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2019 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook CountyAbout this List

Explore the best suburbs to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 141
Best Places to Live
141 results

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  1. Evanston

    • Town in Illinois
    • 167 reviews
    #1 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Evanston is a great city right north of Chicago. We enjoy the benefits of being next to such a huge metropolis, without having to deal with some of the more negative aspects of city living. Its next to Lake Michigan as well, which creates a very beautiful environment.
    Besides its geographical qualities, Evanston has an amazing school district. It has only one high school which has an A+ from Niche and scores very high in national rankings. It is also a college town, with Northwestern University adding a great atmosphere to Evanston.
    However, one thing I would change is the activities available. Evanston can get boring at times, and if you don't go to Chicago a lot, you can get stuck in a limbo. Other than that small thing, it is a great town to live in!
    Read 167 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 75,557 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Wilmette

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 79 reviews
    #2 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: The public schools are fantastic! Neighbors are nice, and there's lot of basketball courts, and parks nearby.
    Read 79 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 27,393 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Western Springs

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 29 reviews
    #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,187 Population
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  4. Oak Park

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 134 reviews
    #4 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Oak Park is a middle sized town with many trees and beautiful parks. The citizens of Oak Park are racially and financially diverse, which shows in the high school that is shared with neighboring town, River Forest, that is called Oak Park and River Forest High School. The majority of people that live here are families since the taxes are high due to the high school and other educational facilities. Recently, more and more condos are being built in downtown Oak Park for retired people. Downtown Oak Park has many cute cafes and culturally diverse restaurants. There is also a movie theater for older children to go to. Two famous Oak Parkers are Frank Lloyd Wright and Earnest Hemingway. There are many references to Hemingway around Oak Park and Wright has been the architect for many homes here as well. People love Oak Park and so many of them return to live in Oak Park.
    Read 134 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 52,229 Population
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  5. Indian Head Park

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 4 reviews
    #5 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 3,829 Population
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  6. La Grange

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 40 reviews
    #6 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: I have lived in La Grange for over 20 years now and can honestly say that is an absolutely fabulous place to raise a family. As someone who lived downtown Chicago for 10 years prior to coming out here, I was concerned that it would be boring, but there are so many excellent restaurants and wonderful places to have a cup of coffee or a drink that I do not feel the need to go downtown Chicago for a nice night out. At the same time, it's just a 20 minute train ride back to the city if you are so inclined. You can't ask for better public schools and there are plenty of reputable private schools around if you prefer. Most importantly, I have never been concerned with my kids safety, which was nice during their tween years when they started walking downtown La Grange by themselves to hang out with their friends. The local movie theater is always playing a recent movie and there are plenty of quick food and ice cream shops around to keep them happy.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 15,721 Population
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  9. Glencoe

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 21 reviews
    #7 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Great community....one of the best in country! Safe, preety and great to raise a family. The Best schools in country!
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 8,923 Population
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  10. Northbrook

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 65 reviews
    #8 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 33,591 Population
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  11. Glenview

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 121 reviews
    #9 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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 121 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 47,066 Population
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  12. La Grange Park

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 36 reviews
    #10 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: LaGrange Park is a small suburb in Chicagoland. It's mostly residential, but has many good restaurants and stores, in particular near Memorial Park. The park itself holds weekly music concerts in its outdoor amphitheater during the summer. There are many forest preserves around the area as well in which to walk or ride your bike. The schools in the area are all very good, and the high school not only has won multiple awards in many areas, it also qualifies students for the in-district prices of two different community colleges. LaGrange Park is also nearby other popular downtown areas, namely those of LaGrange and Brookfield, and Metra trains from either place take you even further for an affordable price.
    Read 36 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,587 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Winnetka

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 14 reviews
    #11 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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 14 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 12,504 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Kenilworth

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 3 reviews
    #12 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 2,547 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Northfield

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 6 reviews
    #13 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 5,459 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Inverness

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 17 reviews
    #14 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 7,723 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Schaumburg

    • Town in Illinois
    • 196 reviews
    #15 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: I moved from Chicago to Schaumburg when I was young and still live here today. Schaumburg is the best place to raise a family or retire to. There’s many restaurants everywhere you drive, whether they are small businesses to larger one we have it all. We moved here for the safety and Schaumburg is filled with families or young adults so there is not much crime here. Our township takes care of snow, landscaping, and garbage. I’ve never seen Schaumburg dirty and when it snows the trucks are out shoveling right when it starts. This helps with kids going to the many great schools we have around. Some may say Schaumburg is expensive, but there are always places for rent. My family aren’t well off but we found our first apartment for $900 a month and this helped us grow our money and move into a better house. Woodfield mall is place for many opportunities whether they are jobs or clothing.
    Read 196 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 74,427 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Hoffman Estates

