The state of Illinois only has one waterwheel gristmill in operation, and it's located in Oak Brook. The Graue Mill is a source of pride and, well, flour for the town.
A village located to Chicago's west, Oak Brook is one of the most fascinating spots to reside in all of DuPage County
The state of Illinois only has one waterwheel gristmill in operation, and it's located in Oak Brook. The Graue Mill is a source of pride and, well, flour for the town.
A village located to Chicago's west, Oak Brook is one of the most fascinating spots to reside in all of DuPage County. Its thrilling blend of history, excellent specialty shopping, exquisite dining, quality outdoor recreation, and beautiful houses clearly illustrate that you need exciting adjectives to describe this wonderful town. By living here, you are throwing yourself into a terrific scene. Oak Brook truly caters to its residents. If you need to spoil your body, head to the Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club and take a cozy swim. If you want to spoil your taste buds, head to Water's Edge Cafe and have a meal. If you want to spoil your mind, head to Central Park West and read a book amidst great scenery. As you can see, the opportunity to spoil yourself, in every sense, awaits in Oak Brook.
Due to all those cool qualities listed above, Oak Brook is not as easy as other areas of Chicago to find a home. A super low violent crime rate also adds to this village's popularity. With that said, there are a few strategies you can employ to land a home. You didn't expect to come tumbling off Interstate-294 and have realtors waiting for you, did you? Take a lesson from the great one, Michael Jordan, and get into game mode.
Timing Is Everything
The fact that only 5.8% of the city rents may make you think finding a house or apartment to rent is very difficult. Well, that is somewhat true, but not if you come as people are transitioning between homes. Late December through early January and the entire summer are the easiest times to find rental properties in Oak Brook. There are openings throughout the year, but this time showcases the most.
Preparation Is Key
Regardless of when you have to move here, know that you should start inquiring about housing for rent in Oak Brook roughly four weeks before you arrive. By giving yourself enough research time beforehand, you ensure that you aren't put on a waiting list when you arrive in town. Otherwise, you'll be living out of bags at a hotel, and passing the time by throwing hotel parties that feature Louis Armstrong music and Goose Island Beer. While that's fun and all, you should arrange tours prior to your arrival.
Flexibility Helps
It's advised to check all three major types of housing in Oak Brook, even if you just want a studio apartment for rent. Being flexible with your living options makes certain you actually nab a pad in reasonable time. To put it plainly: don't be picky with your housing choice. And once you have a pad, you can get back to important stuff, like playing online poker and listening to Umphrey's McGee.
Quick Action Wins It
Once you spot a place you like, do the necessary things to secure the home. Have a deposit and one month's rent ready, be able to provide a credit report, and bring landlord references. If the place you like is really sweet, chances are the next person who tours it will think it's really sweet. By having all the info and initial move-in costs ready, you put yourself ahead of the game. Even bringing copies of your ID and other personal information can show how serious and reliable you are. This will land you your dream pad, and make that victory cigar at Butterfield Country Club much tastier.
Two Other Things of Note
One, while communities, like Oak Brook Club, only include some bills paid, you still must clearly understand what the rent fee encompasses. Most individual owners will offer free water or heat, but rarely include all bills paid, unless you can negotiate something. Two, although housing here is in immaculate shape, that doesn't mean you can just overlook inspection; check for problems throughout your potential home.
Oak Brook, from east to west and north to south, is complete bliss. If unicorns actually exist, they are probably hiding out at the York Woods County Preserve. This is not a lie. Anyway, enough about unicorns and more about neighborhoods that exist within the village's 8.28 square miles. Each one brings its own unique stuff to the town. No, it's not unicorns. Or is it? As you can see, your choice of where you live in Oak Brook can impact a lot.
Village Center: The center is the heart, obviously. Hit the links at Butler National Country Club, contemplate the skies at Central Park West, and study some local history at the Oak Brook Public Library. While biking is very manageable, a car is the best way to get about Village Center.
Butterfield: To the west of Village Center, this neighborhood features Butterfield Country Club and Oak Brook Promenade. Although you probably need a car for transportation, Butterfield has an array of shops, eateries, and green space within a short distance.
York Woods: Stroll through York Woods County Preserve, shop at Oak Brook Center, and toss rocks in Salt Creek. If you are looking for rental apartments and condos, this is your 'hood. With access to bus lines and some walkable spots, York Woods is one area where a car is not absolutely necessary.
Bronswood: This mostly residential part of town requires use of a vehicle. Fullersburg County Forest Preserve and York Tavern are two hot spots in the area. The Graue Mill and Museum is also here.
Oak Brook is a somewhat walkable village, but most folks simply use a car for convenience. Cycling is more or less a form of exercise, but can be used for transit throughout town. However, if you want to go to Chicago to check out the Navy Pier, watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or shop on Michigan Avenue, driving or busing are your options.
Oak Brook does not boast a downtown district, but it does have all sorts of shopping. You could literally spend weeks at the Oak Brook Promenade and Oak Brook Center. You could even get lost at the Art and Antique Center on Midwest Road. If you ever get tired from shopping, simply head to Midtown Spa and Fitness. If hunger strikes, eateries like Jason's Deli, Kona Grill, and Reel Club do more than just satisfy. If you desire a drink, spots like Bar Louie and York Tavern are waiting to serve you. If you want action, watch polo at the Oak Brook Polo Club, golf at Oak Brook Golf Course, or run through Central Park. Sure, the grand land of Chicago has it all, and is right down the street. At your doorstep, though, is the Oak Brook scene. It may not be paradise, as some would have you think. Yet it's pretty much paradise's neighbor. Where else can enjoy great golf, a massage, and seafood all within the same afternoon? You can start counting the spots with Oak Brook. Okay, there are probably plenty of other towns where you can do the same, but Oak Brook has the Graue Mill. In Oak Brook, you can make grain turn to flour, just like you can turn a boring day into a fun one.
