2019 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Chicago AreaAbout this List

Long Grove

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 11 reviews

Current Resident: We've lived in Long Grove for 10+ years and love it. The large lots, forest and great conservation areas make it feel so private and pastoral, yet it's close to everything with good train service into the city on two different lines. And the best high school in the state (Adlai Stevenson) in my opinion! Downtown LG (meaning the village proper) took a hit in the recession but it is coming back with several new restaurants and businesses now open. Still very atmospheric and New-Englandy.
Read 11 Reviews

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• 7,980 Population

Buffalo Grove

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 137 reviews

Current Resident: As a teenager growing up in Buffalo Grove, the majority of my plans with friends involve eating out with friends at one of the numerous restaurants around the area. There are so many amazing options for food in and around Buffalo Grove that include cuisine from almost anything you could think of. In the summer, I bike ride constantly around the area, and I never feel worried about my safety in Buffalo Grove. In order to explore some activities beyond food and dessert, you may need to venture into nearby suburbs. However, you don't need to travel far to experience pedal boating at Independence Grove, indoor skydiving and outlet malls at Rosemont, and other awesome options to do with friends or family. I've been lucky to attend Stevenson High School, which has given me the ability to meet so many people in a diverse atmosphere. Through my AP classes and the rigor of the school, I know I will be prepare to take on college and beyond. Happy to grow up here!
Read 137 Reviews

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• 41,551 Population

Clarendon Hills

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 22 reviews

Current Resident: Great small town with excellent schools and a cute downtown. Easy to get to downtown Chicago on train or highway. Cons: lack of diversity and more conservatives than I would like to live near. Also, lack of local businesses leads to higher taxes and the downtown needs some work (though it is improving). Needs better restaurants and a bar or two that doesn’t close at 9:30. It’s a safe, clean and friendly community and a really nice place to live.
Read 22 Reviews

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• 8,680 Population

Wilmette

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 81 reviews

Current Resident: A very safe and welcoming town! The food selection is wonderful and everything is family owned. Our neighbors are willing to help out whenever on the NextDoor app with anything from babysitting to job opportunities to fixing a leaky faucet! The village is kept and very welcoming, there are many nearby site-attractions and parks for family-friendly fun!
Read 81 Reviews

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• 27,393 Population

Kenilworth

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: Kenilworth is a Family friendly town in a very beautiful area of Illinois near Lake Michigan with great school, manicured yards and nice people. It’s much more diverse than it used to be considering race, religion and politics.
Read 3 Reviews

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• 2,547 Population

Western Springs

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 30 reviews

Current Resident: This town captures it all! They have excellent public and private schools for families. There is a very small and quaint downtown area that has several restaurants and wine bars. A good old fashioned market with a butcher/deli, fruit store, oberweiss, Starbucks and many small businesses owned by our very own residents! The town resembles a modern day "Maybury" and yes almost everyone knows each other! I've Iived here for the past 12 years, since my son turned 5 and could start going to school and have loved every minute of it!
Read 30 Reviews

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• 13,187 Population

Green Oaks

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 7 reviews

Niche User: Libertyville is a safe area to live in.
Read 7 Reviews

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• 3,855 Population

Tower Lakes

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 9 reviews

Current Resident: Probably the friendliest and most scenic Village in Illinois. Beautiful lakes & beach island. Tons of social events. Great police force, no violent crime. Elite school district. Lots of environmental preservation projects. Local government runs on a shoestring using mostly volunteers.
Read 9 Reviews

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• 1,184 Population

Glencoe

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 22 reviews

Current Resident: Great community....one of the best in country! Safe, preety and great to raise a family. The Best schools in country!
Read 22 Reviews

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• 8,923 Population

Winnetka

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: Winnetka is a clean, respectable suburb just outside of Chicago. The amazing thing about Winnetka (aside from the optimal location just off Lake Michigan) is the people! Walking around the town, there is a positive atmosphere and everyone is willing to say "hello!"
Read 15 Reviews

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• 12,504 Population

Naperville

• City in Illinois
• 573 reviews

Current Resident: Best place to raise a family! Great downtown with many great restaurants . Most schools rated the highest in the state! Many activities for adults and children! Safe neighborhoods, friendly neighborhoods! Low crime rate, great park districts with many activities and plenty of volunteer activities.
Read 573 Reviews

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• 146,431 Population

Bannockburn

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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• 1,300 Population

Kildeer

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 10 reviews

Current Resident: A very conservative middle to upper-class suburb, but a very safe area to live in. A good place to be if you don't really like to be bothered. Very close to attractions such as Woodfield Mall (largest mall in Illinois) and Deer Park town center; the shopping is abundant.
Read 10 Reviews

