When considering a move to the Chicago area, it's essential to explore the numerous suburbs that offer a unique blend of urban and suburban living. With over 200 suburbs to choose from, each with its own character, history, and attractions, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. From the north to the south, Chicago's suburbs boast a diverse range of communities, each with its own distinct charm. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the top suburbs that you won't want to miss, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Key Points
- The Chicago suburbs offer a diverse range of communities, each with its own unique character and attractions.
- Top suburbs like Naperville, Evanston, and Oak Park provide a blend of urban and suburban living, with access to excellent schools, parks, and cultural events.
- Suburbs like Schaumburg and Arlington Heights offer a more affordable option, with a range of housing options and a strong sense of community.
- The north suburbs, including Highland Park and Lake Forest, boast beautiful lakeside locations and excellent schools.
- The south suburbs, including Orland Park and Tinley Park, offer a more laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
North Suburbs: A Haven for Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts
The north suburbs of Chicago are known for their beautiful lakeside locations, excellent schools, and strong sense of community. Suburbs like Highland Park and Lake Forest offer a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in Highland Park is 104,321, with a median home value of 343,400. In contrast, Lake Forest has a median household income of 115,862, with a median home value of 423,400. Both suburbs boast excellent schools, with Highland Park High School ranking #10 in Illinois, and Lake Forest High School ranking #15.
Highland Park: A Hub for Arts and Culture
Highland Park is a vibrant suburb that offers a rich cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and performance venues. The suburb is home to the Ravinia Festival, a summer music festival that features a range of classical, jazz, and pop music performances. With a population of 29,763, Highland Park has a strong sense of community, with plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities. According to a survey by the Chicago Tribune, 85% of residents rate the suburb’s quality of life as “excellent” or “good”.
| Suburb | Median Household Income | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Park | $104,321 | $343,400 |
| Lake Forest | $115,862 | $423,400 |
South Suburbs: A More Affordable Option with Plenty of Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
The south suburbs of Chicago offer a more affordable option for those looking for a suburban lifestyle. Suburbs like Orland Park and Tinley Park boast a range of housing options, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. According to data from Zillow, the median home value in Orland Park is 243,400, with a median household income of 83,419. In contrast, Tinley Park has a median home value of 193,400, with a median household income of 73,419. Both suburbs offer a more laid-back atmosphere, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, parks, and lakes.
Orland Park: A Hub for Shopping and Dining
Orland Park is a vibrant suburb that offers a range of shopping and dining options, including the Orland Square Mall and numerous restaurants along La Grange Road. The suburb has a strong sense of community, with plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities. According to a survey by the Chicago Tribune, 80% of residents rate the suburb’s quality of life as “excellent” or “good”.
In addition to its excellent schools and outdoor recreational opportunities, Orland Park is also home to the Orland Park Village Center, a hub for community events and activities. The suburb has a range of community programs, including sports leagues, art classes, and volunteer opportunities. With a population of 58,362, Orland Park is a thriving community that offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living.
West Suburbs: A Blend of Urban and Suburban Living
The west suburbs of Chicago offer a blend of urban and suburban living, with access to excellent schools, parks, and cultural events. Suburbs like Naperville and Oak Park boast a range of housing options, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the median household income in Naperville is 105,226, with a median home value of 343,900. In contrast, Oak Park has a median household income of 83,567, with a median home value of 283,400. Both suburbs offer a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities and access to excellent schools.
Naperville: A Hub for Education and Innovation
Naperville is a vibrant suburb that offers a range of educational and innovative opportunities, including the renowned Naperville School District 203. The suburb is home to numerous parks, trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Naperville Riverwalk and the DuPage River Trail. According to a survey by the Chicago Tribune, 90% of residents rate the suburb’s quality of life as “excellent” or “good”.
What are the best suburbs in Chicago for families?
+Some of the best suburbs in Chicago for families include Naperville, Highland Park, and Oak Park. These suburbs offer excellent schools, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
What are the most affordable suburbs in Chicago?
+Some of the most affordable suburbs in Chicago include Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Schaumburg. These suburbs offer a range of housing options, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions, and a more laid-back atmosphere.
What are the best suburbs in Chicago for young professionals?
+Some of the best suburbs in Chicago for young professionals include Evanston, Oak Park, and Naperville. These suburbs offer a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with access to excellent schools, parks, and cultural events.
In conclusion, Chicago’s suburbs offer a diverse range of communities, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the north to the south, each suburb boasts its own strengths and weaknesses, and there’s sure to be one that meets your needs. Whether you’re a family, young professional, or retiree, the Chicago suburbs offer a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with access to excellent schools, parks, and cultural events. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the ultimate suburb for you.
