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So, you’ve chosen the suburbs of the Windy City to plant roots and spread your wings—you’re in for a fruitful, full life here!
The city of Chicago is beloved for many reasons. Its history, growth, development, and opportunity span much too far to summarize in a few short words. Mark Twain even said about Chicago’s history that “it is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago.”
We’re here to introduce you to the best places to live around Chicago to keep you close to the action while providing the lifestyle you’re dreaming of in your new adventure.
The following locations around Chicagoland provide endless opportunity for young adults, families, and downsizers alike. From multiple commute options to top-rated school districts to constant events around the communities, you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of these great spots.
The Best Places to Live in Northwest / North Chicagoland
Grayslake is such an ideal location for young professionals with its Prairie Crossing Metra Platform that leads to Chicago Union Station. Residents can expect a vast array of things to do, unique restaurants and bars to try, one-of-a-kind shops to explore, and outdoor attractions to check out.
Des Plaines not only boasts all of the major conveniences you'll need nearby, but it also showcases an array of neighborhood gems and lush outdoor parks to explore. For the working professional this area is a great choice because it's 10 minutes away from O'Hare Airport! Check out its eclectic local highlights and appreciate the many activities awaiting you here.
Huntley boasts an outstanding park district with pools, bike paths, playgrounds, and outdoor fitness areas. With so many conveniences within Downtown Huntley and along IL-47, you won’t have to go very far to get all your errands done living here!
Marengo may be more affordable than other Chicagoland suburbs, but this close-knit, nature-surrounded city has a lot to offer within its boundary lines. Plus, all the amenities of Huntley are just 15 minutes away, and you’ll have easy access to Schaumburg via I-90.
Buffalo Grove has been crowned as one of the best places to live in Illinois due to its fabulous schools, plethora of strong businesses, close proximity to highways, and well-kept nature preserves! Enjoy a special sense of community with many delightful ways to get involved.
Hawthorn Woods is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a hometown with wonderful schools, beautiful scenery, and a location that neighbors other prestigious cities. There is plenty to love about this sought-after suburb, from festivals and outdoor events to stunning golf courses, incredible shopping and dining at its mall, and so much more.
The Best Places to Live in West Chicagoland
Naperville is ranked as the best city to raise a family in America, so we’re truly proud to build new homes and townhomes here. Highly rated public schools, world-class parks, and a strong sense of community make Illinois’ fourth largest city an incredible place to call home. It was even recently named the best city in the U.S. to trick-or-treat!
Aurora provides proximity to Naperville as well as plenty of nearby amenities like shopping, dining, and entertainment on the 75th Street and Route 59 corridor—perfect for a night out! From its delightful farmers market to its renowned Paramount Theatre to its bustling downtown, there’s so much to do and see in Aurora. It has also been ranked one of the safest cities to live in the U.S.!
South Elgin has been touted one of the top destinations in Illinois by Niche and combines stunning scenery with a family-friendly community—the best of both worlds. Families enjoy an affordable cost of living, an ideal position that puts them close to other well-known cities, noteworthy schools, and abundant local attractions and staples for the utmost convenience.
Plainfield is beloved by young families in particular for its quaint, small-town vibes, charming downtown, and incredible school options. Plenty of activities are offered through its Park District to indulge in year-round. Learn more about what makes Plainfield special.
Plano is a top choice for many families who move to the area, since it offers affordability, copious activities, a quaint suburban feel, and access to neighboring cities of Yorkville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Aurora.
The Best Places to Live in Southwest Chicagoland
Homer Glen, a neighbor of Orland Park, boasts quick access to nearby roadways as well as several Metra train stations, making it an excellent choice for the commuter. On weekends take in its range of nearby things to do, such as nature preserves; world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment; homegrown farms; and so much more.
Orland Park is another stellar choice for the working professional moving to the Chicago area because of its multiple commute options and seemingly endless list of local activities to take part in, including creative social events, community sports, great date night spots, and pristine parks.
New Lenox is a bustling town with an abundance of family-friendly adventures, wide open green space, and fantastic school districts; it’s simply a slam-dunk. Frequent the Village Commons for year-round community events with live music, movies in the park, art, and more.
Lockport blends modern-day businesses with preserved history for the ultimate charm. It also has its very own Metra Platform in the lovely downtown area, so you can get to work or wherever you need to go fast. Take the kids to Family Fun Zone, Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park or any of the other neighboring family-friendly spots.
Advice for Moving to Chicago’s Suburbs
If you’re planning to relocate to the Chicago area, you’ll want to consider the following tips:
- Talk to a local expert. With so many superb suburbs, school districts, neighborhoods, and more, making your decision can feel overwhelming unless you lean on a resident expert to talk through what you’re looking for and provide you with options that best match your needs.
- Scope out your new hometown before moving, if possible. If you’re able to visit the area of Chicagoland you’re thinking of moving to beforehand, make sure to experience some local flavor—try the top-rated restaurants, walk the downtown, and check out places you’ve seen on things-to-do lists!
- Plan out your work commute well in advance. The commuting landscape here can be intimidating at first, but you’ll get the hang of it! Give yourself plenty of time to plan out your daily travel and familiarize yourself with roadways, the Metra, and travel times.
- Take advantage of what your new hometown offers! Dress up for that renaissance festival. Make a weekend routine of checking out the fresh produce at your closest farmers market. Get the kids involved in teams, art fairs, and free events. Plan a different date night destination each week. There is so much waiting to be discovered, and chances are you’ll make some lifelong friends in the process!
Your future is definitely looking bright in the Chicago, Illinois area. Since we’re highly experienced experts in this area of the state, it would be our great honor to show you more of our new home communities around Chicagoland. Discover your dream home in one of these wonderful hometowns today.
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