2019 Most Diverse Places to Live in IllinoisAbout this List

West Ridge

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 94

Current Resident: I have lived in west ridge for almost a year now and it’s a very nice and diverse neighborhood. It is right next to Roger’s Park which is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. It seems like a very family friendly neighborhood and also is easily accessible to CTA buses. It’s also very close to the northern suburbs of Chicago, so you have the best of both worlds of living in the city and living in the suburbs.
Read 94 Reviews

• A-

• C+

• A+

• 76,215 Population

Chicago

• City in Illinois
• 1,708

Current Resident: I love my neighborhood in Chicago! I live in LS right off the California blue line. We have access to so many bars, restaurants and performance venues. The main thing I would improve in my city is more transit options and better bike safety. I'm doing my part in reducing my carbon footprint by not owning a car. I wish that in part, trains could run more often and that more trains could be built to accommodate our cities growth. In addition, I wish that there were more bike lanes and that pedestrian safety was taken more seriously.
Read 1,708 Reviews

• A-

• C+

• A+

• 2,722,586 Population

Bolingbrook

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 205

Current Resident: I have lived in Bolingbrook pretty much my entire life, almost. I am currently 20 years old now. It has a very homey feeling to it, but that might be personal bias. There is a lot to do, depending on what you are looking for. There's plenty of parks for kids, plenty of food options to pick from, and lots of shopping places from the promenade with friends to grocery shopping for essentials! I feel well connected to surrounding areas and don't feel too "closed off", as Bolingbrook is pretty close to anything you would need.
Read 205 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A+

• 74,548 Population

Zion

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 52

Current Resident: Zion, Illinois, is a small and humble town. The people are friendly and understanding, possibly from it being a semi-military town. It is only three miles at most from Lake Michigan, where many people of all ages will spend their afternoons. The public spaces are well kept, with the Zion Public Library in particular giving many happy childhood memories. While the people have many difference, the work together to overcome them. The housing ranges from cute trailers to four bedroom ranches, showing the wide varieties of lifestyles that can be found here. Overall, this town is just what you choose to make of it. Any life can be lived, as long as you yourself are up to it.
Read 52 Reviews

• C+

• C+

• A+

• 24,157 Population

Fuller Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 3

• B-

• C+

• A+

• 4,006 Population

Glendale Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 80

Former Resident: Glendale Heights is a village in DuPage County in suburban Chicago. It's a wonderful place to be because of the diverse culture and various people there. As a result of its size, the communtiy is very close-knit, safe, and a has a healthy enviroment. I've been living here for the past eleven years and I can truly say that this is a great place to be! The library, sports hub, and police department have events often that help the kids in the area learn about new and fascinating things. The school districts are great too.
Read 80 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A+

• 34,330 Population

Berkeley

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 18

Current Resident: Moved to Berkey a few years ago wanting to find a small quiet town outside the city but close to Metra. I absolutely love that it's a small, tree covered town minutes from the metra. I can get into downtown in 35 minutes!
Read 18 Reviews

• B

• C-

• A+

• 5,205 Population

Bridgeport

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 60

Current Resident: I've lived in Bridgeport for about 13 years. When I arrived in America at age 4, I was terrified because I knew absolutely nothing about the lifestyle, culture, etc. I was most intimidated by learning English because it is so different from Cantonese. Bridgeport provided a phenomenal environment for my childhood. Not only did I attend a well rounded school, the diverse community shaped my judgement and character as I grew up. Additionally, i became so independent because my parents would work 24/7 and I would have to walk everywhere by myself. The safety was immaculate. Unfortunately, safety has decreased over the past few years due to increase of crimes. Despite that, I know my Bridgeport well and I know the neighborhood will continue to come together, bond, support each other, and implement change.
Read 60 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• A+

• 33,696 Population

Rogers Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 147

Current Resident: I love Rogers Park! It has a great, small neighborhood vibe in a big city setting. My street is quiet, often dotted with the sounds of foot traffic and an occasional dog. My local grocery store, Devon Market, is a great, affordable and diverse little supermarket within walking distance. I've also been delighted to find small arts communities and opportunities in the neighborhood, which is an essential to my living experience here!
Read 147 Reviews

