Buying a home isn’t just a contract to the property, it’s a sometimes lifelong commitment to the surrounding community, too.
Choosing where to buy a home is a major life decision. Luckily, Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, also publishes a ranking of the best places to buy a home. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Cook County stack up.
These statistics were calculated based on home values, taxes, crime rates and quality of local schools. Data for these categories come from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC and other data sources. You can find the full methodology here.
Here are the top 10 best places to buy a home in Cook County on the list.
Western Springs
- Average home value: $680,900
- Population: 13,557
Western Springs includes two recreational centers, a public pool and a library. Residents enjoy excellent schools and parks, too.
Inverness
- Average home value: $699,400
- Population: 7,722
The historic village of Inverness is an exceptionally safe community. It earns an “A+” from Niche in the categories for schools, safety and “good for families.”
Indian Head Park
- Average home value: $322,400
- Population: 4,022
This suburb of Chicago earns an A+ from Niche in the public schools and “good for families” categories. It also ranks highly for outdoor activity options.
Orland Hills
- Average home value: $245,300
- Population: 6,842
Nearby nature preserves as well as Centennial Park give homeowners in this community easy access to beautiful outdoor spaces.
La Grange Park
- Average home value: $394,500
- Population: 13,332
La Grange Park earns an “A+” in the “public schools” and “good for families” categories from Niche and high scores in the categories for housing, commuting, jobs and outdoor activities.
Countryside
- Average home value: $303,200
- Population: 6,322
Countryside’s residents get to experience the best of both worlds: the tight knit community of a small town as well as close proximity to major city life in Chicago.
Brookfield
- Average home value: $298,600
- Population: 19,349
Many major attractions call Brookfield home. The popular Brookfield Zoo is a huge draw, as is the Galloping Ghost Arcade — the largest video arcade in the United States. Plus, access to North Kiwanis Park where parades and festivals take place and many nature reserves.
Lemont
- Average home value: $445,000
- Population: 17,558
With its picturesque downtown and proximity to world class nature preserves, Lemont is an ideal place for those looking for a home with a charming backdrop.
Schaumburg
- Average home value: $303,000
- Population: 77,571
For those with children, the nearby LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is a huge hit with the little ones. Families also enjoy the many parks and recreational facilities in this town.
Arlington Heights
- Average home value: $396,500
- Population: 76,794
Arlington Heights provides residents with many cafes, restaurants, parks and more. It scores highly in the public school and “good for families” categories from Niche.
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