Choosing a place to live doesn’t have to be a headache.
Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, also publishes a ranking of the best places to live in Chicagoland. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Chicagoland stack up.
These statistics were calculated based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. 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 live in Chicagoland on the list:
1. Naperville
- Average home value: $482,600
- Population: 149,089
Naperville is home to many parks and forest preserves, including popular Centennial Beach. It earns an “A+” from Niche for excellent public schools.
2. Clarendon Hills
- Average home value: $570,600
- Population: 8,658
This suburb is very safe, offers an easy commute and has excellent public schools options. Clarendon Hills has a station on Metra’s BNSF Line, providing daily transit between Aurora, Illinois and Chicago, too.
3. Long Grove
- Average home value: $721,100
- Population: 8,279
With a historic downtown often abuzz with exciting festivals and special events, Long Grove is a great choice for those looking for a quiet life without compromising on fun.
4. Hinsdale
- Average home value: $962,700
- Population: 17,169
The affluent suburb of Hinsdale offers residents excellent public schools, outdoor activities and jobs options. Hinsdale’s downtown area is a National Register Historic District.
5. Buffalo Grove
- Average home value: $380,700
- Population: 42,934
Buffalo Grove is an exciting place to raise a family. Hang out in the park and listen to a concert, shop locally at a farmers market or visit the local shops in the downtown core in this safe suburb.
6. Vernon Hills
- Average home value: $370,700
- Population: 26,750
Living in Vernon Hills offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. Excellent parks and schools make it a good choice for anyone looking for a safe place to call home.
7. Kildeer
- Average home value: $683,900
- Population: 4,133
Kildeer’s rural feel provides residents with a tranquil feel. Schools are top rated; Lake Zurich High School and Adlai E. Stevenson High School are the two choices for high schools for those with families
8. Evanston
- Average home value: $454,600
- Population: 77,181
Evanston is lucky to have six public swimming beaches, plus excellent athletic fields, playgrounds and community gardens.
9. Northbrook
- Average home value: $621,600
- Population: 34,950
Safety in Northbrook is a priority—from the city’s historic downtown to its many walking and hiking paths.
10. Riverwoods
- Average home value: $776,900
- Population: 4,007
Picturesque nature conservations, botanic gardens and waterfront walks make Riverwoods an excellent choice for someone looking to spend time outdoors.
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