Chicagoland offers an abundance of family-friendly suburbs, but narrowing down the perfect place to call home can be a challenge.
Niche, a trusted site known for its rankings and data on towns and schools, recently released its 2025 list of the Best Places to Raise a Family in the Chicago Area. This ranking considers several factors, including school quality, crime rates, age demographics, affordable housing and proximity to essentials like childcare, libraries and grocery stores.
Updated Aug. 10, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Metro Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Best Chicagoland Suburbs to Raise a Family
1. Hinsdale
- Average home value: $999,100
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 17,155
As the largest town on this top 10 list, Hinsdale has also been known for its education. The public schools are ranked as No. 1 in the Places with the Best Public Schools in Illinois.
2. Clarendon Hills
- Average home value: $595,500
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 8,642
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.
3. Kildeer
- Average home value: $697,000
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 4,189
Not only is Killdeer a great place to raise a family, but it also was ranked No. 1 on the Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Illinois.
4. Long Grove
- Average home value: $746,700
- Area: Northwest Suburbs
- Population: 8,266
Long Grove is a charming little town that’s 35 miles from Chicago. According to Niche, it is ranked as the No. 4 best place to raise a family in Illinois and places with the best public schools in Illinois.
5. Hawthorn Woods
- Average home value: $592,800
- Area: Suburb
- Population: 9,145
“Hawthorn Woods is in Lake County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois,” according to Niche. “Living in Hawthorn Woods offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Hawthorn Woods there are a lot of parks.”
Looking for other areas to move in Chicagoland? Check out these stories:
- Best Places to Raise a Family in Cook County
- Best Places to Raise a Family in DuPage County
- Best Places to Raise a Family in Lake County
6. Naperville
- Average home value: $509,900
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 149,424
Naperville boasts many parks and forest preserves, including popular Centennial Beach. It earns an “A+” from Niche for excellent public schools.
7. Western Springs
- Average home value: $691,300
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Population: 13,353
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.
8. Wilmette
- Average home value: $802,200
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 27,550
“Living in Wilmette offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes,” according to Niche. “In Wilmette there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Wilmette are highly rated.”
9. Tower Lakes
- Average home value: $495,900
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 1,148
According to Niche, living in Tower Lakes offers a rural town feel while only being about one hour and a half away from downtown Chicago.
10. Kenilworth
- Average home value: $1,409,800
- Area: North Suburbs
- Population: 2,543
Kenilworth is the newest of nine suburban North Shore communities bordering Lake Michigan. It is consistently ranked among the wealthiest towns in the United States.
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