When it’s all suburban charm and convenient city access you’re looking for, Illinois suburbs have the perfect blend. Whether you are looking for high-ranking schools, a quaint, rural atmosphere, access to nature or just a short commute to Chicago, Illinois is home to a number of the best suburbs in the Midwest.
In this guide we’ll cover what makes suburbs in Illinois attractive places to live, highlight a few of the many great options, and help you understand why so many families, professionals and military members who call these areas home make that choice.
Why Choose a Suburb in Illinois?
A sub rub residency has several advantages compared to urban and rural residency. Suburbs of Illinois are good options because:
- Quality of Life: Most suburbs offer safe streets, parks and recreation facilities, and top-notch school systems.
- Nearness to Chicago: You have access to the job market and amenities of a world class city without the daily struggle of big city life.
- Vibrant Communities: With historic towns and new communities, Illinois suburbs are diverse and inclusive.
Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, military service, or for any other reason, you can find an Illinois suburb that will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
Top Suburbs in Illinois to Consider
Now, let’s get down to some of the best and most recommended suburbs in the state:
1. Naperville
Consistently rated as one of the best suburbs in the nation, Naperville offers the vitality and activity of downtown mixed with a wholesome family friendly environment. The unit has some of the highest flacs in the area, or in the building for that matter with good food traffic. Home to great schools and a River walk that’s as pretty a spot as any in the city, northwest Evanston is a neighborhood well-suited for families and working people who value their communities.
- Highlights:
- Award-winning public schools
- Robust job market
- A charming downtown with restaurants, boutiques, and events
2. Evanston
Conveniently situated north of Chicago, Evanston, a stunning lakefront suburb, has an urban atmosphere. The city, home to Northwestern University, mixes academic charm with arts and culture.
- Highlights:
- Access to Lake Michigan beaches
- Excellent public transit options
- Eclectic dining and shopping
3. Arlington Heights
This northwest suburb is celebrated for its community friendly environment and first-class public services. A mix of family friendly residential neighborhoods and a bustling downtown, Arlington Heights is the place to be for families.
- Highlights:
- Arlington Park Racetrack
- Family-friendly events and festivals
- Excellent parks and recreation facilities
4. Elmhurst
Elmhurst offers small-town feels with a city-size life. It’s a good place for people who want an easy commute to Chicago yet a quieter way of life.
- Highlights:
- Metra access for commuters
- Elmhurst College influences the community
- Safe neighborhoods and well-rated schools
5. Oak Park
A suburb with architectural and literary significance, Oak Park was the longtime residency of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway. It continues to hold a great tradition of arts and community.
- Highlights:
- Historic districts with preserved architecture
- Progressive and diverse community
- Proximity to downtown Chicago
6. Hinsdale
If you prefer luxury living, breathtaking views and scenic outdoor space, Hinsdale is one of the best places to be. With grand estates, manicured parks and elite schools, it is one of the wealthiest suburbs in Illinois.
- Highlights:
- High-end real estate options
- Beautiful historic homes
- Great for executive families
7. Geneva
Situated on the Fox River, Geneva is a charming town with a quaint downtown, scenic trails and a sense of community. It’s the perfect trip for anyone who likes their nature laced with some other kind of comfort.
- Highlights:
- Boutique shopping and local restaurants
- Riverfront biking and walking paths
- Vibrant farmers markets and festivals
8. Mount Prospect
An underrated gem, Mount Prospect offers affordability without sacrificing quality. Its growing popularity is due to excellent schools, housing variety, and a renewed downtown district.
- Highlights:
- Affordable housing options
- Access to the Metra commuter rail
- Community-focused programs
Military and Veteran-Friendly Suburbs
What can we say; Illinois is a hotbed for military activity. Situations or lifestyles and suburban living can be ideal for a service member and their family. From Scott Air Force Base to Naval Station Great Lakes to Rock Island Arsenal, nearby suburbs offer commutes to duty stations along with stable, family-oriented communities.
And if you’re already serving or moving back to civilian life, these suburban communities offer a balance of convenience and livability. Find out more about Military Bases in Illinois and their surrounding area by browsing our site.
Affordability and Investment Potential
When you live in the suburbs of Illinois, you aren’t getting just a lifestyle; you’re getting good real estate investment. In many suburbs, revitalization is creating a steady increase in property values, but still offering more affordable housing options than in the city.
Low mortgage rates and tight inventory have led to expensive rentals and tight housing inventory, and people who want to own, now or anytime in the future, might take the land route. The Best Places to Buy Land in Illinois Get off the Trail and find Hidden Gems and Up-and-Coming Areas for Development.
Education and Family Life
One of the biggest draws of suburban Illinois is the strong educational system. Many school districts here are nationally ranked, and communities are heavily invested in youth programs, sports, and extracurricular.
Family-centered offerings, from libraries and sports leagues to museums and playgrounds, help foster a nurturing environment in which children can grow and thrive.
Transportation and Connectivity
Many Illinois suburbs are highly accessible via public transportation, particularly the Metra rail network, and they are popular with commuters. Highways including I-90, I-55, and I-294 provide convenient access to Chicago as well as other neighboring states, while regional airports and bus systems make it easy for residents to get around.
Some suburbs even have free shuttle services or community rideshare programs, making it easier for seniors and non-drivers to get around.
Diversity and Culture
Communities in the suburbs of Illinois are celebrated for being multicultural and all-embracing. Whether you visit a traditional German festival in Naperville, party at multifarious events in Schaumburg, or browse Indian markets in Oak Brook, you can witness aspects of many cultures here in daily life.
This diversity is noticeable in schools, places of worship, community organizations and cooking, adding to the texture of suburban life.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Suburb
There are many pretty suburbs to choose from in Illinois, but the best one for you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Here are some questions to ponder:
- Commute: How long a commute to work or school would you be willing to tolerate?
- Schools: Do you want top-ranked schools?
- Community Feel: Is a quiet, traditional suburb your cup of tea, or would you rather enjoy a vibrant, urban-feeling setting?
- Amenities: What matters most in the neighborhood, parks, libraries, groceries, hospitals?
A personal needs analysis might help you whittle down your short list to a single leader.
Final Thoughts
Some Illinois suburbs has something for just about everyone, whether you’re in search of a kid-friendly city, commuter-friendly neighborhoods or a quiet haven near nature. Relatively affordable with good schools, low crime rates, community attire and a sense of identity, these suburbs all pull in residents from any age range and take-home pay.
From the historic homes of Oak Park to the scenic riverfronts of Geneva, there’s sure to be a home that feels like your own. And, whether you’re in the market for a property, moving for the military, or simply exploring your options in general for life out on your own, Illinois suburbs are definitely worth taking a look at.
If you have a family member in the military, our guide to Military Bases in Illinois provides a helpful glimpse of the best places to live in the state. And for those looking to develop or invest, don’t miss our explorations into the Best Places to Buy Land in Illinois.