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2020 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Chicago AreaAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 405

Best for Families

Best Places to Live
Most Diverse
Best to Buy a House

405 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Long Grove
Suburb of Chicago, IL
14 reviews
#1 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: I’d say this town is very normal, the things I love are down town long grove and the schools which are full of opportunities. My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. Also the school district is really good, most/if not all of the students attend Stevenson High school, an amazing school full of great opportunities! I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. However it’s a small town, so I wouldn’t say the area is for everyone, and I’ve always loved the big cities.
Read 14 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
7,978 Population
View Nearby Homes
Clarendon Hills
Suburb of Chicago, IL
25 reviews
#2 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: We moved here 2 years ago and love it! Housing is spendy but there are no "cookie cutter" houses and the neighborhoods look great. Everything is walk-able. We love letting our kids walk to the library and into town for an ice cream cone or slice of pizza. I walk to the Metra station and can be in Chicago in 1/2 hour without dealing with the horrendous Chicago traffic. People are friendly and folks wave and visit. The middle school is top notch and feels much smaller than it is. My kids' teachers actually know who they are. We are so glad we are here.
Read 25 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,711 Population
View Nearby Homes
Buffalo Grove
Suburb of Chicago, IL
146 reviews
#3 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 146 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
41,329 Population
View Nearby Homes
Wilmette
Suburb of Chicago, IL
86 reviews
#4 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 86 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
27,419 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hinsdale
Suburb of Chicago, IL
44 reviews
#5 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Great community. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. Overall a great community!
Read 44 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
17,654 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kenilworth
Suburb of Chicago, IL
4 reviews
#6 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 4 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
2,512 Population
View Nearby Homes
Western Springs
Suburb of Chicago, IL
34 reviews
#7 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Great area! Wonderful neighbors, nice train station and beautiful parks and great curb appeal. Good schools in the district as well.
Read 34 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,227 Population
View Nearby Homes
Naperville
City in Illinois
616 reviews
#8 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Naperville is a nice town to grow up in! It's big enough where there are a lot of things to do but small enough that you get to know a lot of it's residents and make good connections with people. Unfortunately, the one thing that Naperville lacks is diversity. It has increased it's minority population within the last couple of years but it still lacks the ability to include all those people and make it feel like a more inclusive community
Read 616 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
147,411 Population
View Nearby Homes
Glencoe
Suburb of Chicago, IL
22 reviews
#9 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,919 Population
View Nearby Homes
Bannockburn
Suburb of Chicago, IL
#10 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
1,325 Population
View Nearby Homes
Winnetka
Suburb of Chicago, IL
17 reviews
#11 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. It’s a wonderful town. As kids and teens, we rode our bikes all over, and there are stop signs on every corner so kids can safely walk everywhere. There are lots of parks, activities at the Community House, and excelkent beach access. There are large beaches and small pocket beaches at the end of all East-West streets. Being literally in the shores of Lake Michigan is fantastic. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Lots of schools - public. Private, and two Parochial schools- all in town! Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. Three Metra train stops, which is terrific, Most towns on the North Shore Line only have one. Trains run below ground so it’s very safe. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Very pretty village and neighborhoods.
Read 17 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
12,481 Population
View Nearby Homes
Tower Lakes
Suburb of Chicago, IL
9 reviews
#12 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
1,205 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kildeer
Suburb of Chicago, IL
12 reviews
#13 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Kildeer is a safe area with the police department constantly patrolling. Nature is well preserved in this area. The school districts are really good. During rush hours, the traffic can sometimes be bad. Overall, Kildeer is a nice area for people of all ages to live in.
Read 12 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
4,014 Population
View Nearby Homes
Green Oaks
Suburb of Chicago, IL
8 reviews
#14 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Green Oaks is a nice place to live. There are excellent schools and the community has a friendly atmosphere. There are many opportunities for work and volunteer experience.
Read 8 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
3,851 Population
View Nearby Homes
Vernon Hills
Suburb of Chicago, IL
118 reviews
#15 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Former Resident: I grew up here and it is one of the nicest towns in the area. The entirety of Lake County is pleasant, actually. As a small child, wandering around my neighborhood was not a problem, because the streets are safe and well maintained. Really nice place to grow up! I miss it!
Read 118 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
26,259 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lake Forest
Suburb of Chicago, IL
59 reviews
#16 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Moved to Lake Forest from Hinsdale due to a job change and wow am I impressed. Lake Forest does an excellent job utilizing corporate tax revenue to keep property taxes extremely low. From the beach to preserves and the meticulously manicured estates, I didn't know beauty like this existed. Surprisingly, the community is very close and the people are much friendlier than expected. Neighbors actually know each other. The community is very active as well. Hinsdale will always hold a special place in my heart but I am more than happy with LF.
Read 59 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
19,219 Population
View Nearby Homes
Riverwoods
Suburb of Chicago, IL
8 reviews
#17 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
3,656 Population
View Nearby Homes
Northbrook
Suburb of Chicago, IL
79 reviews
#18 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. My family chose to live here for those two exact reasons; safety and good school districts. Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. You honestly don't have to leave the community for necessities (unless you want to). I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. I'm so happy I found this community!
Read 79 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
33,463 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hawthorn Woods
Suburb of Chicago, IL
19 reviews
#19 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 19 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,047 Population
View Nearby Homes
Deerfield
Suburb of Chicago, IL
36 reviews
#20 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: It is very kid friendly. Many many parks for kids to play. Most parks have been recently upgraded. Sunday summers host live music at one of the parks. The park district offers many different classes for kids of all ages. Friendly neighborhoods!
Read 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
18,930 Population
View Nearby Homes
Glenview
Suburb of Chicago, IL
128 reviews
#21 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 128 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
47,333 Population
View Nearby Homes
La Grange
Suburb of Chicago, IL
46 reviews
#22 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
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 46 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
15,632 Population
View Nearby Homes
Highland Park
Suburb of Chicago, IL
50 reviews
#23 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Highland Park, H.P. for short, is a quiet, friendly, and small neighborhood. The schools are very good educationally and athletically. Little crime happens in HP. There are a lot of local small business' that employ locally, thus supporting its neighborhood and it people. Although since many places are locally owned they do get a little expensive, versus The only concern one should have is the lack of diversity, in my opinion about if not more than 60% of the non-white students that go to the High School, are not members of the Highland park community but the Highwood & Fort Sheridan Community.
Read 50 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
29,731 Population
View Nearby Homes
North Barrington
Suburb of Chicago, IL
#24 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
2,974 Population
View Nearby Homes
Libertyville
Suburb of Chicago, IL
111 reviews
#25 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Chicago Area
Current Resident: Great experience here! Welcoming staff and great Greek food! Definitely a modern twist on traditional Greek dishes which makes this place unique and a place to try. I had the Pastitsio, it was big and hearty and full of flavor. Definitely want to come back and try the lamb chops! I invited you to come in
Chrissoulas Restaurant.
Read 111 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
20,480 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best suburbs to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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