in the city, as well as theaters and other venues that offer a great time. Chicago also has a robust public transportation system, which will make getting around in the city easy.

If you'd prefer to stay at home in Broadview, you can still enjoy your time in the quiet community. Local events like the Mayor's Breakfast and Mother's Day Brunch provide the opportunity to get together with other locals, and you can also visit one of the parks in and around the village.

Broadview Schools

Broadview schools are divided between two school districts, the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 (secondary schools) and Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 92 (primary schools).

Resources for Moving to Broadview

Here are a few resources to help you with your move to Broadview:

• Utilities: The community's primary energy provider is Commonwealth Edison. Broadview Public Works manages the distribution and billing of water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Your trash and recyclables will be collected on the same day, once per week.
• Transportation: You can utilize the Pace Bus to access Broadview's surrounding communities, with several routes that can connect you to Chicago and other major points of interest.

Broadview Housing

Many people choose to live in Broadview because it offers a far more affordable housing market than Chicago, even though the two areas are very close to one another. As with any city, increased demand typically raises prices, and Broadview is experiencing a slow increase in its median home price.