Magazine ranks Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn among ‘best small towns’ in U.S.

Residents in Carol Stream and Glen Ellyn can say that they live in two of the best places in the country.

That’s according to new rankings by Money Magazine, which publishes an annual list of America’s top 100 best small towns.

Carol Stream is ranked 49th and Glen Ellyn 54th, among towns with populations between 8,500 and 50,000. The magazine considered several factors in developing the rankings, including median family income, job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure, and diversity.

The publication called Carol Stream “a diverse bedroom community,” noting an ample supply of homes built between the mid-1980s and 2000. The magazine also pointed to its “award-winning park district” that maintains some 460 acres, organizes activities throughout town, and offers the Coral Cove Water Park.

Village Manager Joe Breinig said it’s a “pretty outstanding recognition” that should be shared by everyone in town, including the park district and schools. He expects the village to use the ranking in its branding and marketing efforts.

Trustee Matt McCarthy emphasized where Carol Stream sits on the list in relation to others. “We’re number one in Illinois,” McCarthy said. “We’re not 49, we’re number 1.”

Meanwhile, the magazine said Glen Ellyn is “full of civic pride,” noting its “Village of Volunteers” slogan.

“Residents dedicate time to local government committees and family events, such as cardboard boat races at one of the town’s 31 parks,” the magazine stated.

Another example of the Glen Ellyn volunteer spirit is the village’s fire company — one of the few remaining volunteer departments in the suburbs. Firefighters, who are paid $1 a year, carry pagers with them to alert them to emergencies.

“Glen Ellyn is still one of those towns where people feel they belong,” said Craig Eldridge, a firefighter and spokesman for the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company. “For many people growing up and living here, it makes you feel like you want to give back to the community.”

The magazine also mentioned the easy access to the Metra train line, which brings commuters to jobs in downtown Chicago. But because of the access, according to the magazine, homes aren’t cheap.

Other Illinois towns on the list include Oswego (58th) and South Elgin (98th).