Moving to Oak Brook, Illinois: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Oak Brook is an exclusive suburb that blends upscale residential living with major corporate headquarters and luxury retail. This village of 8,000 residents is home to Oakbrook Center – one of the Midwest’s premier shopping destinations – plus headquarters of McDonald’s, Lions Clubs International, and other Fortune 500 companies. The residential areas feature impressive estates on large wooded lots, luxury condominiums, and designer homes hidden behind mature landscaping. The village maintains a remarkably open and green character despite the commercial presence, with forest preserves, golf courses, and polo fields creating park-like settings.


Oak Brook attracts wealthy executives, corporate leaders, and affluent families seeking privacy, prestige, and proximity to both employment and luxury shopping. The median home value exceeds $700,000, reflecting the exclusivity and quality. Community life is refined but low-key – residents enjoy multiple golf courses, upscale dining, and the convenience of world-class shopping while maintaining residential privacy. The village has no traditional downtown or neighborhood streets; instead, it’s designed around automotive access, corporate campuses, and large properties. This is where CEOs live within miles of their headquarters, where shopping means Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, and where suburban living reaches its most exclusive iteration. The vibe is affluent and private – less about community engagement than individual success, less about neighborhood feeling than prestigious address. Oak Brook s\ucceeds brilliantly at what it aims to be: elite suburban living for corporate elite.

Why move to Oak Brook? Whether you’re drawn to the excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, or easy access to Chicago, Oak Brook offers the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.

🎓 Elementary Schools

Families moving to Oak Brook have access to quality elementary education:

Brook Forest Elementary, Butler Junior High (Oakbrook Terrace)

🏫 High Schools

Oak Brook students attend:

Hinsdale South High School

Research school ratings and performance at GreatSchools.org before choosing your new home.

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Oak Brook coffee shops:

Caffè Lavazza (Oakbrook Center)

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the dining scene in Oak Brook:

Antico Posto (118 Oakbrook Center), Roka Akor (40 N Tower Rd), Mon Ami Gabi (260 Oakbrook Center)

🍺 Bars & Entertainment

Enjoy Oak Brook’s local bars and entertainment venues:

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (2105 S Spring Rd), Roka Akor (40 N Tower Rd)

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

If you’re moving to Oak Brook with a furry friend, check out these dog-friendly areas:

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💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Oak Brook fitness facilities:

Lifetime Fitness (nearby Burr Ridge) – Premium club| pools| spa; FFC Oak Brook – Pool| spa| classes

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Oak Brook

Successfully moving to Oak Brook requires understanding suburban parking regulations and property access:

• HOA & Property Rules: Check with your homeowners association or property management about move-in procedures, temporary parking restrictions, and required notifications.
• Driveway Access: Most Oak Brook homes have driveway access for moving trucks. Verify your driveway can accommodate a 26-foot moving truck or if street parking is necessary.
• Street Parking Permits: Some Oak Brook neighborhoods require temporary no-parking signs or street permits. Contact your local village hall or HOA office for specific requirements.
• Best Moving Times: Year-round offers the most flexibility. Avoid moving on the last three days of the month when rates are 20-30% higher.
• Neighbor Courtesy: Inform neighbors about your move-in date, especially if trucks will block streets or driveways.

🏢 Building & Property Requirements in Oak Brook

Common requirements when moving to Oak Brook properties:

• Elevator Access: Sometimes buildings in Oak Brook have elevator access. For condos and apartments, reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Varies by building – Many Oak Brook buildings and HOAs require proof of insurance with $1M+ general liability coverage from your moving company.
• Move-In Reservations: Book your move-in date with Oak Brook property management or HOA 2-3 weeks ahead. Some communities restrict moves to weekdays or specific hours.
• Property Protection: Professional movers use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and padding to prevent damage to your Oak Brook home.
• Single-Family Homes: For houses, ensure clear pathways from the street to all entry points and measure doorways for large furniture items.

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Oak Brook

• Contact your Oak Brook HOA or property manager at least 2 weeks before moving
• Measure doorways, stairways, and hallways before moving day
• Introduce yourself to neighbors and provide your moving schedule
• Keep property management and HOA contact info readily available
• Tip your movers – the standard is 15-20% for excellent service

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Oak Brook mid-week or mid-month can save 15-25% compared to weekend or month-end moves. Ask local moving companies about off-peak discounts!

How much does it cost to move to Oak Brook, Illinois?

The average cost for a Oak Brook move ranges from $850-1,300, depending on home size and specific requirements. Studio apartments typically cost $450-700, 1-2 bedroom homes range $600-900, 2-3 bedroom homes cost $900-1,500, and larger 3+ bedroom homes range $1,500-3,500. Factors affecting Oak Brook moving costs include property access, driveway availability, distance traveled, time of month, and additional services like packing.

Do I need a parking permit to move in Oak Brook?

Parking requirements vary in Oak Brook. Most single-family homes have driveway access for moving trucks, but some neighborhoods or HOAs require temporary no-parking signs or street permits. Contact your Oak Brook property manager, HOA office, or local village hall to understand specific requirements. For condos and apartments, check with building management about move-in procedures and guest parking reservations.

When is the best time to move to Oak Brook?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Oak Brook. Mid-week and mid-month moves offer the best rates and availability. Avoid the last three days of the month when demand is highest and prices increase 20-30%. Summer months (June-August) are the busiest moving season in the Chicago suburbs, so book Oak Brook movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Oak Brook a safe community?

Moderate: Approximately 15-18 crimes per 1,000 residents. About 1 in 60 chance of crime yearly. Commercial shopping district impacts statistics.. As with any community, safety can vary by specific neighborhoods and streets. We recommend researching crime statistics for your exact address and visiting the area at different times of day before moving to Oak Brook.

Check local police department websites and community resources for current safety information in Oak Brook.

Do Oak Brook buildings require insurance from movers?

Varies by building – Many Oak Brook buildings, condos, and HOAs require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with at least $1 million in general liability coverage from your moving company. All reputable suburban movers carry proper insurance and can provide COI documentation immediately upon request. This protects both you and the Oak Brook property from potential damages during the move.

How far in advance should I book movers for Oak Brook?

We recommend booking Oak Brook movers 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September). For month-end moves or summer relocations, book 6-8 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Same-day and next-day moving services are often available for urgent Oak Brook moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Oak Brook Movers recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance during peak moving season to ensure availability and optimal pricing.

What should I look for in a Oak Brook moving company?

When choosing movers for Oak Brook, verify they are licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), carry proper insurance, have positive online reviews, offer transparent pricing, and are familiar with suburban Chicago requirements. Ask about experience with Oak Brook properties, HOA procedures, and whether they provide COI documentation. Get written estimates from at least 3 companies before deciding.

Are there good schools in Oak Brook?

Yes, Oak Brook is served by quality schools. Elementary students attend schools including Brook Forest Elementary, Butler Junior High (Oakbrook Terrace), while high school students attend Hinsdale South High School. When moving to Oak Brook with children, research individual schools’ performance ratings and visit campuses if possible.

What’s the best way to explore Oak Brook before moving?

Before moving to Oak Brook, spend time driving through different neighborhoods at various times of day, visit local coffee shops like those at Caffè Lavazza (Oakbrook Center), dine at area restaurants, and explore local parks. If you have pets, check out dog parks in the area. This hands-on research will help you understand the community’s character and determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.