2021 Best Places to Live in Stephenson County

Lena

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: I've lived here my whole life and I know a lot of the citizens from working at local businesses. The majority of the town is very nice and always says hello, even to people they do not know. I went to the school in town from pre-K to 12 grade and can say that it could be better organized and prepare students a little better. However, there wasn't a single teacher that didn't take time to make sure I understood whatever we were learning.The town is continuing to grow and make itself better. I wouldn't be able to compare my town with many others since I have lived here my whole life. But, I would love to move to a city and experience life there. Even when I leave, I expect this town to still have the same safe, homey feeling it always has to me.
Read 9 Reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• 2,879 Population

Freeport

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3.38 out of 5  55 reviews

Current Resident: Nice little town! It’s like moving back in time. Moved here to get away from the craze of city life. Bought a mini castle in need a little work for a Very affordable price. Low taxes in my area compared to city taxes or other areas. All my shopping needs close by. Good neighbors,
Good schools and nice parks around. Looks like I found what I was looking for a nice, safe place to raise a family...
Read 55 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• 24,119 Population

West Point Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B+

• grade B+

• 3,184 Population

Rock Run Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B

• grade B+

• 2,074 Population

Davis

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: As a resident of Davis, I enjoyed living here because it is a very small town and very quiet. I am a little introverted so I enjoy going somewhere then coming home where it is quiet and peaceful. The people around here are very nice and Davis has a very neighborly feel to it. In Davis we have two beaches and a lake where families can enjoy there time. During the summer,before the the pandemic, there were many activities on the lake and beaches. One of my favorite activities during the summer is Summer fest on the beach. They have a hula hoop contest for the kids and a bag toss tournament. I entered the bag toss tournament one year and enjoyed it immensely. I saw people I knew playing and enjoyed the social time. Overall Davis is not the most lively places but if you are looking for a relaxing time with family where it is quiet and not much noise then Davis is a good place to live.
Read 3 Reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• 551 Population

Lake Summerset

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Living in the country, especially a gated community is safer than the larger cities.
Read 3 Reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• 2,057 Population

Loran Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B

• grade B+

• 1,279 Population

Lancaster Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B

• grade C+

• 1,171 Population

Winslow Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B

• grade B+

• 496 Population

Oneco Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B

• grade B

• 1,188 Population

Rock Grove Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B

• grade B

• 1,586 Population

Pearl City

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Pearl City is a very nice little town. Everybody knows everybody else. It is a safe town. The school is very family friendly. Parents are always welcome and invited.
Read 2 Reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• 738 Population

Florence Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B

• grade B minus

• 1,453 Population

Waddams Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 2.33 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• 789 Population

Ridott Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Lived here my whole life. It’s a pretty calm place. My only worry is watching out for speeding cars and sometimes late night four wheelers. It’s in a good location relative to larger cities so commute is a lot shorter.
Read 2 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• 1,645 Population

Buckeye Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• 1,051 Population

Winslow

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: It is a great town that has the small town feel without being stuffy and judgmental as other small towns in the area. Even though our family was not raised here, we have been welcomed by many. This is the first town my family has lived in where we felt truly home.
Read 1 Review

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• 350 Population

Orangeville

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3 out of 5  9 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• 752 Population

Harlem Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: Police cars are active and responsive
Read 3 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C

• 2,219 Population

German Valley

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Closely knit community with a strong focus on family. Short drive to other small towns, a large metro area, recreational points and two hours away from Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Iowa border!
Read 3 Reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• 553 Population

Erin Township

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 1 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• 460 Population

Rock City

• Town in Illinois
• Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Rock City is a rural town located alongside Highway 75 and is between Rockford and Freeport. Rock City is centrally located between 2 other smaller towns Dakota and Davis. The school district is Dakota, located in Dakota. Rock City is a pretty quiet town. It's country living in town(if that's possible). It's a great place to raise a family.
Read 1 Review

• grade B minus

• grade B

• 323 Population

Kent Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• 669 Population

Cedarville

• Town in Illinois

• grade B minus

• grade C

• 652 Population

Silver Creek Township

• Town in Illinois

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• 726 Population