Study: Lisle is Surrounded by Top Transit Communities

Three municipalities surrounding Lisle has been selected as top transit suburbs of Metropolitan Chicago, according to a study released July 26 by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development based at DePaul University in Chicago.

The rankings put Wheaton 6th; , 7th and Naperville, 8th.

The DePaul University team considered 45 measurable factors to rank the best transit suburbs based on their station buildings and platforms; station grounds and parking; walkable downtown amenities adjacent to the station; and degree of community connectivity to public transportation, as measured by the use of commuter rail services.

The team made at least three visits to each of 25 finalists before ranking the 20 best. Lisle was not included in the report.

Of Downers Grove, the report states:

”Downers Grove is perhaps the most underappreciated of all the region’s top transit suburbs. This western suburb is a top-four performer with respect to both community connectivity (on account of large numbers that walk or bike to the train) and walkable amenities (on account of its near-perfect Walk Score of 98, which is matched only by LaGrange and Northbrook). Downtown springs to life each morning and evening as a veritable parade of walkers make their way to and from the station. Those living farther distances away avail themselves to extensive Pace bus service as well as excellent parking and Kiss & Ride facilities.

“No other station this distance from downtown Chicago offers such extensive options for passengers navigating their way on foot. Within a few blocks, pedestrians have excellent dining, retail, and professional services at their disposal. Downers Grove does suffer, however, from a modest station building that is open only limited hours and has a less-than-desirable waiting room and a shortfall of other amenities."

In the final 20, Downers Grove ranked 23rd for station buildings and platforms; 12th for station grounds and parking; 4th for walkable amenities and services and 4th for community connectivity to transit. 

Scores for each community are derived from published data for all 250 suburbs in the metropolitan Chicago region and data collected on a series of field visits to the 25 suburbs selected as finalists. The report provides index scores of each finalist and a ranking of the 20 suburbs most worthy of recognition for their transit-friendly characteristics.

This ranking is not only a useful tool for prospective homeowners and real estate professionals, but also planners, designers and developers seeking to create attractive suburban environments that reduce reliance on private automobile travel, the study states.