The Ultimate Guide to the Best Chicago Suburbs to Live in 2024
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the top suburbs to live in Chicago. This article aims to help you find your ideal Chicago suburb to call home. So, let's get started! This article does not cover every single suburb, just the ones that immediately came to mind when writing this.
1. Glenview, Illinois
Glenview, nestled about 20 miles northwest of the Chicago loop, is a charming suburb in Cook County. With fantastic schools, low crime rates, and a plethora of amenities, it's an excellent place for families.
Quick Facts About Glenview:
Population (2020): 48,705
Median Annual Property Tax: $8,939
Median Household Income: $115,198
Average Home Value: $499,900
Glenview Highlights: The Glen, a popular shopping district that was once a Naval Air Station, and the Chicago Botanic Garden, are among the top attractions. Moreover, it's one of the fastest-growing suburbs with a population growth of 5.8% since 2010.
2. Naperville, Illinois
Naperville is Chicago's largest suburb, located 28 miles west of the city. Known for its excellent schools and low crime rates, it's a perfect place for families.
Naperville Snapshot:
Population: 149,540
Median Annual Property Tax: $7,531
Median Household Income: $125,926
Average Home Value: $416,700
Naperville Highlights: Downtown Naperville is a vibrant area with amazing restaurants, nightlife, and a beautiful historic district. Plus, it's home to the Naperville Riverwalk, a local gem in the west Chicagoland suburbs.
3. Downers Grove, Illinois
Downers Grove, located 22 miles west of Chicago, is an excellent place to live with fantastic public schools and low crime rates. It has an express train to Union Station in Chicago at certain times during the mornings and afternoons.
Downers Grove Quick Facts:
Population: 50,247
Median Annual Property Tax: $5,886
Median Household Income: $94,893
Average Home Value: $353,100
Downers Grove Highlights: The Downers Grove Park District and the tranquil Hidden Lake Forest Preserve add to the neighborhood's charm. Plus, it's a welcoming community with diverse residents.
4. Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, located 12 miles north of Chicago, is a vibrant suburb offering a variety of outdoor activities and a world-class downtown district.
Evanston Snapshot:
Population: 78,110
Median Annual Property Tax: $7,433
Median Household Income: $78,904
Average Home Value: $391,400
Evanston Highlights: Evanston is home to Northwestern University and seven beautiful beaches. It also boasts excellent schools and low crime rates, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
5. Arlington Heights, Illinois
Arlington Heights, about 45 minutes away from the loop, is an affordable suburb known for its great schools and low crime rates.
Arlington Heights Quick Facts:
Population: 77,676
Median Annual Property Tax: $7,606
Median Household Income: $96,340
Average Home Value: $358,300
Arlington Heights Highlights: With a vibrant downtown area full of restaurants, shops, and hotels, it's a perfect place for young professionals and young families.
6. Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Buffalo Grove, located mostly in Lake County with a portion in Cook County, is one of the safest places in the U.S., ideal for families.
Buffalo Grove Snapshot:
Population: 43,212
Median Annual Property Tax: $8,561
Median Household Income: $115,951
Average Home Value: $332,300
Buffalo Grove Highlights: It's home to the Raupp Memorial Museum and offers affordable real estate compared to other affluent suburbs.
7. Oak Park, Illinois
Oak Park, a near-west suburb of Chicago, is a vibrant suburb with an urban feel and a thriving downtown district.
Oak Park Quick Facts:
Population: 54,583
Median Annual Property Tax: $10,000+
Median Household Income: $94,646
Average Home Value: $387,300
Oak Park Highlights: Home to Ernest Hemingway's birthplace and the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, it's a place with rich history and stunning architecture.
8. Wilmette, Illinois
Wilmette is a beautiful North Shore suburb known for its great schools, low crime rates, and stunning beauty.
Wilmette Snapshot:
Population: 28,170
Median Annual Property Tax: $10,000+
Median Household Income: $164,681
Average Home Value: $707,800
Wilmette Highlights: The Baha'i House of Worship and Wilmette Beach are among the top attractions in this suburb.
9. Schaumburg, Illinois
Schaumburg, located in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, is known for its low crime rates and countless amenities.
Schaumburg Quick Facts:
Population: 78,723
Median Annual Property Tax: $5,787
Median Household Income: $83,096
Average Home Value: $251,100
Schaumburg Highlights: Home to the massive Woodfield Mall and the Legoland Discovery Center, it's a suburb that offers a lot to do.
10. Elmhurst, Illinois
Elmhurst, a west suburb of Chicago, is known for its highly-rated public schools and relatively low crime rates.
Elmhurst Snapshot:
Population: 45,786
Median Annual Property Tax: $7,975
Median Household Income: $118,609
Average Home Value: $432,600
Elmhurst Highlights: Downtown Elmhurst, home to over 275 shops, restaurants, and businesses, is a vibrant area loved by residents.
11. Hinsdale, Illinois
Hinsdale, located 20 miles west of Chicago, is known for its great schools and a lovely downtown district.
Hinsdale Quick Facts:
Population: 17,637
Median Annual Property Tax: $10,000+
Median Household Income: $203,368
Average Home Value: $884,700
Hinsdale Highlights: With very low crime rates and historically high housing prices, it's a top western suburb for affluent families.
12. Park Ridge, Illinois
Park Ridge, a suburb located 15 miles northwest of Chicago, is known for its vibrant downtown district and good public schools.
Park Ridge Snapshot:
Population: 39,656
Median Annual Property Tax: $9,508
Median Household Income: $111,642
Average Home Value: $437,000
Park Ridge Highlights: Its proximity to O'Hare International Airport and the I-90 expressway makes it ideal for those who travel a lot.
13. Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Glen Ellyn, a charming West suburban town in DuPage County, is known for its top-ranked school district and quaint downtown area.
Glen Ellyn Quick Facts:
Population: 28,846
Median Annual Property Tax: $8,604
Median Household Income: $110,678
Average Home Value: $453,900
Glen Ellyn Highlights: Home to the Morton Arboretum, it offers plenty of activities for all ages.
In conclusion, each Chicago suburb has its unique charm and features. Whether you're looking for top-notch schools, low crime rates, or a vibrant downtown district, there's a suburb for everyone in the Windy City.
