2024 Best Suburbs to Live in the Chicago Area

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Former Resident: Naperville, Illinois, is a remarkable city that stands out for its blend of suburban charm, vibrant community, and ample amenities, making it a fantastic place to live, despite the higher cost of living. While it's true that expenses in Naperville can be significant, the benefits and quality of life this city offers far outweigh the costs for many residents. Nestled along the DuPage River, Naperville boasts a picturesque downtown area that is both historic and bustling with modern life. The Riverwalk, often referred to as the "crown jewel" of Naperville, offers serene walking paths, beautifully landscaped parks, fountains, and covered bridges. This scenic area is a perfect place for families and individuals to relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the city. Naperville's education system is another major draw. The city is home to some of the best public schools in the state, consistently ranking highly in academic performance. The city hosts numerous events throughout the year.... Read 730 reviews
#1 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Naperville
City in Illinois,
730 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says Naperville, Illinois, is a remarkable city that stands out for its blend of suburban charm, vibrant community, and ample amenities, making it a fantastic place to live, despite the higher cost of....
Read 730 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 149,089,
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Former Resident: Our family absolutely loves living in Clarendon Hills! The schools here are top-notch, providing our kids with a fantastic education. The community is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. We feel safe letting our kids walk around the neighborhood, enjoying the beautiful parks and playgrounds. Clarendon Hills truly is a wonderful place for families to thrive.... Read 34 reviews
#2 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Clarendon Hills
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
34 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says Our family absolutely loves living in Clarendon Hills! The schools here are top-notch, providing our kids with a fantastic education. The community is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us....
Read 34 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 8,658,
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#3 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Long Grove
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Visitor says We visited friends here a few years ago. It was a very nice place to visit and seems like it would be a great place to live..
Read 17 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 8,279,
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SponsoredChristian School
National Presbyterian School
Private School·
WASHINGTON, DC·
PK, K-6
·
Rating 4.88 out of 5 40
SponsoredPrivate School
Chicago City Day School
Private School·
CHICAGO, IL·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 4.6 out of 5 15
SponsoredCatholic School
The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School
Private School·
POWHATAN, VA·
PK, K-12
·
Rating 3.68 out of 5 38
#4 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Hinsdale
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
50 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says The best area to raise a family-safe, clean, excellent schools, friendly people! Hinsdale is a beautiful town and community. Our family feels so lucky to live here..
Read 50 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 17,169,
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#5 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Buffalo Grove
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
179 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Very quiet but needs more diversity. Conservative area. School staff is great. No major crime is a plus..
Read 179 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 42,934,
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#6 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Vernon Hills
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
131 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says I think it is a very nice, clean and safe area to live with great schools surrounding it. There are all types of stores around and it’s nearby many other cities with different kinds of activities and....
Read 131 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 26,750,
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#7 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Kildeer
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Kildeer itself doesn't have many opportunities for jobs or social life. However, the surrounding areas like Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, and Lake Zurich make up for the small community offering....
Read 17 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 4,133,
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Current Resident: Growing up in Evanston has showcased its strong community spirit. From my time as a high school cheerleader to witnessing athletes lead community service initiatives, unity has always been evident. Cheering wasn't just about sports; it was about celebrating together. This extends beyond athletics, with athletes often giving back. Evanston's numerous community centers further highlight this commitment. They offer safe spaces for all ages to gather, socialize, and participate in activities. Whether after school, for fitness, or recreational programs, these centers foster connectivity. The city's youth empowerment efforts, like the summer job program, underscore its dedication to nurturing future generations. Evanston isn't just a place; it's a community where kindness, support, and active participation create a vibrant sense of belonging.... Read 222 reviews
#8 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Evanston
Town in Illinois,
222 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Growing up in Evanston has showcased its strong community spirit. From my time as a high school cheerleader to witnessing athletes lead community service initiatives, unity has always been evident....Evanston's numerous community centers further highlight this commitment. They offer safe spaces for all ages to gather, socialize, and participate in activities. Whether after school, for fitness, or...The city's youth empowerment efforts, like the summer job program, underscore its dedication to nurturing future generations. Evanston isn't just a place; it's a community where kindness, support,....
Read 222 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 77,181,
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#9 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Northbrook
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
100 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Northbrook is a great place to live. It is a safe neighborhood with lots of resources for public institutions like the high school and library. It is an expensive place to live, but quite nice if you....
