🏫 Top-Rated Schools in DuPage County: What They Mean for Home Values

Jake Kilts
Oct 15
3 min read

When families decide where to buy a home, school quality often rises to the top of the list — even for those without school-aged children. In DuPage County, where the school districts consistently rank among the best in Illinois, this factor plays a powerful role not only in daily life but also in long-term property value.

🎓 Why Schools Drive Demand

It’s no secret that buyers are drawn to strong school systems. A home located in a top-rated district often sees greater buyer competition, stronger resale value, and greater resilience during market slowdowns.

In the western suburbs — particularly Naperville, Lisle, and Downers Grove — high-performing schools create a built-in layer of stability for homeowners. Families are willing to stretch budgets or move sooner than planned to secure a place in these boundaries.

In short: good schools attract steady demand, and steady demand supports prices.

📊 A Look at DuPage County’s Top Districts

While rankings shift slightly year to year, the following districts continue to perform well above state averages in both academics and student experience:

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 – Consistently recognized for excellence, with Naperville Central and Naperville North High Schools both earning national accolades.
Lisle Community Unit School District 202 – Known for its strong sense of community and student support, offering an intimate learning environment with standout outcomes.
Downers Grove District 99 – Home to Downers Grove North and South High Schools, both celebrated for academic rigor and extracurricular depth.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86 – Includes Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, often listed among the top public schools in Illinois.

🏡 How School Rankings Affect Home Values

A 2024 analysis by Midwest housing economists found that homes in top-rated school districts in suburban Chicago sell for an average of 8–12% more than comparable homes just outside those boundaries.

Beyond price premiums, properties near strong schools also:

Spend fewer days on market (often 20–30% faster)
Hold value more consistently during market fluctuations
Attract a larger pool of qualified buyers year-round

Even buyers without children recognize that school ratings are a market signal — a shorthand for community strength, investment in public resources, and neighborhood stability.

🌳 The Local Perspective: Lisle & Steeple Run

Neighborhoods like Steeple Run in Naperville and nearby areas of Lisle embody this connection between school quality and community value. With access to Naperville District 203 schools, homes here have seen steady appreciation, quick turnarounds, and a strong balance of family appeal and long-term investment potential.

Over the past 12 months, 21 homes sold in Steeple Run, with prices ranging from $411,000 to $685,000. The best-prepared homes sold within days — a clear reflection of buyer confidence in both the schools and the neighborhood itself.

💬 Final Thoughts

School rankings aren’t just numbers — they’re indicators of how a community invests in its future. In DuPage County, that investment continues to pay off for homeowners, both emotionally and financially.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home near one of these top-rated districts, understanding how schools influence market value is key to making informed decisions.

Want to see how your neighborhood compares?I can provide a local market snapshot showing how your home’s location aligns with current buyer demand and school district trends.