2019 Most Diverse Suburbs in Cook CountyAbout this List

Berkeley

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 19 reviews

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 19 Reviews

• B

• C-

• A+

• 5,205 Population

Wheeling

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 136 reviews

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 136 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 38,264 Population

Skokie

• Town in Illinois
• 187 reviews

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 187 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 64,773 Population

Hillside

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 29 reviews

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 29 Reviews

• B-

• C-

• A+

• 8,151 Population

Forest Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 32 reviews

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 32 Reviews

• A-

• C-

• A+

• 14,127 Population

Blue Island

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 48 reviews

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 48 Reviews

• B-

• B

• A+

• 22,446 Population

Lansing

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 89 reviews

Current Resident: Lansing has a lot to offer the community. There are art opportunities. Plenty of great eateries. Only 30 min drive from Chicago. There are weekend events such as Cruise Night and performances in the hub of the center of town. The schools are constantly being improved upon to give our kids the best education. One of my favorite things, was TF South's annual art shows, which is open to the public.
Read 89 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• A+

• 28,308 Population

Chicago Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 99 reviews

Current Resident: It’s a good town! They keep the streets clean. Pick up garbage on time, yards are cut nicely, friendly neighbors, mailman always on time, and police are always on top and making sure everything get checked out and always there when needed. Also, they are very helpful.
Read 99 Reviews

• C+

• C-

• A+

• 30,292 Population

Hoffman Estates

• Town in Illinois
• 186 reviews

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+

• A+

• A+

• 51,631 Population

Evanston

• Town in Illinois
• 166 reviews

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 166 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 75,557 Population

Streamwood

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 89 reviews

Current Resident: Streamwood, IL is a very quiet neighborhood. We are right on the border of Schaumburg, IL. Everything is taken care of very well from our garbage disposal to our streets. There is plenty of stores and restaurants within a five mile radius and entertainment as well. About 15 minutes away, we have Woodfield Mall which has over 100 shops and fine dining/fast food. The taxes we pay here are not too bad either. I love it here!
Read 89 Reviews

• B+

• B

• A+

• 40,615 Population

Alsip

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 44 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Alsip! There is always so much to do and the people are fantastic. I have lived here my whole life and it has become a very special place in my heart. Alsip is not too far away from the city so commuting is easy enough.
Read 44 Reviews

• B

• B

• A

• 19,302 Population

Westchester

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 45 reviews

Current Resident: Overall this a great community to live in, but it lacks diversity. I moved here about 4 years ago and have enjoyed living here for the most part. There are a bunch of places to go such as the neighborhood park as well as trails to walk and bike on. Our local Mariano’s supplies us with a wide array of groceries that are always fresh and affordable. The atmosphere within this neighborhood makes me feel safe and that is one of its best attributes.
Read 45 Reviews

• B+

• C

• A

• 16,687 Population

Homewood

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 125 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to raise a family! Love the trees and the variety in the styles of houses. Parks are awesome with many great activities and programming for kids, not as much for high school age students. Many new restaurants, a boutique hotel, coffee and tea shops, 2 golf courses, ice skating rink, fitness centers, wall climbing, etc. Also lots of good shopping options- Old Navy, Target, Walmart, Ross, T.J. Max, Best Buy, and more. Easy Metra commute downtown. My kids absolutely love school and their teachers. We moved here 10 years ago for the schools, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Read 125 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 19,252 Population

North Riverside

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 20 reviews

Current Resident: Great neighborhood, unfortunately the village is out of money to support the community. Most people take care of their homes and maintain the up keep and keep them clean. The village offers many programs, unfortunately other towns can sign up and classes are limited for camps and youth programs
Read 20 Reviews

• A

• A

• A

• 6,966 Population

Prospect Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 12 reviews

Current Resident: I grew up in Prospect Heights and now I have my own place with my kids. The schools are getting better. The district is very diverse, they teach in different languages. The elementary school is currently getting upgrades. It is safe and family friendly, everyday you see people on Old Willow riding bikes together or walking together, even at night. It is a small town with very few stores. One thing I would like to see about Prospect Heights is more stores, job opportunities, restaurants, for it to be modernized.
Read 12 Reviews

