If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, timing and location are everything. Chicago’s western suburbs have been on a remarkable run, and certain neighborhoods are positioned to deliver exceptional returns for sellers over the next year.
Here are the top five neighborhoods where homes are moving fast, prices are climbing, and the Fix-N-List program can help you maximize your sale price.
1. Downers Grove — The Hottest Market in DuPage County
Downers Grove has been on an absolute tear. Median home prices are up approximately 17% year-over-year, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Why it’s hot:
- Highly rated school district (District 99 and District 58)
- Walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and a vibrant community feel
- Easy Metra access to downtown Chicago
- Mix of housing stock from charming bungalows to newer construction
Median home price: ~$465,000
What buyers want: Updated kitchens, open floor plans, and finished basements. Homes with these features are seeing multiple offers within the first weekend.
2. Naperville — Consistently Top-Ranked, Consistently in Demand
Naperville regularly lands on “best places to live” lists, and for good reason. The demand here never really dips — it’s a perennial seller’s market for the right property.
Why it’s hot:
- Top-tier schools (Districts 203 and 204)
- Riverwalk, downtown dining, and cultural amenities
- Strong corporate presence means steady buyer demand from relocating professionals
- Premium pricing that rewards well-presented homes
Median home price: ~$540,000
What buyers want: Move-in ready is the name of the game. Naperville buyers have high expectations — they want modern finishes, smart home features, and impeccable curb appeal. A Fix-N-List refresh can be the difference between a $500k sale and a $550k+ sale.
3. Elmhurst — Close to the City, Big on Charm
Elmhurst offers something rare: a genuine small-town downtown feel with a quick Metra ride to Chicago’s Loop. That combination has made it a magnet for young professionals and growing families.
Why it’s hot:
- One of the shortest Metra commutes to downtown Chicago in the western suburbs
- Charming, walkable downtown with locally-owned businesses
- Strong school district (District 205)
- Bidding wars are common — especially for updated homes under $600k
Median home price: ~$510,000
What buyers want: Character homes with modern updates. Buyers in Elmhurst love the older architecture but want updated kitchens, bathrooms, and efficient mechanicals. This is exactly where strategic pre-sale renovations deliver outsized returns.
4. Wheaton — College Town Charm Meets Growing Families
Wheaton has been quietly building momentum. With Wheaton College anchoring the downtown and excellent public schools, it’s attracting families who want value without sacrificing quality of life.
Why it’s hot:
- More affordable entry point compared to Naperville and Elmhurst
- Excellent schools (District 200 — Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South)
- Beautiful historic neighborhoods with tree-lined streets
- Growing restaurant and retail scene downtown
Median home price: ~$430,000
What buyers want: Updated homes at a value. Wheaton buyers are often comparing against pricier neighbors, so a well-renovated home here stands out dramatically. A $20,000 Fix-N-List investment can easily translate to a $40,000+ higher sale.
5. Glen Ellyn — The Undervalued Gem
Glen Ellyn is the neighborhood that real estate insiders keep telling their friends about. Great schools, a charming downtown, and home values that still have room to run.
Why it’s hot:
- Glenbard West High School consistently ranks among the top public schools in Illinois
- Quaint downtown with local shops, restaurants, and Lake Ellyn Park
- Strong appreciation potential — prices are climbing but haven’t peaked
- Community events and a family-first atmosphere that buyers love
Median home price: ~$475,000
What buyers want: Move-in ready homes with character. Glen Ellyn buyers appreciate the neighborhood’s charm and want homes that match — think updated kitchens, hardwood floors, and landscaped yards.
Fix-N-List Works in All Five Neighborhoods
No matter which of these communities you call home, the Fix-N-List program can help you sell for top dollar. Tim Wangler’s team has completed projects across Chicago’s western suburbs, and the results are consistent: strategic, pre-sale renovations funded at no upfront cost to you deliver significantly higher sale prices.
The western suburbs market in 2026 is poised to reward sellers who present their homes at their best. The question isn’t whether your home will sell — it’s whether you’ll leave money on the table.
Thinking of Selling? Start With a Free Assessment
Whether you’re in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, or anywhere in the western suburbs, Tim will walk your property and show you exactly what improvements would maximize your sale price — and what they’d cost (spoiler: $0 upfront with Fix-N-List).
Call Tim Wangler at (630) 534-0866 to schedule your free Fix-N-List home assessment today.