Welcome to Addison, Illinois: Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Access

Tucked just west of O’Hare International Airport and nestled between I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway) and I-355, Addison is a thriving suburban village that offers affordability, convenience, and community spirit — all within 15 miles of downtown Chicago. With a population of around 36,000, this Cook County gem blends residential calm, industrial strength, and cultural diversity into a dynamic place to live, work, and play.

Known for its strong school system, low crime, and booming commercial corridors, Addison is a top choice for families, first-time homebuyers, and commuters seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.

🏡 Affordable Homes & Strong Neighborhoods

Addison stands out for its spacious, attainable housing — some of the most affordable single-family homes near O’Hare. You’ll find:

  • Classic 1950s–70s-era ranch homes and split-levels

  • Brick bungalows and two-flats on deep, landscaped lots

  • Many homes with driveways, garages, and room for expansion — rare in much of the city

With lower property taxes than many North Side neighborhoods, it’s an ideal entry point for:
✅ First-time buyers
✅ Investors seeking long-term appreciation
✅ Families looking for stability and space

The village has several quiet, well-maintained subdivisions, including Deer Grove Woods and Addison Park, offering peaceful living with easy access to transit and shopping.

🛍️ The Famous “Mile-Long Marketplace” – N. Milwaukee Avenue

Addison is home to one of the most iconic commercial strips in the region:

  • N. Milwaukee Avenue — known as the “Mile-Long Marketplace”, this bustling corridor is packed with:

    • Over 300 businesses, from global banks to family-run restaurants

    • A world-class concentration of Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European shops and eateries

    • Sari stores, halal markets, jewelry boutiques, and bakeries that draw visitors from across Chicagoland

This vibrant stretch makes Addison a cultural and economic hub for South Asian and immigrant communities — where tradition thrives alongside entrepreneurship.

🌳 Green Space & Outdoor Living

Residents enjoy access to beautiful parks and recreation:

  • Deer Grove Forest Preserve — over 300 acres of trails, woodlands, and scenic beauty

  • Fermilab Natural Areas just minutes away — perfect for hiking and birdwatching

  • Villa Olivia — a lush 138-acre forest preserve with walking paths and picnic areas (in nearby Bartlett)

  • Addison Ice Arena & Community Center — offering skating, fitness, youth programs, and seasonal events

It’s a perfect blend of suburban serenity and active living.

🚗 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its quiet feel, Addison is incredibly well-connected:

  • Served by Pace Bus routes #309, #312, and #850

  • Minutes from the CTA Blue Line at River Grove and Jefferson Park stations

  • Easy access to I-294 (Tri-State), I-355, and I-90 (Kennedy Expressway)

  • Just 15 minutes from O’Hare Airport and 25 minutes from downtown

Whether you're flying for work, commuting to the Loop, or heading to the western suburbs, getting around is fast and easy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Diverse, Family-Friendly Community

Addison is proudly culturally diverse, with strong South Asian, Polish, African American, Latino, and Eastern European communities. Schools like Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Addison Trail High School (part of DuPage High School District 88) are well-regarded, with strong academics and extracurricular programs.

Block clubs, civic associations, and annual events like the Addison Busse Days Festival bring neighbors together for parades, food, and fun.

💼 Industry & Opportunity

Addison is home to over 1,400 businesses and a major employment center, thanks to:

  • Proximity to O’Hare and major highways

  • Industrial parks and warehouse/distribution centers

  • A business-friendly environment attracting logistics, tech, and service firms

This economic strength supports jobs, investment, and community growth

 

Neigborhood Experts