Chicago metro, IL relocation guide
Moving to DeKalb, IL
$349,900Median listing price
DeKalbArea
Commuter-friendlyCommute profile
About DeKalb
A DeKalb County city (about 40,300 residents in 2020) anchored by Northern Illinois University, giving it a college-town character unusual this far from Chicago. Housing mixes student rentals near campus, historic homes (the Ellwood House), postwar neighborhoods, and newer subdivisions; prices are moderate ($349,900 median, Realtor.com September 2026).
Home prices in DeKalb
The median listing price in DeKalb is $349,900.
Top places in DeKalb
- Northern Illinois University campus
- Ellwood House Museum
- Egyptian Theatre
- Downtown DeKalb (Lincoln Highway)
- Kishwaukee River / Hopkins Park
- DeKalb Public Library
- Altgeld Hall (first NIU building, photo subject)
Commuting from DeKalb
- No in-town Metra station. The nearest station is the Union Pacific West Line terminus at Elburn, about 15 miles east (roughly 20–25 minutes by car), with service to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center. Driving to downtown Chicago is about 60 miles via I-88; allow roughly 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.
DeKalb FAQs
- What is the housing market like in DeKalb, IL?
The median listing price in DeKalb is $349,900. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 24, 2026 - How is the commute from DeKalb, IL?
No in-town Metra station. The nearest station is the Union Pacific West Line terminus at Elburn, about 15 miles east (roughly 20–25 minutes by car), with service to Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center. Driving to downtown Chicago is about 60 miles via I-88; allow roughly 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.