2023 Most Diverse Places to Live in Illinois

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.53 out of 5  106 reviews

Current Resident: It goes block by block. Many beautiful homes and buildings and friendly neighbors in certain pockets and with real eyesores in others. Extremely diverse and everyone gets along. Hidden gem used to be very affordable compared to the rest of the North side. Unfortunately the affordability and parking is not going to last long. Love my long-time neighbors!... Read 106 reviews

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• Population 81,109

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  2,760 reviews

Current Resident: Firstly, optimizing the search functionality would greatly benefit users. Implementing advanced filters and search options would allow users to refine their searches more effectively. For example, providing filters based on specific criteria like academic programs, extracurricular activities, or student demographics would help users find schools or neighborhoods that align with their specific needs and interests. Additionally, incorporating user-generated content would enhance the authenticity and reliability of the information available on the platform. Allowing users to leave reviews, ratings, and comments about schools and neighborhoods would provide valuable insights from firsthand experiences. This would empower users to make more informed decisions based on a broader range of perspectives.... Read 2,760 reviews

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• Population 2,742,119

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  96 reviews

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 96 reviews

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• Population 33,443

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.35 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: We live in a central location to go many places, however, we have a lively small downtown in Zion and there is usually something going on or a place for you to go. Though, parts of Zion can be dangerous and more crime ridden, the entire city isn't that way. The city is a working class city and have I had crime happen in my neighborhood? Yes, my parents' cars have been ransacked and there was a big-time burglar that lived down the street from us. But, this doesn't define my experience or made it any worse. There's good and bad to every place that people live but it's what you do to make that experience the best for yourself.... Read 71 reviews

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• Population 24,660

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.52 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: Moved here two years ago, and I love it here. Everything is pretty accessible by walking or CTA within a 15min. The neighborhood is quiet and isn’t as transient as other trendier neighborhoods (if that’s what you’re looking for). A lot of great diverse food and bar options on Taylor St. Definitely feels safer year-after-year.... Read 50 reviews

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• Population 23,346

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  188 reviews

Current Resident: Rogers Park is a great location for college students since Loyola, Northwestern, and North Park campuses are close by. There’s a plethora of ethnic foods to try for any foodie- Indian, Senegalese, Ethiopian, Greek, and more! There are more chain restaurants close to campus which allows students to get meals taken care of even when schedules get really busy. Locations for Target, Aldi, Walgreens, CVS, Whole Foods, and Cermak are scattered around and easily accessible. For people interested in nightlife activities, Rogers Park has its own bars, but also Uptown is pretty close where there are jazz bars, a theater, and late night bars with chill vibes.... Read 188 reviews

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• Population 54,011

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  253 reviews

Current Resident: Hello folks! I have been living in Bolingbrook for at least 15 years now and I have to say I am seeing lots of improvements. Around 2006-2015 Bolingbrook was a iffy place to be at meaning not a lot of upgrades going around, homes being rented out left and right, and just not a pleasing area to want to retire at. Then the years 2017-2022 huge changes being done with this suburb area. I'm seeing lots of changes being done, lots of new homes being built, the high school is getting tons of credibility from their student performances, and prices around the area is slowly raising.... Read 253 reviews

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• Population 73,807

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: What I like about North Park is that is calm. The neighborhood is clean and yes there might be a cemetery but what I like the most is like I said before that is calm, is close to a University and a High school.... Read 40 reviews

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• Population 18,847

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  571 reviews

Former Resident: Do not listen to some of these reviews. I was born in Dallas, lived in Oakland for a year, lived in Skokie Illinois for a year, and grew up in Aurora. My whole family is from Illinois and I love this place. This place has my favorite food (Deep dish Chicago pizza, Chicago-Style hotdogs, Italian beef, etc.) and many childhood places (Luigi's, Raging Waves, etc.). However, downtown Naperville is definitely nicer, but downtown Aurora is still really nice. Do not trust some of the statistics and reviews about "bad crime". However, there is a reason I gave this 4 stars... We became broke here and gained debt sadly. After 6th grade, I had to move to Perry Florida, but I'm moving back here, after I graduate from Tallahassee Community College. Everytime I think about this place nostalgia floods back and I can not get it out of my mind. This place is a very underrated gem. So if you like nice medium cities with people and charm this is definitely the place for you. Love you Aurora!... Read 571 reviews

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• Population 183,447

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  87 reviews

Current Resident: Bridgeport Is an up and coming town. A lot of new rebuilds. Its a town full of art! Home of the Bridgeport art Center, and the White Sox! Lots of great Asian restaurants since we are near China town, and quite the diverse community with all races leaving on one block! It is also a town full of retired police force and is known for it's history with racism and horrific acts of violence, but that seems to have changed quite a bit with a new generation having populated this area!... Read 87 reviews

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• Population 34,356

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I just moved from the suburbs of Detroit to Galewood, Chicago IL within the past year. I come from a slow paced MI community that is very “white picket fence” so keep that in mind for the rest of my review, as city life is new to me. I currently live in the Galewood Flats complex. The neighborhood surrounding the complex is peaceful and seems safe. I have walked to and from the train station at night with my wife several times and felt very comfortable. Venturing out further to local businesses and restaurants has also proven to be both convenient and safe. It is about a 30 min drive to the Loop with light traffic. If you drive ~ 10-15 min east or southeast from Galewood you will come across places like Austin and Garfield that I would advise not to stay in for too long, especially at night. But don’t let that deter you from Galewood. If you are new to the city, each neighborhood is its own place and the vibe can change by a matter of 2 blocks.... Read 13 reviews

