Living in Chicago is great, but sometimes city life gets overwhelming. That’s why many people look for a nice suburb to call home. These areas offer a quieter lifestyle while still keeping the big city close by.
The best Chicago suburbs combine good schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy commutes to downtown. Places like Naperville, Evanston, and Buffalo Grove often appear on “best of” lists. Each suburb has its own personality and benefits, from lakefront access to family-friendly communities. Finding the right one depends on what matters most to you.
1) Naperville
Naperville tops the list as the best city to live in America for 2025. This western suburb offers an amazing blend of urban amenities with a small-town feel.
The schools here are exceptional, earning an A+ rating from Niche. Naperville ranked first for the best public schools in America, making it a perfect choice for families with kids.
Naperville has several great neighborhoods to choose from. Some of the most popular subdivisions include East Highlands, Hobson West, Cress Creek, White Eagle, and Ashwood Park.
Naperville has grown steadily over the years. The population has doubled, showing how desirable this suburb has become for Chicago commuters.
Naperville was named the best city to raise a family. With its beautiful downtown, great parks, and community events, many people are drawn to this suburb.
The commute to Chicago is manageable, so you can work in the city while enjoying suburban living.
2) Evanston
Evanston sits just north of Chicago and is one of the best suburbs in the area. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Cook County, offering a perfect blend of urban and suburban living.
The Central Street business district in northwest Evanston stands out with excellent restaurants and shops that give the neighborhood a cozy feel.
The town boasts excellent schools, making it a great choice for families. There are plenty of recreational amenities too, like Dawes Park, which provides outdoor space for residents.
Evanston stands out for its diversity. The community is vibrant and welcoming, creating a rich cultural atmosphere.
Evanston is one of the more affluent Chicago suburbs. It’s considered one of the most affluent areas within a 20-mile radius of downtown Chicago.
Evanston offers easy access to Chicago via public transportation while maintaining its own distinct identity. Northwestern University adds a youthful energy to the town and brings cultural events throughout the year.
3) Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is a fantastic suburb for families. Time’s Money Magazine named it one of the Best Places to Live in 2013.
This suburb has a very low unemployment rate and higher than average incomes compared to many other Chicago suburbs. The community feels safe and well-maintained.
Buffalo Grove is split between Lake and Cook counties. The Lake county side (in the Stevenson High School district) is particularly nice if you’re looking for quality education for your kids.
The shopping isn’t as impressive as some other suburbs, but nearby Vernon Hills and Schaumburg offer better retail options when you need them.
Buffalo Grove has solid park districts and community amenities that make everyday life convenient. Housing prices are reasonable compared to some of the more expensive Chicago suburbs.
For families seeking a balanced suburban lifestyle with good schools and a stable community, Buffalo Grove deserves a spot on your list of neighborhoods to check out.
4) Clarendon Hills
Clarendon Hills is a hidden gem in Chicago’s suburban landscape. This small community of about 8,600 residents offers great livability.
Recent rankings show Clarendon Hills is getting the recognition it deserves. In 2025, it ranked #2 as the Best Place to live in DuPage County and #2 as the Best Suburb to Live. It also made it to #25 on a national list of Best Places to Live in America.
One of the biggest draws to Clarendon Hills is its highly rated public schools. Parents rave about the education their kids receive here.
The location is ideal for commuters. If you work in Chicago, you’ll appreciate the reasonable commute times.
North of 55th Street might be a bit pricey, but there are more affordable options in other parts of town.
Clarendon Hills combines suburban peace with convenient access to Chicago’s amenities. It’s one of the best Chicago suburbs to call home.
5) Hinsdale
Hinsdale stands out as one of the top suburbs in the Chicago area. It consistently ranks highly on “best places to live” lists, including being named one of Chicago’s Top 12 Suburbs by Chicago Magazine.
Hinsdale has exceptional schools. The education system here ranks among the best in the region, attracting motivated students and parents.
