Life in Hinsdale
Known for its rolling hills and elevated prairie environment, Hinsdale is just 20 miles west of the Chicago metro area. The 2020 census put this town at a population of 17,395, with 94.2% of households featuring at least one child under the age of 18 years old. The town is well-known for its culture of historic preservation. The Robbins Park district of downtown has been noted by the National Registry of Historic Places and is also home to the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio.
Today, the town of Hinsdale is home to three train stations and is served by the Pace bus line. This is a continuation of its legacy as a transportation hub — the village was originally built alongside a train line built by Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad in 1864. The area was previously an uninhabited section of elevated prairie known for its density of hazelnut bushes.
The plan was originally to build the line through Fullersburg, but the landscape was more conducive to building in Hinsdale. This connectivity may be responsible for the town’s rapid growth, leading to the eventual annexation of Fullersburg in 1923. The current shape and size of Hinsdale was settled from 1960 to 1975, wherein it annexed eight different surrounding areas including Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Its notable historic preservation efforts began in the 1980s, in recognition of the historic Hinsdale Plan for the city developed by a committee in 1924.
School and Home Life in Hinsdale
Hinsdale is served by two school districts. Students have the choice of attending seven elementary schools and two middle schools. Two high schools, Hinsdale South High School and Hinsdale Central High School, serve opposite sides of the town.
94% of Hinsdale homes can be classified as high cost suburban housing. These homes are spaced fairly far apart, tend to be single family homes, and feature a mixture of old and newly built housing. Homeowners tend to be aging and have higher incomes, but also higher transportation costs. Hinsdale is definitely a city of commuters. Regular roof maintenance will keep these homes in wonderful order for generations to come.
A small 6% of homes within Hinsdale were built between 1980 and 1999, and these homes are likely to need roof replacements in the next few years. Owners of these homes tend to be of middle to higher income. Foreclosures can happen occasionally within this housing group, but they’re far below the national average. There’s low vacancy across all categories of housing in Hinsdale — once people move into this charming section of Chicagoland, they don’t want to leave.
Things to Do In Hinsdale
The town of Hinsdale features a lot of history in just under five square miles. Fun local attractions include:
- Hinsdale History Museum: This intricate museum is a prime example of Hinsdale’s commitment to historical preservation. Guests can explore restored rooms depicting the daily life of a middle class Hinsdale family living from 1874 to 1900.
- Hinsdale Golf Club: One of the oldest operating golf courses in Chicagoland, this lovely course offers 18 accuracy-focused holes with plenty of trees to provide a challenge. The course’s classic look is partly due to the influence of David Foulis, a historical Hinsdale resident that also invented the seven-iron club and the golf flag support (i.e. what allows a golf flag to stand up straight within the hole).
- Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park: Adventurous Hinsdale visitors and residents will love the opportunity to go bananas in this fun outdoor park. Enjoy exploring treetop courses full of rope bridges, challenging drops, and of course ziplines.
- Graue Mill & Museum: Just two miles north of the town of Hinsdale, this unique museum was formerly a gristmill constructed from burned ruins in 1849. It’s famous for its role as a “station” stop on the Underground Railroad. History buffs are sure to love the artifacts collected from different eras of history.
- Acquisitions of Fine Art Museum: This hidden gem features works of contemporary art across mediums. Guests might come across stunning paintings from Matisse and Picasso, contemporary photography from Jeff and Jason Lewis, and sculptures, lithographs, and mixed media art from dozens of artists. Discussions and other live events take place at the museum for guests looking to learn more about a focused subject.
Hinsdale Weather
Citizens of Hinsdale have the privilege of enjoying mild summers during the year, with July high temperatures only reaching up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. But the high temperature for January is 31 degrees Fahrenheit and December goes as high as 35.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures regularly fall below freezing from November to March in Hinsdale.
Snow is specifically a major concern for Hinsdale homeowners. Six months out of the year, the area experiences what is considered significant snowfall. Up to 10.4 inches can come down in January alone, the annual snowfall for the area is 31.4 inches. So remember to bundle up and check your roof for ice dams!
In addition to fierce winters, Hinsdale residents cope with strong humidity. From May until October, humidity exceeds 40% and can rise above 60% in July and August. When weather fluctuates, it’s important to keep up with routine roof maintenance. The roof is what protects your home from the elements and keeps your family snug and comfortable inside, so it’s essential to make sure it’s taken care of properly.