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• 4,001 Population

Lincolnshire

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 10 reviews

Nearby Resident: Lincolnshire is one of the safest towns I have ever been to. Extremely family friendly, making it the perfect town to raise children. Lincolnshire has a fantastic public High School as well as numerous other elementary and middle schools. Lincolnshire is also filled with fun things to do! Filled with fantastic upscale high end restaurants as well as countless chain fast food joints.
Read 10 Reviews

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• 7,328 Population

Indian Head Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: A hidden gem. I have lived here for 21 years and loved every minute. It is a great place to raise children. The schools, parks, and sports are excellent. Commuters will love the easy access to I-55 and 294 expressways. It is also easy to take the metra. If the houses are too expensive you can choose a condo or townhome.
Read 4 Reviews

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• 3,829 Population

Hinsdale

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 40 reviews

Current Resident: Great community. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Overall a great community!
Read 40 Reviews

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• 17,705 Population

Northfield

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: What a wonderful place to live! The town is a pleasant place to ride bikes and visit local shops, the library, grocery, pharmacy, the village restaurant, which are all run by friendly locals. Easily accessible and a small town feel, only 15 minutes away from the city of Chicago. I'm so glad we moved here!
Read 6 Reviews

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• 5,459 Population

La Grange

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 41 reviews

Current Resident: La Grange is a town that values its history and looks forward to the future, as demonstrated in its annual town traditions like the pet parade and holiday walk, as well as in the variety of its architecture. Downtown La Grange is a prime example of the melding of past and future, being the host of the aforementioned events, and being located in the middle of the quiet, residential Historic District. Just one look at the La Grange Theater marquee sign creates a deep sense of nostalgia, which is furthered by streets of businesses nestled close together, often topped by small apartments on the second floor. Architecturally, this area has remained untouched by time. The businesses themselves, however, are new and exciting small chains or businesses offering diverse experiences in dining, shopping, and leisure.
Read 41 Reviews

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• 15,721 Population

Vernon Hills

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 108 reviews

Current Resident: Vernon Hills is a great community. The public schools excellent and score well on standardized tests. There are many park, bike paths, and green spaces to enjoy that welcome children and dogs. We have a mall and several other shopping centers that have nearly every store you could ever want to visit. The newly built Mellody Farms is a mixed-use development that includes shopping, dining, and apartments.
Read 108 Reviews

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• 26,084 Population

Northbrook

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 67 reviews

Current Resident: Great northern suburb of Chicago to raise a family in! The school systems are definitely a perk of living in Northbrook. Likewise, the community events are extremely open and family-friendly, truly a great place to grow up and find your roots.
Read 67 Reviews

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• 33,591 Population

Glenview

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 122 reviews

Current Resident: Great schools and neighborhoods. Glenbrook South actually won a “Grammy” for it’s unparalleled music program. It offers an excellent variety of advanced placement courses, sports and activities for ALL interests. The neighborhoods are clean and everyone cares about the appearance and safety of them. My sons never felt threatened or bullied. School environment was friendly and nurturing. Parents are caring and involved. The night life is primarily the many small restaurants in the Glen. It offers a terrific hospital, ice arena, and fun, neighborhood water parks. Holiday parades and fireworks with the Glenview orchestra are other family outings. If you want an exciting nightlife, go to Chicago. Glenview is an awesome family oriented community.
Read 122 Reviews

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• 47,066 Population

Riverwoods

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: Nice and quiet....you feel like you're in some small town in Wisc. All homes are 1 or 2 acre lots. Lots of trees and flowers. The best!
Read 8 Reviews

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• 3,683 Population

Deerfield

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 31 reviews

Current Resident: I am attending a local school and can say, that Deerfield is a rich, white suburban neighborhood. Stores besides Walmart are relatively expansive, the same thing with gas. The gas price can vary up to 20 cents to the neighbor city. On the other side, people are living their life and criminality is really low. Deerfield itself is really small, maybe 3000 people. While it is so little, it only has gas stations and fast food restaurants. Also, what I am wondering about , at least 4 banks are located their.
Read 31 Reviews

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• 18,896 Population

Inverness

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 17 reviews

Current Resident: I like how Inverness is a peaceful and safe environment. It is also a very clean area. There are very nice people around here. Always willing to help and give as much as they can. No one is discriminating and they all include everyone.
Read 17 Reviews

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• 7,723 Population

Hawthorn Woods

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 14 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here for 6 years of my life. It is a very quiet part of the suburbs in which the houses are not very close together or at least where I lived. There is adequate infrastructure and it is quite safe. I've had little to no interaction with my neighbors simply because we live so far apart and also to my personal preferences as well. The low light is helpful for stargazing. You will definitely need a car to get around here. Most of the places I go to require a 15-30 minute drive to places like lincolnshire and mount prospect. However if you intend to stay in the area, this won't be a problem.
Read 14 Reviews

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• 7,962 Population