The Ultimate Guide to Living in the Chicago Suburbs

Whether you’re looking for top-tier schools, a strong sense of community or a more spacious place to call home, the diverse, wide range of suburbs surrounding Chicago have something for everyone.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about living in the Chicagoland suburbs, including the types of communities you can expect to find, the cost of living, schools, family-friendly amenities  and so much more.

If after reading this guide you’re ready to get started finding your dream home in the Chicagoland Suburbs, our home listings and agent directory are the perfect place to start. When you find your home or agent on our site, you can rest assured that you’ll be connected with a trusted REALTOR® who knows the local market inside and out and can make your home search easy and efficient. 

Inside this guide you’ll find sections including:

• Why Live in the Chicagoland Suburbs?
• Which Suburbs Should I Consider?
• For families
• For luxury living
• For affordability
• For an urban-oriented lifestyle
• For a nature-oriented lifestyle 
• Is Chicagoland Family-Friendly?
• Top schools 
• Family-friendly amenities 
• How is Commuting and Traffic in Chicagoland?
• What is the Cost of Living in Chicagoland?
• How is the Quality of Life in Chicagoland?

Why Live in the Chicagoland Suburbs?

There are so many reasons to consider the Chicago suburbs. Here are a few of the benefits our REALTORS® hear their clients celebrate most:

1. More Space:  The suburbs offer larger homes, bigger yards and more room to spread out compared to most city neighborhoods.
2. Lower Cost of Living:  While some suburbs are pricey, many offer more affordable housing compared to comparable neighborhoods in Chicago.
3. Top-Ranked Schools:  Many Chicagoland suburbs boast highly rated public and private schools, making them ideal for families who value quality educational opportunities.
4. Access to Nature:  Parks, forest preserves and lakes provide ample outdoor recreation opportunities that are not as easily available in the city.
5. Strong Community Feel:  Many of Chicago’s suburban neighborhoods foster tight-knit communities with local events and institutions like churches and schools drawing families together.
6. Easy Access to Chicago:  With highways, commuter trains and bus routes, getting to the city for work or play is relatively convenient from many Chicago suburbs.
7. Don’t discount the food scene in Chicagoland either. 

As Asia Hill, Managing Broker at Platinum Key Realty puts it, “Chicagoland is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from iconic mild sauce to world-class dining, all set against the backdrop of one of the most vibrant and dynamic downtowns in the country.”

And yes, winters can be tough but according to Matthew Bowser, a Broker Associate at Compass Realty, summer more than makes up for it. “You can ask almost anyone who's spent a significant time living in Chicagoland what the best place in the world is in the Summer and they will always answer Chicagoland! NOTHING beats a Chicago summer,” Bowser says.

Which Suburbs Should I Consider?

Chicagoland is vast, with diverse suburbs catering to a wide variety of different lifestyles and preferences. While we could never highlight every great suburb in the region, here are a couple “popular” communities to consider depending on what your priorities are.

If your priorities are family-friendly amenities, consider Chicagoland suburbs like:

• Naperville: Consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., known for its top schools, parks and a vibrant downtown.
• Elmhurst: Offers a mix of historic homes and modern amenities with great schools.
• Downers Grove: Has a nice blend of affordability, good schools and a charming downtown.
• If you’re looking for  luxury living , consider Chicagoland suburbs like:
  Winnetka: This near north suburb is home to sprawling estates, excellent schools and  picturesque views along Lake Michigan.
• Hinsdale: This western suburb combines historic charm with a luxury housing stock and high-end shopping.
• Lake Forest: Known for its prestigious private schools and stunning lakefront properties, this far north suburb can be a great fit for families looking for a luxury lifestyle.

 If you’re looking to  maximize affordability, consider Chicagoland suburbs like:

• Aurora: As the second-largest city in Illinois, Aurora offers a nice combination of affordable housing and good schools.
• Bolingbrook: Bolingbrook residents enjoy it for its affordability, shopping and parks.
• Joliet: Joliet’s local economy is growing fast while its housing prices remain relatively affordable for budget-conscious buyers.