• A

• A+

• A

• 16,345 Population

East Hazel Crest

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is very quite and well observed by the police station that is very close. The streets are clean and well maintained by the community. Neighbors are very nice and respectful of one another and check up on one another frequently.
Read 3 Reviews

• C+

• D+

• A

• 1,625 Population

Rosemont

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 8 reviews

Visitor: Rosemont is a great place for family fun, entertainment, and delicious restaurants to eat from. They offer skydiving, shopping, music in the park, fireworks during the summer months and a beer garden for enthusiasts. Many things can also be enjoyed at no charge to you and without driving in traffic to downtown Chicago. It is close to all major toll-ways and O'Hare airport. The hotels are nice and the village really spends on the aesthetics year round from millions of Christmas lights, to fireworks, flowers and clean streets. Great place to spend the weekend or just visit for the day.
Read 8 Reviews

• B

• A

• A

• 4,871 Population

Lyons

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Lyons, IL when I was in 8th grade. It was definitely a drastic change since I grew up in the city. I honestly enjoy Lyons because it is a small city and my commute time to work is ten mins. Plus every store is nearby! I love it!
Read 15 Reviews

• B-

• C-

• A

• 10,599 Population

Steger

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 25 reviews

Current Resident: Steger is a smaller town, with a smaller town atmosphere, but close enough to Chicago to still have a little hustle and bustle and the opportunities that come with that big city atmosphere. Steger encapsulates the best of both worlds. Steger has recently shown a commitment to public education through the rehabilitation and remodeling of the Eastview Elementary School into the Steger Intermediate Center. Steger is also changing and updating the local Sauk School into the Steger Primary Center. I am very pleased to see these changes occurring. I am also very excited to see how this trend towards education will continue to grow in the coming years. I would hope to see more funding and expansion in the local high school, Bloom Trail, and the Steger public library.
Read 25 Reviews

• C+

• C-

• A

• 9,505 Population

Rolling Meadows

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 66 reviews

Current Resident: Rolling Meadows is a great town, close to Chicago and the train station, and has plenty of shopping and dining near by. As a lifelong resident of Rolling Meadows, I have seen many improvements in the last few years to increase community involvement and interaction with the city marketplace on weekends, events at local parks, and community center events for families. I'm glad to see that Rolling Meadows is taking initiative to improve resident's lives.
Read 66 Reviews

• A

• A+

• A

• 23,418 Population

Evergreen Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 75 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Evergreen Park for the last 10 years and feel lucky to live here. The Village just keeps improving and improving. Affordable homes with lots character in mature neighborhoods. Safe tree lined streets and excellent schools. No potholes here. Streets and parks are meticulously cared for. Couldn't ask for quicker snow removal and care of public spaces. Yuckich field and 50 Acre Park/Urban Farm are truly gems. Library is small but exceptional with wonderful programs for children and adults alike. Great restaurants -old standards like Roseangelas and Pappy's as well as newer upscale Thiti's & Unidad. Newer Whole Foods & Starbucks have been great. additions. I would like to see the park district programs modernize a bit and more public art.
Read 75 Reviews

• A-

• A-

• A

• 19,796 Population

South Chicago Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 4 reviews

• C

• C-

• A

• 4,139 Population

Justice

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 10 reviews

Former Resident: I grew up in justice Il. I attended grammar school, all the way through high school in this suburb. The schools are great there. Nice place to raise children, great environment and close to many expressways that and allow you to expand your travels.
Read 10 Reviews

• B

• B+

• A

• 12,973 Population

Burnham

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: Burnham is a very small community. It’s quite and filled with working class people. The neighborhood is very safe considering the police station sits right on the corner. Therefore, out of the 7 years I’ve lived in Burnham there’s been no crimes. I love how clean and quiet it is. I’ve left my door open plenty of time and no one ever came in and took anything. I love the city of Burnham and will not be relocating anytime soon. Also, the mayor comes by your home to welcome you to the neighborhood when you first move into your home.
Read 8 Reviews

• C+

• C

• A

• 4,214 Population