Read 100 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 34,950,
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Current Resident: I have lived in Riverwoods for seven years now and overall it has been a great experience. Living in the forest has been very peaceful and the community is amazing. Riverwoods has some of the prettiest homes and an amazing connection to nature. I have been very satisfied with my time living here but if there would be any changes it would be expanding the services provided. Often times we need to go to the neighboring towns for schools, public libraries, etc. Otherwise Riverwoods is a great place to live.... Read 11 reviews
#10 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Riverwoods
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Riverwoods for seven years now and overall it has been a great experience. Living in the forest has been very peaceful and the community is amazing. Riverwoods has some of the....
Read 11 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 4,007,
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#11 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Deerfield
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
51 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Deerfield is a very family friendly place, great for children and the schools are very successful! The area is pretty much totally safe and many utilize security features to ensure the area remains....
Read 51 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 19,173,
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#12 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Western Springs
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
43 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I loved living here! I think this is a great place to grow up because of the great schools, communtry and overall environment!.
Read 43 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 13,557,
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Current Resident: Lincolnshire is a great community of people with excellent schools. D103, a K-8 district is located in Lincolnshire that is one of the main reason people move here as well as for being a feeder to Stevenson High School. Stevenson High School is the largest public high school in Illinois, and they are only making the school more inviting to students to provide a place of community in and out of the classroom. Lincolnshire also has close access to the tollway for easy transportation to the city, which makes living in the suburbs more reasonable for those with a commute. Sadly there is no downtown of Lincolnshire it is more of home and schools. Which means there is no walking in downtown during the day.... Read 17 reviews
#13 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Lincolnshire
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Lincolnshire is a great community of people with excellent schools. D103, a K-8 district is located in Lincolnshire that is one of the main reason people move here as well as for being a feeder to....
Read 17 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 7,907,
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Current Resident: Wilmette is a vibrant community just north of Chicago near Lake Michigan. I have been very fortunate to have such a wonderful experience in a town where inclusivity, compassion, and support are so highly valued. In the local school district, students are aided with a plethora of support systems, and the teachers are wonderfully selected. While there may not be much that needs changing in Wilmette, one area of note is the lack of diversity within the community. A predominantly white town, Wilmette does not have much opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of different minority groups. If we were able to attract young minority families to the area, I think it would be very well-rounded.... Read 98 reviews
#14 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Wilmette
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
98 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Wilmette is a vibrant community just north of Chicago near Lake Michigan. I have been very fortunate to have such a wonderful experience in a town where inclusivity, compassion, and support are so....
Read 98 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 27,801,
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#15 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Glenview
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
146 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Glenview is a great suburban neighborhood just north of Chicago and easily accessible by the highway. It has a ton of restaurants and great schools. It is a very safe and friendly neighborhood..
Read 146 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 47,896,
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#16 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Barrington
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
44 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Barrington is a great place to raise a family in a safe and supportive community. The public school systems are unmatched. The only downside to living here is a less than impressive downtown area,....
Read 44 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 11,244,
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Current Resident: Lisle is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, and a suburb of Chicago. It's known as "The Arboretum Village" and is located 26 miles west of Chicago. The Morton Arboretum is a wonderful, family friendly spot for a welcome dose of nature that allows for a great day trip escape, depending on the time of year you may even see stunning light shows strung amongst the trees. Being located with the highway running through the town, it makes it quick and convenient to find a more urban feel about 30 minutes from Chicago. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor allowing for great job opportunities. The nightlife may leave some to be desired but there are some restaurants, eateries, and breweries in downtown that can fill the needs of those not looking for any more hectic nights out on the town.... Read 58 reviews
#17 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Lisle
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
58 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Lisle is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, and a suburb of Chicago. It's known as "The Arboretum Village" and is located 26 miles west of Chicago. The Morton Arboretum is a wonderful, family....
