Community Profile

The City of Darien is located within DuPage County where it ranks 27th among the 3,145 U.S. counties. Darien is one of the highest income communities in the county. Neighboring communities include: Burr Ridge; Downers Grove; Lemont; Willowbrook; Westmont; and Woodridge.

The Darien City Council has placed a strong emphasis on providing strong basic municipal services. Typically viewed as a volunteer oriented community, Darien has pledged to work closely with citizens, the business community and local organizations. As an example, a Citizen of the Year dinner banquet is held annually to honor a citizen who has devoted his/her time and efforts toward participation in various community activities. There are several volunteer City Commissions that meet monthly and are a vital part of the City Council’s decision process. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday at 7:30 P.M. each month.

The City is designed, and will continue to grow, as a planned community with a balance of private and multiple residential buildings. The City is striving to provide the convenient shopping areas and the commercial and light research type of industry needed in the proper areas to keep the tax base as broad as possible. Affordable homes, a highly-rated school system and one of the lowest crime rates, provide residents with an excellent opportunity to live in a safe, wholesome environment. It is a community that centers its activities around home and family. Darien, it’s a nice place to live!

Location

The City of Darien is located 18 miles west of Chicago In southern DuPage County.

Interstates

Two Interchanges on Interstate I-55 are located in Darien at Cass Avenue and Lemont Road. Within a half-mile of Darien’s western border is convenient access to I-355. Driving time to the Chicago Loop on Interstate 55 is approximately 30 minutes.

Airports

Approximately 20 miles northeast of Darien is the Chicago O’Hare Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Chicago Midway Airport, Chicago’s smaller commercial airport, is located approximately 12 miles east of Darien off of Interstate 55.

Commuter Rail

Metra Chicagoland’s commuter rail service, serves commuters from the Darien area to downtown Chicago. Convenient commuter rail stations are located within minutes from all areas of Darien.

Bus Service

PACE commuter bus service connects Darien with many of its suburban neighbors & commuter rail service.

Media

The City of Darien is served by two local newspapers, all of the major Chicago newspapers, television stations, and radio stations. Darien is also served by Comcast and AT&T for cable television service. The City operates a government access cable channel (DCT Channel 6) from City Hall to keep the community informed of any government and local oganization news and information. City Council meetings are broadcast live on the city’s cable channel and replayed four times per day, on a weekly basis.

Recreation

Carriage Greens Golf Course and Banquet Facility is located within the City of Darien. Whether you are looking for a round of golf, racquetball, or a place to hold your next party or reception, Carriage Greens serves Darien very well. Darien is also located within easy driving distance of Seven Bridges Golf Course in Woodridge. Cog Hill Golf Complex is a short distance from Darien and is the site of the annualPGA Western Open. Stonebridge Golf Community in Aurora, has hosted several annual Ameritech Seniors Open Tournaments.

Major Employers

Jewel Foods Store, High School District #86, Public School District #61, Carriage Greens Country Club, and Darien Town Center.

Community Programs

Darien Safety Village, a community-based organization devoted to child safety, has won the Illinois Governor’s Hometown Award twice since 1990 for its child safety programs. Safety Village was created by Darien residents David and Cindie Hagen after their own son lost his life in a car accident while playing. The facility feature a child sized town equipped with small buildings, streets and safety signs designed to allow children to get hands-on training and experience learning to be safe. Safety Village has served as a model facility for several communities in building their own safety towns.

Chamber of Commerce

The Darien Chamber of Commerce promotes the needs of businesses within the Darien Community. Luncheon meetings are held regularly with guest speakers as part of each program. Many local businesses find the opportunity to network an invaluable resource. The Chamber of Commerce also serves as host to the annual DarienFest, a community end of summer celebration that provides a taste of food from local restaurants, rides, games and local business promotions. The purpose of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and Industry is “To foster and promote the civic, commercial, industrial, social and cultural interests of the business and people of the City of Darien and the Darien area”.