Darien

About Darien

Darien, a mid-size city in Illinois' DuPage County, considered a southwestern suburb of Chicago. With its charming small-town vibe, low crime rates and plentiful job opportunities, Darien is a desirable place to live. It also offers convenient transportation links, making commuting a viable option for many locals.

Living and Working in Darien

One of the benefits of living in Darien is the numerous every-day amenities within the city. There are plenty of grocery stores, coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, bars and fitness centers dotted throughout the area and suburbs. Darien is also near the stunning 2,492-acre Glen Forest Preserve, which has one of the most famous waterfalls in the state, as well as hiking trails and more than 300 species of mammals. There's also a range of classes and meet-up groups held in the city, which makes it easy to meet new people and get to know the area.

Many businesses choose to operate out of Darien, while a large number of major companies are headquartered in the greater Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metro area. Major employers in DuPage County are McDonald's, Navistar International Corp. and Dover Corp. These companies, together with Darien's many retail establishments, provide plenty of job options and a healthy economy. Commuting to Chicago is also a popular option and gives you access to a large and diverse job market.

Darien Schools

Most schools fall into Darien School District 61 or Hinsdale Township High School District 86. There's only one private secular school in Darien, a preschool-8th grade campus called Kingswood Academy. Parochial schools are more plentiful, with options for every grade level.

If you're considering higher education, there are many different colleges and universities in the area.

Resources for Moving to Darien

As you plan your move to Darien, you may find the following information helpful:

• Utilities: Commonwealth Edison and Nicor Gas are the city's primary energy providers. The county administers water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Darien operates on a sticker-based disposal system, which is intended to encourage trash reduction. You can also lease disposal bins as an alternative option.
• Transportation: Darien is connected to most major cities in the area via the Pace Bus system.

Darien Housing

Darien is divided into seven neighborhoods, and they each have their own distinct characteristics and vibe. The neighborhood of Concord, with its walkable streets, dog-friendly parks and handy amenities, is a particularly popular choice for families. The most expensive and desirable streets to live on are around 86th and Washington streets as well as near the corner of Fern Street and Clarendon Hills. For a good value for your money, check out properties in the smaller neighborhood of Lace.