2019 Most Diverse Suburbs in IllinoisAbout this List

Bolingbrook

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 216 reviews

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 216 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A+

• 74,548 Population

Zion

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 54 reviews

Former Resident: Zion was my home for 19 years until I moved on January 2019. Theres a reason people say, "You don't know what you have until you lose it", this could not be more true for how I fell after leaving. It was a quiet town that it connected to many other cities like Gurnee and Winthrop Harbor. It is also extremely close to Chicago which makes frequent visits there possible. The people are friendly and Zion Benton Township High School is excellent. It offers many AP classes with great teachers leading them. In the summer they host a car show where various cars are put in exhibition for three days. They will also put up a lot of stands with tacos, hamburgers, funnel cakes and other foods.Overall I think its a great place and would recommend people look into it.
Read 54 Reviews

• C+

• C+

• A+

• 24,157 Population

Glendale Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 82 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 82 Reviews

• A-

• A

• A+

• 34,330 Population

Berkeley

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 18 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 18 Reviews

• B

• C-

• A+

• 5,205 Population

Aurora

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 470 reviews

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 470 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A+

• 200,946 Population

Hanover Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 75 reviews

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 75 Reviews

• A-

• A+

• A+

• 38,350 Population

Fairmont

• Suburb of Chicago, IL

• B+

• A

• A+

• 2,595 Population

Wheeling

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 131 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 131 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 38,264 Population

Skokie

• Town in Illinois
• 184 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 184 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

Preston Heights

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 8 reviews

• B-

• B-

• A+

• 2,817 Population

Joliet

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 331 reviews

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 331 Reviews

• B

• B

• A+

• 148,172 Population

Forest Park

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 30 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 30 Reviews

• A-

• C-

• A+

• 14,127 Population

Blue Island

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 47 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 47 Reviews

• B-

• B

• A+

• 22,446 Population

Lansing

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 87 reviews

Current Resident: I like Lansing because I have lived all of my life. It is close to Indiana, so you can always go to Indiana to go shopping for anything because they have a lot of stores for groceries, clothes and etcetera. The schools have all been under construction and either remodeled or they have added new additions which makes it better for students. I think that the high school has done an amazing job focusing on students and implement ways for them to focus on their future and thrive.
Read 87 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
• 183 reviews

Current Resident: The town is very pleasant to live in. Not much crime, the education district 211 is highly appraised and the job force is also excellent. Property taxes are higher than in other areas and there are occasional issues with construction. This is a good town to live in if you have a family, not the place for nightlife. The town is clean, no trash alongside the roads. A very diverse area, every house is different and it adds to the beauty of the city.
Read 183 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 51,631 Population

Elgin

• City in Illinois
• 291 reviews

Current Resident: Having been born in Elgin, I love the community of friends I have been able to form, along with the various attractions offered throughout the city! Nearly every year, my family and I participate in the annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot, and have enjoyed walking or running.
My favorite places to go are the Gail Borden Public Library, and Rakow Branch Public Library: both wonderful to find interesting books to read, or to meet up with friends for studying or any event being held!
Although some people don't see much to do around here, I'm always able to find something to do, and the distance from this city to neighboring ones is always convenient.
Read 291 Reviews

• B

• B

• A+

• 112,628 Population

Crest Hill

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 34 reviews

Current Resident: Many activities, many amazing places to eat, great community even if it's small. Many of the houses are nice and everything is so close to home. There's so many forest preserves near by for pets or bird watching. I really enjoy living here.
Read 34 Reviews

• B+

• A

• A+

• 20,368 Population

Waukegan

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 157 reviews

Current Resident: Growing up in this city was a blessing! Although it is known to have a bad reputation, the people of Waukegan really do care about this city and are willing to put in the effort to make it better! Growing up here definitely humbled me, and I am grateful for the working class people of this community. I will forever be proud of my roots, and they are planted here in Waukegan.
Read 157 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• A+

• 87,999 Population

North Chicago

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 19 reviews

Former Resident: It’s nice and small. No real hustle and bustle. It’s whiter and simple. Cheap to live. High school and community center employees tend to over lap. Aftera, they are a stree apart. There’s some violence but in isolated pockets. Low income neighborhood but very livable and safe. Nothing like what people might think by reading the news. Families have been established there for years. Many parks but no grocery stores. Should be more opportunities for kids. The rowdy because they’re restless.
Read 19 Reviews

• B-

• D

• A+

• 30,013 Population

Evanston

• Town in Illinois
• 162 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 162 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 75,557 Population

Addison

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 73 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Addison IL for about 12 years now. I love how friendly and caring everyone in the community is. There is multiple activities and events to attend no matter of age, For example, every Thursday in the summer, the village has a rock and roll night. This event is a place to eat and have a good time while watching a live band. The local schools do a amazing job in teaching the criteria that is needed for everyday life in the world. The teachers in Addison not only educate about a certain subject , but how to be successful in life no matter what difficulties come along the way. Though Addison is a amazing community, we need to start more club teams for sports. I believe this ,because as an athlete there are not a lot of clubs to improve in a sport. Overall, I love living in Addison and it has been such an amazing place to grow up and learn everything I need for college and everything ahead in my life.
Read 73 Reviews

• B+

• B

• A+

• 37,104 Population

Streamwood

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 85 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 85 Reviews

• B+

• B

• A+

• 40,615 Population

Alsip

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• 42 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 42 Reviews

• B

• B

• A

• 19,302 Population