How Do Locals Feel About Living in Wheaton, IL?
“Will I actually like living here?” It’s a question on the mind of many considering a move to Wheaton, Illinois. To find out, let’s take an inside look at how locals really feel about calling Wheaton home.
Overall City Sentiment Score
Is Wheaton a happy place to live? In 2025, Wheaton earns a sentiment score of 78/100—driven by strong community pride, clean neighborhoods, and high safety ratings. The city’s tree-lined streets and historic downtown contribute to an overall positive vibe.
Social Media Buzz in Wheaton
On local Facebook groups like “Wheaton Word of Mouth,” residents rave about the city’s excellent schools, friendly neighbors, and quaint charm. One member posted, “We’ve lived in Wheaton for 12 years and couldn’t imagine raising our kids anywhere else. It’s such a supportive community.”
Reddit’s r/Wheaton echoes similar themes, with users praising the downtown dining scene and abundant parks. As one Redditor put it, “Wheaton has that perfect balance of suburban comfort and city access. The Metra gets you downtown in under an hour.”
Sentiment has trended slightly up in recent years as the city has revitalized its downtown and attracted new businesses. However, some longer-term residents lament rising home prices and increased traffic.
Local News Tone
Wheaton’s local news coverage paints a picture of a proud, family-oriented city. Headlines like “Wheaton Named Among Best Places to Live in America” and “Wheaton High School Robotics Team Wins State Championship” contribute to an overall tone of optimism and community spirit.
Other common themes include the city’s low crime rate, vibrant volunteer scene, and seasonal events like the Wheaton Grand Theater Summer Movie Series. While coverage is predominantly positive, outlets occasionally address challenges like budget shortfalls or infrastructure needs.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review sites like Niche and Nextdoor, Wheaton consistently earns high marks for its public schools, safety, housing, and family-friendliness. One Niche reviewer summed it up: “Wheaton feels like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life, but with really good tacos.”
Neighborhood-level sentiment is fairly consistent, though some note the more suburban feel of northern Wheaton compared to the walkable, almost urban vibe of the downtown area. As one Google reviewer put it, “Wheaton has something for everyone, whether you want a quarter-acre lot or a downtown condo.”
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score |
|---|---|
| Wheaton | 78 |
| Glen Ellyn | 76 |
| Naperville | 82 |
🏆 Wheaton earns solid sentiment marks, trailing Naperville but slightly edging out Glen Ellyn in categories like community events and downtown charm.
What Locals Are Saying
“As a young professional, I appreciate that Wheaton has a thriving downtown scene but still feels super safe and family-oriented. My wife and I are already scoping out preschools for our daughter.” – Kyle R., 34
“Wheaton has been the perfect place to retire. We have a lovely ranch home with a big yard for the grandkids, friendly neighbors, and plenty of activities through our church. The only downside is the property taxes, but that’s Illinois for you!” – Barbara S., 71
“I’ve been working remotely from my bungalow in Wheaton for two years now. While I sometimes miss the energy of the city, I love having a dedicated office, a yard for my dog, and a 10-minute walk to the prairie path. Wheaton has made the transition to suburban life so easy.” – Jessica L., 29
Conclusion: Is Wheaton a Happy City?
With its welcoming vibe, community spirit, and suburban charm, Wheaton earns its reputation as a happy place to call home. While no city is perfect, locals consistently praise Wheaton’s schools, safety, amenities, and friendly atmosphere.
Of course, happiness looks different for every resident. To see if Wheaton fits your lifestyle, check out these resources: