Wheaton

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Wheaton, the county seat of fast-growing DuPage County, is a quick train ride west of Chicago.  With over 55,000 solid citizens generating Wheaton’s friendly, small-town atmosphere, newcomers and lifetime Wheatonites alike are staking claim to a variety of Wheaton real estate offerings. 

With rival Naperville real estate at its southern border and Glen Ellyn to the east, buyers find plenty of single-family homes for sale in Wheaton and her neighboring communities.  With both historic homes and modern Wheaton homes available in a variety of price ranges and designs, buyers inevitably find the perfect fit.  Whether a family needs a DuPage County home in a one-level, ranch-style, or it prefers to spread family activities between levels, whether buyers prefer a Wheaton condo, an open plan or a cozy Colonial or Victorian, most homes have fairly large lots with mature trees for privacy.  Wheaton estate properties with substantial acreage add beauty and class to the area; and some find choice Wheaton lots to experience the freedom of custom homebuilding. 

Visionary founders, Erastus Gary, Jesse Wheaton and Warren Wheaton traveled during 1837 and 1838 from the New England, laying claim to hundreds of acres of land in 1837 and 1838.  When the budding railroad tried to lay tracks into Naperville, that town denied the request.  However, Wheaton’s founders offered the railroad several miles of free right-of-way and the rail workers posted a sign, “Wheaton Depot,” giving the community a name. 

The founders also gave away the land straddling those tracks to anyone willing to build immediately.  The region began to prosper and incorporated as a village in 1859, with Warren serving as its first president.  He was also the donor of the land that became the historic Wheaton College.

With the advent of the new mode of fast and comfortable transportation, this town quickly exceeded its southern neighbor in growth and as a commercial center.  It petitioned to take the county seat from the rival community.  While the voters and then the courts were considering the controversial case, a group of Wheatonites carefully executed a plot to remove the county records from the neighboring town’s courthouse in the stillness of the night. 

But it wasn’t still for long.  In the 19th century, bells were a means of communicating information quickly.  And the famous bell at Naper Settlement rang out loudly.  In the end, the “bandits” determination won out and the government complex on the west side of town today acts as the thriving central hub for DuPage County.  Many treasures from the past exist today as reminders of the distinctive history and culture including the railroad, the former county courthouse, and the historic college.

The community exudes a sense of permanency and stability, partially because large numbers of residents and businesses go back for generations.  Newcomer families and those who have been here for decades are equally impressed with the excellent schools and quality programs.  Ranking among the best in the state, student performance exceeds the state averages in all categories.

Facilities and recreational opportunities are also available through some 50 parks, water parks, and children’s zoo.  From ball fields and playgrounds to swimming pools and skating parks plus acres of pristine open space, the options are myriad.  Many annual festivals, including Cream of Wheaton, Entertainment in the Park and Summer on the Plaza also bring the community out to mingle in the sunshine.

Hopping a train to Chicago is a breeze as they pull out many times a day.  Frequent travelers appreciate the short 45-minute commute to Midway and O’Hare Airports.  And, of course, everyone benefits from the convenience of professional sports, entertainment, commerce, shopping, and services in the Windy City.