Choosing a place to raise a family can impact the way a child sees the world.
Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, also publishes a ranking of the best places to raise a family. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Cook County 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 raise a family in Cook County, according to Niche:
1. Kenilworth
- Average home value: $1,286,500
- Population: 2,423
Kenilworth, a town on the shores of Lake Michigan, earns the top spot in Cook County for its stellar public schools, safety and outdoor activities. This affluent suburb is ranked as an excellent place to raise a family.
2. Inverness
- Average home value: $640,700
- Population: 7,684
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.”
3. Western Springs
- Average home value: $623,400
- Population: 13,550
Western Springs includes two recreational centers, a public pool and a library. Families enjoy excellent schools and parks, too.
4. Wilmette
- Average home value: $710,400
- Population: 27,895
Families in Wilmette have easy access to two beaches the Wilmette Park District owns and manages on the Village’s eastern border along Lake Michigan. The village has highly rated schools and outdoor activities.
5. Winnetka
- Average home value: $1,123,700
- Population: 12,658
Winnetka offers families excellent school options. Some neighborhoods in the southern part of Winnetka are served by Avoca School District 37, and high school students in the area attend New Trier High School.
6. Northbrook
- Average home value: $571,400
- Population: 35,108
Northbrook has excellent schools as well as family activity hotspots like the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, the Chicago Curling Club and the Northbrook Public Library.
7. South Barrington
- Average home value: $849,400
- Population: 5,012
This town boasts excellent public schools, and the majority reside in Barrington District 220. A small portion of South Barrington is served by District 300, District 15 and Township High School District 211.
8. Barrington Hills
- Average home value: $735,800
- Population: 4,236
Barrington Hills includes many farms and estates and has a rural feel. There is only one public school (Countryside Elementary School) within Barrington Hills, so students attend nearby middle and high schools in the greater Barrington area.
9. La Grange Park
- Average home value: $370,900
- Population: 13,501
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.
10. Glenview
- Average home value: $529,500
- Population: 48,150
Historic Glenview offers families access to 34 parks and playgrounds covering more than 290 acres as well as top rated public schools.
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