The village blends modern amenities with tradition. When you visit, you notice how well they maintain this balance.
According to recent rankings, Hinsdale placed #3 on Niche’s 2025 Best Suburbs to Live in the Chicago Area list.
Hinsdale is considered one of Chicago’s wealthiest suburbs. The beautiful homes and well-maintained neighborhoods reflect this.
Hinsdale offers a high quality of life with great schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. For families looking for an upscale suburban experience, it’s worth checking out.
6) Oak Park
Oak Park is a standout suburb just 10 miles west of Chicago. It’s one of the most culturally rich areas you’ll find in the Chicago suburbs.
Oak Park was named one of the 20 Best Towns & Neighborhoods in Chicago and ranked third Best Neighborhood overall.
Oak Park is famous for its connection to Frank Lloyd Wright. The suburb is home to several of his architectural masterpieces that draw visitors from around the world.
Oak Park was recently named one of the 50 best places to travel to in 2025.
Beyond architecture, Oak Park offers a mix of great galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants.
For young professionals, Oak Park shines. It ranks 184 out of 6,805 in the Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in America list.
The village also scores well as a general place to live, coming in at number 236 out of 6,804 in Best Suburbs to Live in America.
7) Wheaton
Wheaton is a charming suburb located about 40 minutes west of Chicago. It has a small-town feel despite being close to the big city.
The downtown area in Wheaton features local shops and restaurants that give it character. It’s ranked highly too – showing up as #9 on Niche.com’s list of best places to live.
Parks are everywhere in Wheaton. Both Wheaton and neighboring Glen Ellyn have many green spaces and active park district events throughout the year.
Train access makes commuting easy for Wheaton residents. You can hop on a train to get into Chicago without dealing with driving and parking downtown.
Wheaton has great community vibes with family-friendly activities happening regularly.
When comparing Chicago suburbs, Wheaton often makes the “best of” lists. Some rankings even put it as the #1 Chicago suburb, though that’s subjective based on what you’re looking for in a community.
8) Northbrook
Northbrook is a gem in the Chicago suburbs. It’s on the north side of Cook County, just a short drive from downtown Chicago.
The town center is a favorite spot. During summer, people dine at restaurants, take walks, or enjoy Village Green. It has that small-town charm that’s hard to find these days.
East Northbrook has a lovely “North Shore” feel with charming architecture. It’s closer to the lake shore compared to West Northbrook, giving it a distinct character.
Northbrook ranks impressively among Chicago suburbs with urban amenities. It’s listed as #7 on some rankings of best Chicago neighborhoods to move to right now.
The area offers a good balance of suburban peace and urban convenience. Northbrook maintains a community feel while still providing access to everything you might need.
If you’re looking for a suburb with character, Northbrook combines the best of suburban living with enough amenities to keep things interesting.
9) Glenview
Glenview is a charming suburb about 20 miles northwest of Chicago’s loop. It balances suburban peace with urban conveniences.
The village offers excellent schools, which draws families looking to settle down. The education system receives high marks from residents.
Parks and green spaces are abundant in Glenview, giving residents plenty of outdoor options. The Glen, a popular neighborhood built on a former naval air station, offers shopping, dining, and beautiful residential areas.
Housing in Glenview tends to be pricier than some suburbs farther north, but many find the cost worth it. The Swainwood area and the Dewes/Linnemen/Henley neighborhoods are particularly sought-after locations.
Glenview has a thriving business community, which provides both convenience and employment opportunities. This mix of residential charm and commercial amenities makes it a well-rounded suburb.
For those who commute to the city, Glenview offers good transportation options. This Cook County suburb consistently ranks high on lists of best Chicago suburbs.
10) Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights is one of the top suburbs in the Chicago area. It has a charming downtown that stands out among the northwest suburbs.
The downtown area has many bars and restaurants to choose from. It’s considered top tier compared to other suburbs along the Union Pacific Northwest Metra line.