If you’re looking for a touch of the  urban lifestyle,  consider Chicagoland suburbs like:

• Evanston: Home to Northwestern University, Evanston offers a vibrant downtown, many cultural attractions and access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, all a quick train ride away from the city on the purple line of the “El,” the city’s mass transit system.
• Oak Park: Oak Park is known  for its historic architecture, progressive community vibe and close proximity to the city.

If you want access to nature and recreation, consider Chicagoland suburbs like:

• Barrington: Barrington is known for its large lots, equestrian culture and access to the Fox River.
• Palos Park: Surrounded by forest preserves, Palos Park is ideal for hiking and nature lovers.
• Libertyville: Libertyville offers an appealing mix of lakes, trails and a charming downtown.

Choosing the right suburb for your family, lifestyle and goals is critical, and an experienced REALTOR® can help. “When choosing a Chicagoland suburb, consider commute times, school quality, safety, amenities and property taxes,” says Hill. “Prioritizing these factors helps ensure the suburb aligns with your lifestyle and goals.”

Is Chicagoland Family-Friendly?

The Chicagoland suburbs are extremely family-friendly, with households that have children under 18 making up a large portion of the population in the region. This is thanks in part to the amazing schools in the region, which are a common feature of many suburban communities. If you’re looking to choose a community based on the reputation of its public schools, here are a few districts of the many you could consider.

A Few of the Top Schools in the Chicagoland Suburbs:

• New Trier High School District (Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe, Wilmette, Kenilworth)
• Naperville District 203 & 204 (Naperville)
• Stevenson High School District (Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills)
• Hinsdale Central High School District (Hinsdale)

All of these schools are rated 10/10 on GreatSchools.org. You can browse more high-performing schools in the region here. Chicagoland is also home to so many family-friendly activities and amenities. 

A few family-friendly highlights in the Chicagoland Suburbs:

• Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
• The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Schaumburg)
• Numerous parks, bike trails and community pools in nearly every suburban community.
• No matter what your family is into, you can find your niche in Chicagoland. 

“My clients say they are here for good jobs, good communities and friendly families,” says Stacy Beeson, a REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group.

Commuting and Traffic

• High-end (Winnetka, Hinsdale): $1M+
• Mid-range (Naperville, Elmhurst): $400K-$800K
• Budget-friendly (Joliet, Bolingbrook): $300K-$500K
• Property Taxes: Illinois has moderately high property taxes, often 2-3% of home value.
• Utilities & Services: Generally higher than the national average.
• Grocery & Dining Costs: Comparable to the national average and lower than Chicago itself.

According to Bowser, when it comes to cost of living, “Location and schools are everything. Even if you do not have children, the school districts will have a large impact on pricing. That, as well as proximity to the city and if you are picking a suburb, proximity to the Metra rail, will also greatly affect price.”

Quality of Life

So with all this in mind, where does Chicagoland land as a place to live? Does it provide a high quality of life for residents? The simple answer is YES. Here are a few reasons why:

• Strong Job Market: Proximity to Chicago means access to a diverse range of job opportunities with strong income potential.
• Cultural & Recreational Activities: Theaters, museums, shopping centers and restaurants cater to all interests and when you live in Chicagoland, you can take advantage of all the suburbs and the city have to offer.
• Health & Wellness: Top-rated hospitals and healthcare facilities in suburban areas keep residents in good care and improve outcomes when issues arise.
• Community Events: Farmers’ markets, local festivals, parades and many other events almost every weekend of the year strengthen the sense of community you’ll experience living in the Chicagoland suburbs.

“Chicagoland boasts diverse communities, top-tier healthcare, outdoor recreation and a vibrant cultural scene,” Hill explains. “This combination makes it a great place for families and individuals alike.”

The Chicagoland suburbs offer a range of living experiences, from luxurious estates to affordable and eclectic family-friendly neighborhoods. Whether you prioritize excellent schools, outdoor recreation or a short commute to Chicago for work and play, there is a perfect suburb for you. With thoughtful planning and research, moving to the Chicagoland suburbs can be a rewarding decision for both individuals and families.

If you’re considering a move, explore different suburbs, visit communities in person and weigh the pros and cons of each area to find the best fit for your lifestyle. Then, start searching for your perfect fit home or expert REALTOR® here on ChicagolandHomes.com.