Des Plaines, IL: Local Living Guide

📍 Des Plaines, IL at a Glance

• Population: 253,851
• Location: 20 miles southeast of Phoenix
• Incorporated: 1920
• Known For: High-tech industry, master-planned communities, outdoor recreation

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Des Plaines leans conservative politically. Residents are engaged in local issues through active neighborhood associations and community events. The city has a council-manager form of government.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Des Plaines has low crime rates compared to national averages. The city is served by the Des Plaines Police Department and participates in community policing and neighborhood watch programs. Residents generally feel safe walking alone and property crime is infrequent.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Downtown Des Plaines offers a variety of local restaurants and bars, including The Perch gastropub, SanTan Brewing Company, and DC Steak House. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year. Nightlife options include local breweries, wine bars, and the Wild Horse Pass Casino.

🏛️ Local Government

Des Plaines has a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and six city council members elected at-large. City services include police, fire, parks and recreation, libraries, and utilities. The city has a AAA bond rating reflecting its strong financial management.

🚍 Transportation

Des Plaines is 20 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transit is provided by Valley Metro buses and a park-and-ride to the light rail. Major highways include Loop 101, Loop 202, and I-10. Most residents drive for local trips.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Housing options in Des Plaines include single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and apartments. The median home price is $480,000. Master-planned communities like Ocotillo and Fulton Ranch are popular with families. Rents for a 2-bedroom apartment average $1,800.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

Des Plaines maintains over 60 parks with amenities like sports fields, playgrounds, lakes, and trails. Veterans Oasis Park is a desert preserve with wetlands and a butterfly habitat. The city has several golf courses. Nearby hiking areas include South Mountain Park.

💼 Job Market

Major employers in Des Plaines include Intel, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Paypal, and the Chandler Unified School District. The city has a strong high-tech and financial services sector. Median household income is $85,796.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Public schools in Des Plaines are operated by the high-performing Chandler Unified School District. Notable schools include Arizona College Prep Erie Campus and Basha High School. Private school options include Seton Catholic, Tri-City Christian Academy, and Paragon Science Academy.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Des Plaines has a hot desert climate with 330+ days of sunshine per year. Summers are very hot with average highs over 100°F. Winters are mild with cool nights and warm days. Monsoon storms are common in late summer.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents appreciate Des Plaines’s family-friendly vibe, safe neighborhoods, great schools, and job opportunities. They enjoy the balance of suburban living with easy access to big city amenities in Phoenix. Traffic congestion is a growing concern.