Read 58 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 23,499,
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Current Resident: Highland Park is a beautiful community that is consistent with the eager to be better. Our community has overcome many tragedies in the past two years. With serval shootings and educational threats, we have taken the proper steps and procedures to want to be better. With those tragedies, we have worked together as a community to become one. We learn on each other's shoulders and turn to one another to be a light in the darkness. Highland Park has always been great, but we want to be even greater. With its beautifully ran government and historic landmarks, Highland Park has been an amazing home that I never want to leave. Highland Park is the home that I want to give to my children, because I know how the importance it has held to my life.... Read 65 reviews
#18 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Highland Park
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
65 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Highland Park is a beautiful community that is consistent with the eager to be better. Our community has overcome many tragedies in the past two years. With serval shootings and educational threats,....
Read 65 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 30,209,
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#19 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Elmhurst
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
146 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Elmhurst is a small town with a big personality. The downtown area has an amazing variety of restaurants/cafes, stores, and local shops that has everything to fit your needs. The residents are....
Read 146 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 45,648,
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#20 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Hawthorn Woods
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
23 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says My wife and I have lived here for 35 years, raising our family and now enjoying retired life. It's a great place to call home!.
Read 23 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 9,111,
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#21 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Libertyville
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
124 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Incredible school systems. Definitely prepared me for college and helped me through the school and application process. Very safe and friendly. Restaurants have incredible food and many are locally....
Read 124 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 20,555,
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#22 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Oak Park
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
193 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Very nice and supportive community. Great for families, Oak Park has so many activities for children and their guardians. Great public schools..
Read 193 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 53,834,
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Review your area
Current Resident: I find this town very lovely, surrounded by nature is truly amazing. People are very friendly even though we are all separated by large lots. The Village Center has great restaurants, so much variety, though I wish we had more boutique stores! My 2 major complaints is that, we need a public library and more side walks! This town has so much potential and I am hoping we will see it grow more. Other than that I will not change Burr Ridge for any other town.... Read 30 reviews
#23 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Burr Ridge
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
30 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I find this town very lovely, surrounded by nature is truly amazing. People are very friendly even though we are all separated by large lots. The Village Center has great restaurants, so much....
Read 30 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 11,131,
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Current Resident: Nestled along the banks of the Des Plaines River, Riverside, Illinois, is a historic gem that seamlessly combines historical charm with modern tranquility. My family moved to Riverside, IL from Chicago in February 2021. It was snowing and I barely recognized the neighboring houses. The next day, I walked down the street to get to know the area. Through the thick snow, I found Riverside to be a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering its historic architectural beauty. I was amazed by the luscious wildlife from the forest preserve. The locals are blessings as they capture the kind essence the town captures. Riverside has more to offer than its preserved nature. The town includes humble shops, a lush library, and a historic water tower that is the symbol for Riverside. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, nature lover, or someone looking for a charming weekend getaway, Riverside has much to offer.... Read 54 reviews
#24 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Riverside
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
54 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Nestled along the banks of the Des Plaines River, Riverside, Illinois, is a historic gem that seamlessly combines historical charm with modern tranquility. My family moved to Riverside, IL from....
Read 54 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 9,225,
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Current Resident: Lake Bluff is a small, quaint, but busy town. With many young families constantly moving here, it is surely never boring. You can find the farmers market set up every Friday in the summer where you can purchase local produce and yummy waffles. Make sure to come by the 4th of July parade, where hundreds of people flood in from nearby towns to watch the classic processions while enjoying a hot dog or two. Living here, you'll surely find some of the many involved students in town knocking door to door, selling citrus for the local theatre program. While all these things have been great, and finding immediate friends here was easy, it comes with its downsides. The small circle nature of Lake Bluff makes it difficult to harbor diversity. Many bluffers including myself have grown accustomed to the "bubble" we live in. This can make it difficult for younger students and residents to grow outside of the tight-knit community. All of this to say, Lake Bluff makes for a safe but isolated space.... Read 22 reviews
#25 Best Suburbs to Live in Chicago Area.
Lake Bluff
Suburb of Chicago, IL,
22 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Lake Bluff is a small, quaint, but busy town. With many young families constantly moving here, it is surely never boring. You can find the farmers market set up every Friday in the summer where you....
Read 22 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 5,919,
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SponsoredPrivate School
Lake Forest Country Day School
Private School·
LAKE FOREST, IL·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 4.79 out of 5 39
SponsoredJewish School
Solomon Schechter Day School
Private School·
NORTHBROOK, IL·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 4.78 out of 5 23
SponsoredCatholic School
St. Matthew's Catholic School
Private School·
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 4 out of 5 6