• B+

• C+

• A+

• 56,360 Population

Galewood

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 10

Current Resident: I’ve lived in Galewood my entire life and I love this place. As a kid, my best friends were my neighbors and my entire block was like a family. I have found through my experiences that mostly everyone in Galewood is friendly, supportive, and humble. There is plenty of diversity and people from all backgrounds. While there is crime, it is definitely not as threatening as some other Chicago neighborhoods. The public school systems are not the best, however I did not attend public school in Galewood, I have only heard about it from my friends that go to Sayre and Steinmetz. Galewood gives the suburban feel, while still living in the amazing city of Chicago.
I am only a teenager and I am not too conscience of the economic aspect of Galewood or anything related to that, I only wrote this review based on my experience.
Galewood has shaped my entire childhood and I love everything about Galewood, and specifically I believe that I live on the best block in the city.
Read 10 Reviews

• A-

• C+

• A+

• 9,684 Population

Aurora

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 462

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. Aurora is predominantly Latino and I grew up in a household speaking Spanish. I loved the diversity of my community because then I applied to the Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy on the other side of Aurora. This experience was culture shocking because it was required you live in a dorm and that you experience different cultures such as Asian, Caucasian and African Americans, something I had never done before. What I would change about Aurora is the crime rate on one side of the city versus the safer other side of the city. The East and West sides both have very different crime rates. Besides that I love my city!
Read 462 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A+

• 200,946 Population

Albany Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 115

Current Resident: Albany Park has a very diverse community. Though predominantly Hispanic, ethnically speaking, the community is a melting pot. It is a relatively safe area, with adjacent communities being Lincoln square, North Park, Irving Park, Portage Park, and more. The precinct I am in borders the Chicago River. Overall, my living experience has been great. I used to go on runs with my father and brother on the track at the Chicago Celtic Training Location. There are many recreational activities one can partake in if they choose to live in Albany Park. There are great high schools around Albany Park, like Theodore Roosevelt High School, and Northside College Preparatory High School a little north of the Albany Park community. Roosevelt High School has a large demographic and and currently 33 languages are being spoken at the school. Overall, the public school system, transportation system, and social network makes Albany in general a great community.
Read 115 Reviews

• B+

• C+

• A+

• 51,992 Population

Little Italy/UIC

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 48

Current Resident: I enjoy the "small town" feeling in such large city. For example, when I walk to class and everyone who grew up in the neighborhood says hello and asks how I'm doing. It makes me feel like I am part of a very small and safe community. There aren't many things that I would change about the neighborhood. I do wish however, that there were more study places on the main boulevard. Someplace for students to go late at night to study together and get coffee or a snack.
Read 48 Reviews

• A

• C+

• A+

• 30,196 Population

Hanover Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 74

Current Resident: My experience with Hanover Park is amazing. I grew up around warm and caring neighbors that always help me out and support me. I have lived in Hanover Park all my life. I have also attended a public elementary school in Hanover Park and learned how to grow as a person from the warm environment this school and neighborhood provided. The climate of this suburb is very family friendly due to many of the neighbors having children of their own and also due to the fact that this neighborhood consists of 2 elementary schools. Another positive aspect of Hanover Park is that it is located in a convenient spot regarding restaurants, drug stores, retail stores, and many other places to spend recreational time. On the other hand, a negative aspect of Hanover Park is that many people speed their cars during the night time which can threaten people's safety. Some residents are also known to blast their music late at night while other residents are trying to sleep.
Read 74 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• A+

• 38,350 Population

Hyde Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 89

Former Resident: I love Hyde Park, Chicago. Of all of the 77 neighborhoods that Chicago has to offer, I believe is the safest, most interesting and most diverse. It is home to the distinguished University of Chicago. So many different people reside in Chicago, of every different race, ethnicity and religion. People that come from all different walks of life. Hyde Park is a quick bus ride away from downtown and train ride away from anywhere else in the city. There are so many restaurants museums and shops, and you're literally right on the beach! You could spend a whole day here and completely fall in love with it.
Read 89 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 26,827 Population

