The 11 Best Chicago Suburbs for Families

By: ROS Team

Tucked around Chicago, you’ll find many suburbs that combine city perks with peaceful suburban vibes. These communities have great schools, activities for families, and a friendly environment. If you’re thinking about moving to Chicago and want a suburban home, check out these best suburbs of chicago for families.

Best Suburbs of Chicago for Families

1. Naperville

Naperville, a suburb in the Chicago area, is known as the best place for families. It has a population of 149,540 and consistently ranks high for living, raising children, and retiring. The city’s low crime rate ensures safety for residents.

Naperville offers a diverse landscape with family businesses, a scenic Riverwalk, and international corporations. It provides the amenities of a modern city with the charm of a small town, making it an ideal place to live, work, and play.

2. Hinsdale

Hinsdale, another best suburb for families, is located just 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. With a population of 17,395, this village offers a beautiful mix of nature and small-town charm, creating a welcoming community atmosphere.

It serves as an excellent hub for business, education, and suburban living, making it one of the wealthiest communities in Illinois and among the most expensive in DuPage County. The median household income stands at an impressive $206,701, with only 0.5% of families living below the poverty line.

3. Glenview

Glenview is ranked as the third best place for families in Chicago. This community has a rich history with the U.S. Navy and offers a welcoming environment. The median home value in Glenview is $529,500, showing a commitment to quality living. Residents here have a median household income of $123,771.

Glenview is known for its notable highlights, like Glenbrook South High School, the Park Center, the Glen Mall, Glenview Public Library, Walker Brothers, and the Dairy Bar. The town is also famous for its lush greenery, with many trees that add to its overall charm as a family-friendly community.

4. Wilmette

Wilmette is widely recognized as an excellent place for families in the city. It has a population of 28,170 and an average household income of $202,322, making it a prosperous and family-friendly community. Central Elementary School and Romona Elementary School, both recipients of the National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education, are located in this town.

Wilmette, ranked as the #4 Best Place to Live in Cook County by Niche, offers various amenities for families, such as swimming and sailing beaches, the Wilmette Golf Course, and the Centennial Recreation Complex. This complex provides indoor tennis, ice skating, and outdoor pools.

Additionally, the Community Recreation Center allows residents to access the Center Fitness Club and the North Shore Theater of Wilmette, enhancing the overall quality of life in this charming suburban enclave.

5. Elmhurst

Elmhurst is ranked as the 5th best suburb for families in Chicago. Its downtown, known as Elmhurst City Centre, is a vibrant hub for shopping and entertainment. It boasts urban boutiques, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and hosts exciting events.

Families can look forward to celebrating special occasions like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Art in the Park, the Pet Parade, the Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley, and the Garden Walk.

For those interested in history and art, Elmhurst offers the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Art Museum. These attractions provide a colorful journey through the city’s rich heritage.

6. Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove, a suburban area near Chicago, is renowned for its excellent schools. These schools have consistently been recognized and awarded by the state in the 21st century. Families flock to this village because it provides a variety of recreational facilities, parks, and events. One such event is the popular Buffalo Grove Days, which spans several months.

Although Buffalo Grove boasts great schools and low crime rates, its population has remained stagnant since 2000. Interestingly, houses in Buffalo Grove sell faster than in any other Chicago community. The village also possesses a strong economic foundation and is home to prestigious companies such as Siemens, Flex, Yaskawa, CVS Caremark, Rexam, Plexus, SMS-NA Business Consulting, and AmerisourceBergen.

Notably, over 64% of Buffalo Grove’s residents hold a bachelor’s degree, making it a community that values education and offers a well-rounded lifestyle for its residents.

7. La Grange

La Grange, another best suburb for families in the Chicago area, boasts a strategic location easily accessible from every direction. The village is home to a variety of quality single-family homes, with prices ranging from $350,000 to over $1 million.

The Park District of La Grange is dedicated to providing recreational opportunities, maintaining 78.5 acres of parkland at 11 locations, and organizing over 1,500 recreation programs annually for its more than 16,000 residents.

Families in La Grange benefit from an excellent educational system, anchored by the nationally ranked Lyons Township High School, which caters to over 2,800 students. Notably, La Grange has received accolades in publications like Chicago Magazine and West Suburban Living, earning distinctions such as Best Downtown and Best Places to Live.

8. Oak Park

Nestled just west of Chicago, Oak Park, home to around 54,500 people, is an ideal place for families. This thriving community is renowned for its architectural heritage and diverse population.

With 16 parks, including 2 outdoor swimming pools and 1 indoor skating rink, families can enjoy ample outdoor recreation. Points of interest such as the Cheney Mansion, Ernest Hemingway Birthplace, Ernest Hemingway Museum, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio add cultural richness to the community.

Oak Park takes pride in its excellent schools, world-class architecture, shopping, and dining options, and robust public transportation network, making it a well-rounded and inviting place for families to call home.

9. Northbrook

Northbrook, located on Chicago’s North Shore, is a vibrant community with a population of 33,170. Its downtown shopping district has boutiques and specialty stores, giving it a friendly, neighborhood feel. Residents can enjoy upscale shopping and dining options.

Northbrook also hosts significant landmarks, including the Northbrook Public Library, Northbrook Court shopping mall, the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, the Chicago Curling Club, and the Northbrook Court shopping mall. It’s a well-rounded and engaging place to live with a median home price of $625,293.

10. Western Springs

Western Springs, Chicago, secures the penultimate spot on our list of best suburbs for families. With a total population of 12,975, it stands out as a community offering a blend of safety and education.

Notably, Niche labels it as the best place to live in Cook County, while Homesnacks ranks it as the second-best place to live in the entire country.

Safety is paramount, as Safewise designates Western Springs as the fourth safest city in Illinois. The suburb also shines economically, with a median household income of $174,760. Education is a priority, with 78% of students holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, making Western Springs a well-rounded and thriving community for families.3

11. Winnetka

The last suburb on our list is Winnetka, an excellent place for families. It has beautiful tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, top-rated schools, fantastic parks, and great recreational facilities. The community is also home to many non-profit and religious organizations.

Winnetka is one of the wealthiest places in the United States in terms of household income, and it ranked second in Illinois on Bloomberg’s 2019 Richest Places Annual Index. In 2020, it was recognized as one of the best places to live by 24/7 Wall Street.

The village’s charm truly shines in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant colors, creating a photographer’s paradise.

Best Suburbs of Chicago for Families: Final Thoughts

Choosing the right suburb for your family is a significant decision, and the Chicago metropolitan area offers a plethora of options. Whether you prioritize excellent schools, community events, or access to recreational facilities, these 11 suburbs provide a diverse range of choices for families seeking a welcoming and family-friendly environment.