Arlington Heights gives you easy access to Chicago. It’s only about 30 minutes from downtown, which is perfect if you need to commute for work.
The Metra stop is right in downtown Arlington Heights, making it convenient for getting into the city without dealing with traffic.
Most of Arlington Heights is very nice, though like any suburb, it has a few areas that aren’t as great. The area near Golf Road and Goebbert Road is sometimes mentioned as one to avoid.
If you want a place that balances city access with suburban living, Arlington Heights is worth checking out. You get the benefits of both worlds without the headaches of living directly in Chicago.
What Makes Chicago Suburbs Stand Out?
Chicago suburbs offer a unique blend of community feel, convenient city access, and natural beauty. Many people who move here stay for decades because of these qualities.
Community Atmosphere
The suburbs around Chicago have an amazing sense of community. Many neighborhoods have been established for generations, creating deep roots and traditions that newcomers can quickly join.
Each suburban village has its own distinct character. Some are historic with charming downtown areas, while others have a more modern feel. The cultural diversity is impressive—you’ll find communities representing cultures from around the world.
People are genuinely friendly here. Neighbors know each other and look out for one another. Block parties, farmer’s markets, and local festivals bring everyone together.
The schools stand out. Most suburban districts rank well above national averages, attracting many families to the area.
Access to City Amenities
Living in Chicago’s suburbs gives you the best of both worlds. You can enjoy peaceful suburban life and still have easy access to one of America’s greatest cities.
The transportation network works well. I can hop on Metra trains from most suburbs and reach downtown in 30-45 minutes without dealing with traffic or parking.
When I want big city amenities, world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and shopping are just a short trip away. Many suburbs also have thriving downtown areas with great dining and entertainment.
Healthcare is excellent, with top-rated hospitals and medical centers throughout the suburbs. Everything tends to cost less than living in the city itself.
Recreation and Parks
The Chicago suburbs are surprisingly green and beautiful. Many forest preserves, parks, and open spaces are scattered throughout the area.
The forest preserve system offers hundreds of miles of trails through woodlands, prairies, and along rivers. I can go hiking, biking, or bird watching without leaving the suburbs.
Many communities have excellent park districts that maintain beautiful public spaces. They offer affordable recreation programs for all ages throughout the year.
Water activities are abundant. You can swim in Lake Michigan or kayak on the Des Plaines or Fox Rivers.
During winter, ice skating rinks and sledding hills appear everywhere. In summer, community pools and splash pads become neighborhood gathering spots. The changing seasons keep outdoor activities fresh year-round.
Tips for Choosing the Right Suburb
Finding the right Chicago suburb means thinking about what matters most to your daily life. Commute time and school options will have a huge impact on your happiness in a new location.
Commute Considerations
When I moved to Chicagoland, I quickly learned that commute time can make or break your experience. Look at suburbs along Metra lines like the Union Pacific West or Northwest routes. These train lines can save you from stressful highway traffic.
Consider how often you’ll need to get downtown. If you go daily, stay within a 30-45 minute train ride. Suburbs like Arlington Heights, Evanston, and Oak Park offer great transit options.
Don’t forget about reverse commutes. If your job is in the suburbs but you want city access on weekends, think about which highways you’ll use and typical traffic patterns.
Test your potential commute before making a decision. Take the train or drive during rush hour to see what it’s really like.
School Districts
If you have kids or plan to, school quality might top your priority list. Chicago suburbs offer a wide range of school options.
Some standout districts include:
- New Trier Township (Winnetka, Wilmette)
- Naperville Community Unit District 203
- Hinsdale Township High School District 86
Don’t just look at overall ratings. Visit schools and ask about:
- Special programs that match your child’s interests
- Class sizes and teacher-student ratios
- Extracurricular activities
Better school districts usually come with higher property taxes and home prices. This trade-off can also affect your home’s resale value.
Look beyond test scores to community involvement and resources. Some smaller districts provide excellent personalized attention that might suit your family.