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• Population 8,856

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  108 reviews

Current Resident: Lansing has an amicable atmosphere and everyone for the most part is friendly. We support each other and overall we have a nice safe community. The schools around here give us the necessary tools to move on into adulthood. Very rarely does anything criminal happen. Neighbors leave their doors open, kids play in the streets, and people walk their pets at night. Whenever I go to the park I see happy families. Lansing has unity which I've seen when the protests started. People follow the rules and stay in their houses because of the virus. I feel at peace in Lansing. The only thing that I would change is to increase funding to the schools programs since some clubs suffer because of financial problems. That or more sidewalks and pothole covers but that is because I am a serious bike rider. My parents picked Lansing because they knew that the people and the location were out of the city and therefore safer for us kids to flourish in without many worries or troubles. I am glad to live here.... Read 108 reviews

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• Population 28,916

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  93 reviews

Current Resident: Grew up here and recently moved back. It is right next to Schaumburg and is a great location in the hub of several other neighboring cities like Bartlett, Streamwood, Roselle, and more. Much cheaper to live in Hanover Park than Schaumburg with all the same perks including schools and stores.... Read 93 reviews

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• Population 37,545

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.25 out of 5  8 reviews

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• Population 2,633

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  115 reviews

Current Resident: It's a great neighborhood with what I personally to have some of the best food in the whole city and considering it's in Chicago, that means probably some of the best food in America by association. The people can be cool for the most part but some of them be tripping sometimes.... Read 115 reviews

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• Population 27,401

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.18 out of 5  114 reviews

Current Resident: Got a beautiful home at a great price! Plenty of diamonds in the rough here and banks have grants depending on the area you buy. It's got easy access to many nearby towns with tons of amenities and the local businesses here are great! The ice cream place Zarlengos is fantastic. The people are kind and most keep their homes nice. There are parts of the heights that are a bit poorer but everyone works really hard to make it a good town. Easy to get a hold of our local officials as well. I see lots of opportunity here! Lots of nice neighborhoods by Vollmer and Joe Burr and only getting better!... Read 114 reviews

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• Population 27,840

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  198 reviews

Current Resident: I love the city of Waukegan. It is a love centering place for people seeking to live that old style way of life. The Waukegan Pier gives civilians the opportunity to get closer together both with family and friends. Waukegan does also offer certain activities to the public at the Genesis Theater where plays are displayed. One of my personal fun activities when I was younger was in Easter Time where our public parks would hide the Easter eggs and allow children to find as many as they could.... Read 198 reviews

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• Population 89,751

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: One of the best suburbs! Great town to raise a family, quiet and safe area. There’s a couple of expressways that makes it accesible to commute pretty much everywhere at a reasonable amount of time.... Read 54 reviews

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• Population 19,036

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  236 reviews

Current Resident: Crime rates are low. Friendly neighbors. Very civil. The schools here are very nice, unlike my (no shade) previous CPS school, the town is very near one of the top universities (northwestern) as well! There are major malls here in Skokie, as well as a major hospital.... Read 236 reviews

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• Population 67,444

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: I enjoy that Berkeley is a safe neighborhood and a quiet one. The police officers are always going around the neighborhood which adds to the town being safe. Berkeley also has beautiful landscaping throughout the town. There is also many activities for all ages such as glow sand volleyball for adults and soccer league for kids.... Read 25 reviews

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• Population 5,314

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  130 reviews

Current Resident: Albany Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. It's a hidden gem. The neighborhood is full of local shops, restaurants, bakeries, and international grocery stores. There are many parks and a nature preserve near by. The neighborhood is more quiet than some others in Chicago, but the Brown line is a short walk away, and it will get you to many of the most popular and bustling neighborhoods in the city in no time!... Read 130 reviews

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• Population 48,647

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  161 reviews

Current Resident: The thing to know about Edgewater is that you can find almost anything here from a housing perspective. There are apartments that rent for about $1,000, homes that cost $1,500,000+ and there is everything from high-rises to single family homes. The rule of thumb is the closer to the lake, the more dense. Transit is very good and you can drive downtown in 20 minutes or less outside of rush hours. There are a ton or restaurants, bars and stores. Grocery shopping here is not a hassle and there are even a number of good hardware stores! I moved up here from Lakeview in 1999 buying a townhouse on the park. Wanted a single family home with a yard so bought one in 2014. Really liked the townhouse but love the house. The neighborhood is fantastic. A true neighborhood. People are very friendly without being too involved in your private life. My neighborhood looks like a small town yet is only three blocks from the EL. My block is very wealthy but not showy. Highly recommend.... Read 161 reviews

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• Population 51,227

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  391 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in the greater Joliet area the majority of my life and love this town so much that I too have started a family here. If you're a person who likes community, amazing food, good schools, and a safe environment, Joliet is literally the place to be. Joliet is a city rich in history and culture with endless offerings for its residents.... Read 391 reviews

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• Population 150,323

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.37 out of 5  89 reviews

Current Resident: East Humboldt Park has a mix of everything I want in a neighborhood. It's a ten minute walk from the heart of Wicker Park where there is shopping and restaurants, and five minutes from the beautiful park where you can enjoy nature, play tennis, run, or picnic. The neighborhood is a mix of old and new so it still has the character of a diverse city with a rich history, but has been recently infused with money which has improved safety and esthetics. Our neighbors on the left have been there for generations, and our neighbors to the right are young professionals. We all look out for each other.... Read 89 reviews

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• Population 68,634

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.67 out of 5  6 reviews

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• Population 4,022