Welcome to Plainfield
Ready to settle down in a neighborhood that truly feels like home? Plainfield, Illinois—a far western suburb of Chicago—is a perfect choice. Welcoming residents, highly-ranked schools, gorgeous nature spots, and top conveniences make this an ideal locale to relocate. It is situated in both Will and Kendall Counties and is home to a growing population of 44,308. It is approximately 38 miles outside of Downtown Chicago.
In addition to being a wonderful place to live, Plainfield features many unique attractions for both visitors and residents. This mix includes Sable Creek Winery, Werk Force Brewing Co., The Wandering Dragon Game & Puzzle Shoppe, Lake Renwick, Plainfield Lanes & Escape Room, and the DuPage River.
As with some of the other far western Chicago suburbs, Plainfield is an exceptional value for homebuyers. Rather than having to pay ten to hundreds of thousands extra to be closer to the city, you can purchase a rather large home for an unbeatable price. The median list price here is $325,000.
What to Love
- Outstanding public schools at every grade level
- Exceptional value when buying a home
- Welcoming and family-friendly culture
People & Lifestyle
Plainfield can best be described as a suburban oasis. Roads are primarily residential and traveled only by those living in the area, creating a quiet environment that’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of busier cities.
The proximity to several beautiful natural areas also contributes to the tranquility of Plainfield. Lake Renwick Preserve, Ottawa Park, and Avery Park are just a few of the best spots to soak in the landscape. It’s tough not to immediately become enamored with this town.
History
Plainfield, IL, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 19th century as a trading post along the DuPage River. Originally settled in the 1820s, it became one of Illinois' earliest permanent communities and played a significant role as a stop on the old Chicago-Galena Trail. The town’s early economy was rooted in agriculture, but its growth accelerated with the introduction of railroads in the mid-1800s, transforming it into a hub for commerce and transportation. Today, Plainfield retains its small-town charm with a historic downtown district filled with restored buildings, antique shops, and unique eateries that reflect its storied past.
Local Culture
The local culture of Plainfield is a blend of traditional Midwestern values and modern suburban energy. The community is known for its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and an active calendar of events throughout the year. Highlights include the Plainfield Fest, a summer celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and carnival rides, and the River Days Festival, which brings together residents for fun along the DuPage River.
Plainfield also embraces its arts and cultural scene, with local theater productions, art exhibits, and a strong focus on preserving its historical heritage. The lifestyle here caters to both families and young professionals, offering a mix of suburban comforts and vibrant social opportunities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Plainfield is home to convenient shopping as well as a number of outstanding, locally-owned stores and restaurants.
While looking to check items off of your weekly to-do list, you’ll have plenty of convenient shops located minutes from home. You can get everything you need at the local Target, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Menards, and Walmart Supercenter. Toward the center of town, be sure to explore local finds such as Sunnyside Antiques, The Tawny Tortoise, J. Joho Boutique, Me Tu Boutique Bella, The Wandering Dragon Game Shoppe, Simply Saucy, and DNA Active Lifestyle Outfitters.
There are also a number of top-quality restaurants found in Plainfield. From breakfast to dinner, amazing meals await. Try local favorites such as HopScotch and Vine, Irish Tyme Pub, NWB Next Whiskey Bar Plainfield, Station One Smokehouse, Sovereign, Front Street Cantina, Opera House Steak & Seafood, Capri Sogno, Freedom Brothers Pizza, Moe Joe’s, Southern Belles, Backroads Pub & Grill, Chai Thai Restaurant, and Baby Back Blues.
Things to Do
Upon relocating to Plainfield, you’ll have an almost endless list of fun things to do and experience—no matter the time of year.
In town, you can attend quite a few wonderful events throughout the year. One local favorite is the Brews & BBQ Event. During this festival - held in August - attendees enjoy live music, delicious food, and highly-rated craft beers. At Plainfield Fest, local vendors and artisans offer incredible food, one-of-a-kind items, and more. There is also a petting zoo for the kids and a beer tent for the adults.
Moving around the area, you can visit all of the other area attractions and must-see spots. This list includes Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield StoryWalk, Fort Beggs Landmark, Mather Woods Forest Preserve, Ottawa Park, Daisy Dog Park, Norman Greenway, and Van Horn Woods.
Schools
Plainfield is served by Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, one of the fastest-growing school districts in Illinois. The district operates 30 schools, including:
- Plainfield North High School: Rated highly for academics and extracurricular programs, this school emphasizes STEM education and offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Plainfield South High School: Known for its strong athletics program and student community involvement.
- John F. Kennedy Middle School: Recognized for its supportive learning environment and enrichment programs in the arts and sciences.
- Liberty Elementary School: Praised for its dedicated teachers and a focus on early childhood education.
Additionally, the district provides specialized programs such as dual-language immersion and gifted education. For higher education, Plainfield residents have access to nearby institutions like Joliet Junior College and Lewis University, offering a range of undergraduate and professional courses. The town’s commitment to education ensures a solid foundation for students of all ages.
Commute and Accessibility
Plainfield, IL, offers convenient commuting options and excellent accessibility for residents. The neighborhood is strategically located near major highways, including Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 30, providing seamless connections to Chicago and surrounding suburbs. For those commuting to downtown Chicago, the drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, nearby Route 59 serves as a major arterial road, lined with shopping and dining options for residents.
Public transportation is also accessible, with Pace bus services connecting Plainfield to neighboring towns and regional transit hubs. For rail commuters, the Naperville Metra Station, located about 15-20 minutes away, offers regular service to Chicago's Union Station. The community is also planning for the expansion of its commuter services with discussions of a future Metra station in Plainfield, further enhancing accessibility.
For air travel, Plainfield residents benefit from proximity to Chicago Midway International Airport (about 35 miles away) and O'Hare International Airport (approximately 40 miles away), both easily reachable via I-55 or I-355. The well-connected road network and transportation options make Plainfield a convenient location for professionals and families alike.
Sustainability Initiatives
Plainfield is actively investing in sustainability initiatives to promote eco-friendly living and preserve the community’s natural resources. The village participates in the Greenest Region Compact, a regional effort to advance sustainable practices in areas like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Residents are encouraged to participate in recycling programs, including curbside pickup for household recyclables and e-waste drop-off events for items like electronics and batteries.
The neighborhood is also home to several LEED-certified buildings, reflecting its commitment to environmentally conscious development. Additionally, Plainfield Parks and Recreation has implemented eco-friendly practices in the maintenance of its parks, such as using native plants for landscaping and reducing pesticide usage. The Electric Aggregation Program provides residents with access to renewable energy options, supporting the transition to a greener energy grid.
On a community level, Plainfield hosts events like tree-planting drives, sustainable gardening workshops, and educational programs aimed at increasing awareness of environmental issues. These efforts highlight the neighborhood’s dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier environment for current and future generations.
Resource Guides
- Village of Plainfield
- Plainfield Park District
- Plainfield Visitors Bureau
- Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202
- Plainfield Chamber of Commerce
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