Chicagoland is filled with great suburbs for families to live, but how do you narrow down your choices?
Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns and schools, shared the Best Places to Raise a Family in the Chicago Area. The results are impacted by many factors including school ratings, crime rates, age demographics and access to affordable housing, childcare, libraries and grocery stores. Here are the top 10 suburbs on the list:
Long Grove
- Average home value: $664,000
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 8,258
Long Grove is a charming little town that’s 35 miles from Chicago. According to Niche, it is ranked as the No. 1 best place to raise a family in Illinois and places with the best public schools in Illinois. Read our family guide to find things to do with kids in the area, too.
Kenilworth
- Average home value: $1,286,500
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 2,423
Kenilworth is a small suburb beside Lake Michigan. As one of the North Shore communities, you’ll have easy access to popular suburbs nearby like Wilmette and Winnetka.
Clarendon Hills
- Average home value: $493,800
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 8,707
Tucked away in the Western Suburbs, Clarendon Hills gives a small-town feel with its tight-knit community. You can also find plenty of restaurants and shops in the downtown area.
Kildeer
- Average home value: $639,900
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 4,093
Not only is Killdeer a great place to raise a family, but it also was ranked No. 3 on the Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Illinois.
Inverness
- Average home value: $640,700
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 7,684
For those preferring to live in an area that’s open and peaceful, Inverness is calling your name. Don’t worry, you’re not far away from some fun, with Schaumburg just a short drive away.
Tower Lakes
- Average home value: $465,800
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 1,340
Did you know that Tower Lakes was first developed in the 1920s as a summer cottage resort? It explains why the village is so scenic with views of the lakes and parks.
Hinsdale
- Average home value: $880,100
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 17,148
As the largest town on this top 10 list, Hinsdale has also been known for its education. The public schools are ranked as No. 7 in the Best School Districts in Illinois.
Western Springs
- Average home value: $623,400
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 13,550
The historic landmarks and beautiful parks make Western Springs a quaint town. Any family would love to spend time outdoors at the 12 public parks.
Lincolnshire
- Average home value: $569,600
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 7,905
You’ll find many family-friendly attractions and events in Lincolnshire. Also, one of the school district, Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125, is ranked No. 1 in Illinois.
Bannockburn
- Average home value: $987,500
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 1,315
Not only is Bannockburn ranked as a top suburb to raise a family, Niche ranked it No. 1 on the Best Places to Live in Illinois.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