    • Town in Illinois
    • 186 reviews
    #16 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: I live at the border of two cities: Elgin and Hoffman Estates. Although they are neighboring towns, it seems as though they’re worlds apart. Hoffman Estates is a relatively new town that is constantly being innovated and Elgin is an older town that has been there since the 1800s. What I like about Hoffman Estates is the feeling of safety in my neighborhood. After hearing stories of gang-affiliation and drugs in Elgin neighborhoods, I enjoy coming home and feeling as though I am protected. I wouldn’t want to change anything about Hoffman Estates because it’s constantly being changed already. There are annual innovations being made to make it a better city than it already is. I love my city.
    Read 186 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 51,631 Population
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  19. Palatine

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 175 reviews
    #17 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: I've lived here for 26 years! We purchased with the intent to flip our house and move elsewhere. The more we experienced the area, the more we liked it. We are walking distance to town, the train to Chicago, parks, good schools. We are minutes from major highways and shopping. O'Hare airport is a 20 minute drive. The community is very diverse culturally. There are community festivals, a great park district with really nice facilities, and a responsible village government. We've been really happy with the schools and the opportunities our kids have had. It's kind of expensive to live here and in the Chicago area in general, but we have very enjoyable lives. My kids feel that it's boring here :) but that's because they don't know what boring is!
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 69,099 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Barrington Hills

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 4 reviews
    #18 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Barrington Hills is one of the most beautiful suburbs in IL. It has an equestrian rural country feel yet has many amenities nearby. I have multiple grocery stores, restaurants, Metra stations and malls within a 15 minute radius. The schools are excellent. Homes are on large lots over 5 acres and there are no cookie cutter neighborhoods. Houses are all custom with many estates and large farms in the village. We have young children and this is a great place to raise a family.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 3,622 Population
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  23. Riverside

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 37 reviews
    #19 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Village in a forest with wonderful nature everywhere. Schools very strong and small enough that every kid can shine and make the team. Great police and fire response along with a small but vibrant downtown. Plus the commute to the city is quick & easy. Great place to raise a family.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 8,838 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Skokie

    • Town in Illinois
    • 188 reviews
    #20 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: I love Skokie! I worked in the schools for 12 years and wanted to live nowhere else. It's wonderful. It's very diverse (as in there is no majority and minority) all races, religions, and cultures can be found here. Wonderful people that are very down to earth and many choices for food and recreation. The park district is one of the strongest, the library is wonderful, we're close to the lake but have plenty of affordable housing options. It's easily accessible, with the CTA and the yellow line. Right off of the highway. It's the northshore without the attitude problem.
    Read 188 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 64,773 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Arlington Heights

    • Town in Illinois
    • 154 reviews
    #21 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Great town! Love the cute downtown area with shops, restaurants, and bars! A lot of opportunities for fun family outings. Farmers Market, festivals, fun night life for the suburbs. Awesome places to eat for date nights. Schools are the best in the area. Overall great place for families and singles.
    Read 154 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 75,911 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Barrington

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 34 reviews
    #22 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: We moved to Barrington from a different Chicago suburb a few years ago and we are so happy with our decision. The best place to live is in “The Village”, walking distance to the Metra station and downtown area. Commuting to downtown Chicago is convenient via Metra or I-90. The village could do better attracting more diverse dining and entertainment options but overall we have been satisfied with the town’s amenities. I can walk to Jewel, Starbucks & Cook Street Coffee, various restaurants, a movie theatre, my children’s elementary school, shops, salons, parks, and more. Traffic can be terrible here which is all the more reason to live in the walkable downtown core. There are many beautiful, historic homes in the town which add to its charm. The schools are excellent and we love our neighborhood elementary school (Hough). Everyone is friendly and down to earth.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 10,455 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. River Forest

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 25 reviews
    #23 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: It is a very safe place to study and live. I would recommend it for the student willing to follow a religious program of studies. The community and environment of the school makes it very unique, and one can have many friends from different cultures. In the winter time, there is a lot of snow! And, in my particular case I am enjoying to the maximum this type of weather since we don't have snow in Florida. One of the things that I would like the community of River Forest to have is movie theaters near campus. Thank you very much!
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 11,215 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Morton Grove

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 58 reviews
    #24 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: Morton Grove is a small but tight-knit community. The public parks and forest preserves are well-maintained, and the park district has state of the art facilities. There is an abundance of small businesses to shop at, with restaurants offering a variety of foreign cuisines. The local schools do an excellent job of educating children. The only complaint about the town is the road maintenance: There are some streets in the community that need to be repaved.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,391 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Brookfield

    • Suburb of Chicago, IL
    • 46 reviews
    #25 Best Suburbs to Live in Cook County

    Current Resident: There are many things to enjoy about Brookfield, Il. One is that it is a friendly town thats not too small. You are allowed a degree of privacy while still seeing many people you know around town. There is also a good "downtown" area. Brookfield has a downtown area that is not shared by any other villages. The downtown area attracts all demographics between the classy breweries and the ice-cream shops. The schools are well funded and provide a great education. We are also just a few train stops away from larger downtown areas like Lagrange Illinois and about half an hour train ride to Chicago's train station. This makes Brookfield a great location as the train runs through the neighborhood. We also have the Brookfield Zoo right in our back yard. We also have many forrest preserves and the DesPlaines river quite close which allows for good bike rides and kayaking trips. All in all, it's a nice town bustling with life that maintains its small town coziness.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 18,937 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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