Moving to Des Plaines, Illinois: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Des Plaines is a practical, working-class suburb of 60,000 residents strategically positioned near O’Hare Airport and major highways. The city features a mix of everything – Rivers Casino draws entertainment seekers, manufacturing and warehouse districts provide blue-collar employment, residential neighborhoods house diverse families, and commercial strips along major roads offer every chain store imaginable. The population is remarkably multicultural, with significant Polish, Indian, Greek, and Latino communities creating an international atmosphere in certain neighborhoods. Downtown Des Plaines along Miner Street is undergoing revitalization with new restaurants and apartments, though the city’s identity remains rooted in its industrial heritage.


The neighborhoods range from modest post-war ranch homes to newer subdivisions, attracting first-time buyers, working families, and immigrants seeking affordable housing near employment centers. Residents appreciate the central location – easy highway access, Metra service, and proximity to O’Hare make commuting convenient whether heading downtown, to the suburbs, or catching flights. This isn’t a trendy suburb or a status-conscious community; it’s honest and unpretentious. People work hard, value their homes, and enjoy the no-frills suburban benefits of decent schools, numerous parks, and affordable living. Weekend activities might include the Des Plaines River Trail, a meal at one of many ethnic restaurants, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues. Des Plaines s\ucceeds by serving regular people who want reliability over glamour.

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

🎓 Elementary Schools

Families moving to Des Plaines have access to quality elementary education:

Algonquin Middle School, Carpenter Elementary, Chippewa Elementary, Iroquois Elementary

🏫 High Schools

Des Plaines students attend:

Maine West High School, Maine East High School

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

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Des Plaines coffee shops:

Grind N Gears Cafe (9441 Golf Rd), Complimentary Café (1701 Oakton St)

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the dining scene in Des Plaines:

Cafe La Cave (2777 Mannheim Rd), Penny Road Pub (1844 Penny Ln), Pilot Pete’s (1714 E Oakton St)

🍺 Bars & Entertainment

Enjoy Des Plaines’s local bars and entertainment venues:

Pilot Pete’s (1714 E Oakton St), Park Tavern (1763 Rand Rd)

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

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💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Des Plaines fitness facilities:

LA Fitness (Des Plaines) – Pool| weights| cardio| group classes; Planet Fitness (Des Plaines) – 24-hour| budget gym

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Des Plaines

Successfully moving to Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines

Common requirements when moving to Des Plaines properties:

• Elevator Access: Sometimes buildings in Des Plaines have elevator access. For condos and apartments, reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Varies by building – Many Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines

• Contact your Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines, Illinois?

The average cost for a Des Plaines move ranges from $650-950, 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?

Parking requirements vary in Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Des Plaines a safe community?

Moderate: Approximately 15-17 crimes per 1,000 residents. About 1 in 60 chance of crime annually. Average crime for the area, mostly property-related.. 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 Des Plaines.

Check local police department websites and community resources for current safety information in Des Plaines.

Do Des Plaines buildings require insurance from movers?

Varies by building – Many Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines property from potential damages during the move.

How far in advance should I book movers for Des Plaines?

We recommend booking Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines moving company?

When choosing movers for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines properties, HOA procedures, and whether they provide COI documentation. Get written estimates from at least 3 companies before deciding.

Are there good schools in Des Plaines?

Yes, Des Plaines is served by quality schools. Elementary students attend schools including Algonquin Middle School, Carpenter Elementary, Chippewa Elementary, Iroquois Elementary, while high school students attend Maine West High School, Maine East High School. When moving to Des Plaines with children, research individual schools’ performance ratings and visit campuses if possible.

What’s the best way to explore Des Plaines before moving?

Before moving to Des Plaines, spend time driving through different neighborhoods at various times of day, visit local coffee shops like those at Grind N Gears Cafe (9441 Golf Rd), Complimentary Café (1701 Oakton St), 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.