Is Oak Brook kid friendly? (Elmhurst, Hinsdale: homes, construction, school district)

[Aria79]

Is Oak brook kid friendly? We are debating between Southern elmhurst and Oak brook. Elmhurst has newer homes (which we prefer) and seems to have tons of kids. Elmhurst does not seem to be very diverse though. Oak Brook has older homes and seems more diverse (we're indian) but also seems more quiet. The taxes are also nice. Are there lots of kids in Oak Brook or is it mostly an older population?

[chet everett]

I need more details -- especially as to price range and school preference but IN GENERAL the vast majority of people that consider Oak Brook tend to cross-shop against Burr Ridge as both of the towns tend to have somewhat similar "curvy streets & cul de sac" type subdivisions.

In contrast the more traditional grid style streets that are common in Elmhurst are found in Hinsdale & Clarendon Hills.

I would not say that Oak Brook is "unfriendly" to families with kids but there are far more families with children in Hinsdale or Elmhurst. Oak Brook Butler District 53 is a very desirable school district, there are a nice mix of families with background from India and other countries of Asia. The Oak Brook Park District is a wonderful resource as are the municiple facilities for tennis, golf and swimming, which are available at a discount to residents. Oak Brook has a gorgeous modern public library.

Hinsdale has many successful families from India and other parts of Asia, a wide range of homes, many top notch schools and lovely mix of walkable shops / dining / easy commute to the Loop via Metra.

Elmhurst is MUCH larger, wider range in incomes, different ethnic mix that does tend to more traditional European heritage BUT also has fantasic array of museums, a very unique set of cultural offerings due to the presenc of Elmhurst College, a truly impressive range of medical facilities, very very active / attractive public library that spills into in vibrant downtown as well as its historic district and really is lovely town too...

If you are comfortable with a particular reliance on car vs walking that would be a HUGE reason to prefer Oak Brook over Elmhurst.

If you want a smaller town with more uniformly top tier schools AND walkability Hinsdale or Clarendon Hills would be the way to go.

If you want more newe construction on bigger lots perhaps Burr Ridge...