Life in La Grange
Just 13 miles west of Chicago lies the village of La Grange, Illinois. With less than 2.5 square miles of land, the village is mostly flat and features 78.5 acres of parkland. As of July 2021, the population is estimated to be 15,978 people.
Originally named after La Grange, Tennessee, this quaint village was first settled in the 1830s and was officially incorporated in 1879. It was initially built up as a pleasant “milk stop” for train passengers to rest during long trips through northeast Illinois. When home prices began to go up, people were happy to move to the area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town’s founder, Franklin Dwight Cossitt, placed restrictions on liquor sales at first because he didn’t want La Grange to turn into a “saloon town.”
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire led to an influx of new citizens into La Grange. The appeal was simple rural living with an easy commute to the big city, which remains part of the village’s appeal today. Current residents of La Grange enjoy access to two major highways and both the BNSF Railway Line and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. Today, the village remains a heavy traffic hub for freight trains. Both Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport lie within 20 miles.
School and Home Life in La Grange
La Grange is mainly served by two school districts, divided into north and south. Each district features two elementary schools and one middle school. The southwest section of the town falls under the purview of a third school district, LaGrange Highlands School District 106. The students who live in this district attend school in La Grange Highlands. To make things even more interesting, the village’s one high school (Lyons Township High School District 204) is split into two separate campuses. Freshmen and sophomore students attend high school at the South Campus based in Western Springs.
60% of all homes in La Grange can be classified as low density, suburban homes that tend to be owned by older people and/or those with higher incomes. These homes are established in the northeast and center of town, and encapsulate the famous homes of Cossitt Avenue. People living in these homes tend to own them and have higher educations, higher incomes, and few if any children.
The remaining 40% of La Grange’s homes were built between 1960 and 1979, and tend to be owned by families with moderate incomes. In addition to many homeowners, this category also includes a fair amount of renters and subsidized housing. Transportation and housing costs have hit residents of this category fairly hard. At the same time, housing value among homes in this category is declining. Consistent upkeep and inspections will maintain the integrity and curb value of these homes, as well as avoid the cost of any major roof repair or replacement.
La Grange is also known for its extensive historical preservation, namely its beautiful downtown. But the village also holds a special tie to famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Several homes designed by the famous architect lie within the city limits. One of these is recognized today as a “bootleg” home secretly designed by Wright when he was under contract to only create work for the famous architect Louis Sullivan.
Things to Do In La Grange
Here are some fun activities that visitors can enjoy in La Grange:
- La Grange Country Club: This gorgeous 18-hole golf course features an elevated design, presenting an interesting challenge to guests looking to get out on the green. Guests can also enjoy tennis and swimming, as well as multiple dining venues that include three bars and several outdoor lounge areas near activity hubs.
- La Grange Historical Society Museum: Take a glimpse into the town of La Grange’s rich history. Guests of this charming local museum can enjoy exhibits featuring local artifacts, including photographs of past eras of the town. Educational events are a frequent occurrence.
- La Grange Theatre: This restored Art Deco movie theater is back after closing in 2020 from pandemic-related economic troubles. The theater now shows first-run movies, indie films, and special film events open to the public.
- Cossitt Avenue: This street close to the main drag of La Grange Road features historic homes and charming boutiques for visitors to enjoy. Take a peaceful walk and take in the sights of La Grange history.
- La Grange Art League: This local arts organization hosts exhibitions and classes to make the fine arts available to the general public. Skill level doesn’t matter, as there are plenty of events and workshops available for art fans to try out a new method.
La Grange Weather
The citizens of La Grange enjoy a lovely humid continental climate, with 121 days of precipitation per year (only slightly above the national average of 38 inches). Summers tend to be pleasant and moderate, with an average high of 84 degrees.
In La Grange, only an average of 10 days per year hit a temperature of 90 degrees or higher. Unfortunately, they all tend to fall during July when the humidity peaks at 62.3%. Winter in La Grange is lovely, with an average snowfall of 31.6 inches. At 646 feet above sea level, citizens of La Grange definitely enjoy the snow for a while — six months out of the year are considered to have “significant” snowfall.
Humidity goes down to an average low of 17.7% in January. La Grange also features 14 fewer days of sunshine per year than the average American city. Anyone looking for a classic American winter experience is sure to have a great time visiting La Grange.
When weather can fluctuate so much within the year, home maintenance becomes all the more important. Regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs, as well as help solve problems that can be exacerbated by winter weather. Ice dams, water damage, and much more are all risks for winter-heavy towns like La Grange. It’s always best to be prepared, and Baltic Roofing is here to help.