Fairmont

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

• B+

• A

• A+

• 2,595 Population

Wheeling

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 130

Current Resident: One of the number one things I like about Wheeling, IL is the fact that it’s a very quiet and safe town. Nothing much goes on that would turn people away, it’s very active community that helps those in need. I’ve been living in Wheeling for most of my life’s and have enjoyed all of my time spent here. However, one thing which I would like to see in Wheeling is a more commercialized area like a mall or something of the like. Though it isn’t being worked on currently in downtown which will make the town even better socially and economically!
Read 130 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 38,264 Population

Skokie

• Town in Illinois
• 181

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 181 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 64,773 Population

Hillside

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 28

Current Resident: I what I enjoyed growing up in Hillside was and STILL is the Diverse Resturants: Authentic Mexican/Puerto Rican, Urban (Joe's Ribs, Chicken and Fish), Subs, Pizza, Chinese, Burgers n Fry Joints are the best, very satisfying!!! There's a walk way which is called Prairie Path which extends as far as Villa Park/Downers Grove areas, this is cool because people walk their dogs, jog, run, walk, power walk, skate and ride bikes. The pathway is so therapeutic!!! The landscaping of the neighbors lawns, flower arrangements as well as bushes and trees breath taking. There is and open lot near a Car Store that can be filled with a Movie theater, lol, that's about it.
Read 28 Reviews

• B-

• C-

• A+

• 8,151 Population

Preston Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 8

• B-

• B-

• A+

• 2,817 Population

Joliet

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 325

Current Resident: Living in Joliet, IL isn't bad as everyone thinks. I enjoy the city! Great places to go around with family/friends. I appreciate what the city has to offer to me. Things that can change here in Joliet are the traffic jams that can happen at times. The city has great public programs/ organizations that children and adults can enjoy! Joliet is a well-rounded city that people can live happily. The most important thing I really love about the city is when people gather to have events. For example, "Taste of Joliet" is a great example where people all over Joliet and other cities come together and experience a great feeling to food vendors, carnival, kids zone, and headline entertainment!
Read 325 Reviews

• B

• B

• A+

• 148,172 Population

Forest Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 29

Current Resident: If you're looking for a place to take the family even if it's for ice cream, a movie in the park, summer fests, or to explore the downtown area, then this is the place to go. With so many activities the community does and provides you wouldn't want to miss it! Everyone is very friendly and looks out for one another.
Read 29 Reviews

• A-

• C-

• A+

• 14,127 Population

Irving Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 107

Current Resident: I grew up in Irving park my whole life, surrounded by a diverse and kind community. I also attended the neighboring elementary school Grover Cleveland , and from then went to Lane Tech college prep. I also go to my nearby church , the immaculate heart of Mary, where all my other neighbors attended. Everyone knew everyone and would help take take care of one another. We trusted one another and we could safely walk to streets, as there has never been any altercations with gun violence or any gangs in the area. There also happened to be plenty of mom and pop stores which are supported by the neighborhood. The community also has safe parks for the kids to play in ,activities for the whole family. There would be block parties and garage sales all over Irving Park. I overall lived a safe and loving community and I rate Irving Park a 10/10.
Read 107 Reviews

• B+

• C+

• A+

• 54,606 Population

Blue Island

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 46

Current Resident: Blue Island is a suburb that is very advanced and has a lot of communication between the city government and the people. City hall is always open to the people and they are able to join the town-hall meetings to express any concerns they may have. There is diversity in this city which means there are many different types of restaurants for all different types of people. Cultural celebrations are also very common, so it's fun to be a part of Blue Island. Something that needs to change is the gang activity. Although in the past years, there has been a decrease in violence, it's still not 100% safe to walk alone at night. More police monitoring should be established.
Read 46 Reviews

• B-

• B

• A+

• 22,446 Population

North Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 38

Current Resident: I have been living in North Park neighborhood over five years. So far, I have only encountered friendly neighbors. I never have to worry about getting home safely at night. One of the best thing about living in the North Park neighborhood is the quietness. Overall, North Park is a great neighbor to live in, however, it lacks diversity. It does not have many color of people. It mostly contains concussions.
Read 38 Reviews

• A-

• C+

• A+

• 18,842 Population