Brynhaven. Where Elmhurst put down roots in 1955. Still one of Elmhurst's most sought-after neighborhoods seventy years later.
A neighborhood with a remarkable story and a market worth understanding.
By Ken Hughes | Realtor, RE/MAX Future | Elmhurst, IL
A Neighborhood Built to Last
Brynhaven was the second major development in Elmhurst during a period of rapid growth. Between 1950 and 1970 Elmhurst's population more than doubled — from 21,273 to 50,547 — and housing was desperately needed. Developer A.J. Del Bianco purchased 132 acres along St. Charles Road between County Line and Poplar, designing a neighborhood of over 400 homes priced between $17,500 and $25,000.
Advertised as an “exclusive community” with “customized construction,” Brynhaven homes featured cathedral ceilings, balcony bedrooms, patios, paved driveways, and custom landscaping. There were five home models with 16 exterior designs — ranging from 1,143 square feet in the split-level Hampton series to 1,436 square feet in the ranch Winston series. General Electric appliances came standard in all the popular colors of the day. Schools within walking distance were a centerpiece of the pitch — Edison Elementary, what is now Sandburg Middle School, and York High School.
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Original plat of Brynhaven Units 1, 2, 3 and 4. M.J. Kahles & Company, Surveyors and Engineers, Chicago, 1955. Courtesy of Mike Kahles.
Brynhaven was later featured in Alan Ehrenhalt's 1995 book “The Lost City: The Forgotten Virtues of Community in America” as an example of American neighborhood life at its best. The original marketing materials — including the development's original plat of survey — are held by the family of the original surveyor and have long called Brynhaven their home. Their story is part of what makes this neighborhood unlike any other in Elmhurst.
“Located in an exclusive residential area… You can be proud of your surroundings…beautiful homes, curved streets, large mature shade trees, elegant landscaping…everything you've ever wanted in a neighborhood.”
Original Custom Features — 1955
- 1955 G.E. All-Electric kitchen
- Custom built sala kitchen
- Formica counters
- Tile and similar covered walls
- 11 cu. ft. refrigerator
- Automatic range
- Push button oven
- Built-in wall oven
- Aluminum combination storm and screen windows
- Flush panel doors with Ponderosa finish
- Forced warm air furnace
- Wood garage door with combination for walking
- Face brick exterior trim with stone and/or wood trim
- Mason-ite wainscoting
- Metal clothes rods
- Separate storm and service walks
- Landscaping
- Adequate wiring
Source: Original Brynhaven marketing brochure, circa 1955
Historical research courtesy of the Elmhurst Historical Museum.
The Brynhaven Market — Last 24 Months
Here is what has actually been happening in Brynhaven. Not the broader Elmhurst market — this neighborhood specifically. These figures represent all residential transactions recorded in the MLS for Brynhaven over the past 24 months.
21
Homes Sold
$550,000
Median Sale Price
26 days
Average Days on Market
99.3%
List Price to Sale Price Ratio
In the last 24 months 21 homes sold in Brynhaven at a median price of $550,000, selling at 99.3% of original list price. In a neighborhood of roughly 450 homes that's an annual turnover rate of about 2.3% — consistent with national averages and a reflection of how rarely residents choose to leave. When a Brynhaven home does come to market it moves. Most sold in closer to two weeks. These are not Elmhurst-wide averages. This is Brynhaven specifically.
Data sourced from MLS records. Last updated: June 2026. Updated quarterly.
I update this data quarterly. Enter your email to be notified when new figures are available.
Why Brynhaven
I've lived in Elmhurst and the western suburbs for over forty years. When I decided to focus my real estate practice on specific neighborhoods rather than chase business everywhere, Brynhaven was an easy choice.
These streets have a story worth knowing. And a market worth understanding deeply and well. That's what I'm building here.
What's Your Brynhaven Home Worth?
Every home in Brynhaven has a story — the model, the configuration, the updates, the street. A real market analysis takes all of that into account. I'll prepare one for your specific home at no cost and with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brynhaven
Brynhaven was developed in the mid-1950s on 132 acres along St. Charles Road in Elmhurst, Illinois. Marketing materials from the era credit Cooperative Home Builders, developers who also built Emery Manor. The neighborhood was part of a broader period of rapid growth in Elmhurst as the city's population doubled between 1950 and 1970.
Brynhaven was built with five home model series and 16 exterior designs. Home model series were The Hampton, The Lamont, The Stuart, The Winston and The Malden. These include split-level and ranch-style homes ranging from approximately 1,143 to 1,436 square feet. Most homes have one-car garages though some configurations include two-car garages.
Brynhaven residents attend Edison Elementary School, Sandburg Middle School, and York High School — all part of Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, which is consistently rated among the top school districts in Illinois.
Elmhurst is notably committed to private education — 27% of K-12 students attend private schools, more than double the Illinois state average. For families seeking faith-based elementary options, two established Catholic grade schools serve PK through 8th grade: Immaculate Conception Grade School and Visitation School. For high school, IC Catholic Prep is ranked among the top private high schools in Illinois and Timothy Christian Schools offers PK-12 Christian education. Elmhurst also has 23 preschools ranging from faith-based programs to Montessori and KinderCare options.
Over the last 24 months the median sale price in Brynhaven has been $550,000. Homes have been selling at 99.3% of original list price in an average of 26 days — with most well-priced homes moving in closer to two weeks. In a neighborhood of roughly 450 homes the annual turnover rate is approximately 2.3%, consistent with national averages and a reflection of how seldom residents choose to leave.
Brynhaven is located in the east central part of Elmhurst, Illinois, bounded by St. Charles Road, Poplar Avenue, and the Union Pacific rail corridor, with convenient access to the Eisenhower Expressway. Many residents find the neighborhood is within walking distance of Metra commuter rail service — a meaningful advantage for those commuting to Chicago or elsewhere along the line.
Brynhaven is one of Elmhurst's most consistently sought-after neighborhoods. Its combination of well-built mid-century homes, mature landscaping, top-rated schools, and strong community character make it a desirable place to live. The market data reflects that demand — homes sell quickly and at or above asking price.
Ken Hughes offers a free Comparative Market Analysis for Brynhaven homeowners. As a Realtor with RE/MAX Future who specializes in this neighborhood, Ken prepares analyses specific to your home's model, configuration, and street — not just broad market averages. Request yours at kenhughes.homes/brynhaven.
Brynhaven has a distinctive character rooted in its intentional design. The curved streets, mature shade trees, and consistent architectural style create a cohesion that many newer developments lack. The neighborhood was featured in Alan Ehrenhalt's 1995 book The Lost City as an example of American community life at its best — a designation that speaks to something residents have long felt but rarely seen put into words.