Every parent wants to raise a healthy child, and some communities make it easier than others.
The ease of access to health care, outdoor spaces and recreation facilities are factors for many families when it comes to choosing where to plant roots. Luckily, Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, also publishes a ranking of the healthiest places to live. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Cook County stack up.
These statistics were calculated based on factors like obesity rates, alcohol consumption, access to health care and more. Data for these categories come from the CDC and the U.S. Census. You can find the full methodology here.
Read more: Best Places to Raise a Family in Cook County
Here are the top 10 healthiest places to live in Cook County on the list.
1. Chicago
- Average home value: $304,500
- Population: 2,721,914
Chicago, the most populous city in Illinois, is home to a bustling epicenter of different cultures and communities.
2. Winnetka
- Average home value: $1,192,600
- Population: 12,607
Winnetka’s shoreline along Lake Michigan makes it easy to get outside. One of its beaches, Tower Road Beach, is home to a fun, sandy playground.
3. Kenilworth
- Average home value: $1,358,000
- Population: 2,537
Kenilworth, a town on the shores of Lake Michigan, is known for its stellar public schools, safety and outdoor activities. This affluent suburb is an excellent place to raise a healthy family.
4. Glencoe
- Average home value: $1,195,100
- Population: 8,787
It’s never a dull day in Glencoe thanks to its top notch beaches, nature preserves, golf courses and parks.
5. Oak Park
- Average home value: $440,500
- Population: 53,834
Oak Park scores an “A+” in the public schools, health and fitness and “good for families” categories from Niche.
6. Northbrook
- Average home value: $621,600
- Population: 34,950
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. Northfield
- Average home value: $719,700
- Population: 5,707
The village of Northfield is home to Clarkson Park, Fox Meadow Park, Happ Road Park, Northfield Park and Willow Park. Residents also enjoy a community center with a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
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. Wilmette
- Average home value: $771,500
- Population: 27,801
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.
10. Glenview
- Average home value: $590,600
- Population: 47,896
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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