Best Suburbs in the Chicago Area

The third most populous city in the United States, Chicago proper has a population of almost 2.7 individuals — 10 million if you include the entire metropolitan area. The Windy City has an abundance of architectural wonders that reach skyward and plenty of mesmerizing views of Lake Michigan. No wonder people want to relocate here. Chicago is known for the performing arts, including a thriving improv theater community and eclectic music scene. It’s not just a favorite for the younger generations; many have chosen to retire here. Chicago offers a plethora of suburbs, too, in case urban dwelling isn’t in your DNA. Before you make a decision, take note of the 10 safest cities in Illinois. 

Now, let’s look at the top 10 suburbs sprinkled across Chicago. 

10. Des Plaines 

• Population: 60,675
• Median Home Value: $242,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28.6 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 866
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 81

Don’t let the word “suburb” fool you. Des Plaines, about 20 miles northwest of Chicago, may be out of the range of the bustling city, but there’s plenty of fun to be had here, including the Des Plaines River Trail and the Big Noise Theatre. With multiple schools to choose from, you’ll find a home that’s a perfect fit for your family. With almost 300 communities and move-in ready homes, this burb could be just what you’re searching for.

9. Elgin

• Population: 114,797
• Median Home Value: $215,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.1 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,187
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 199

Time flies in Elgin, IL. This charming Chicago suburb used to be the world’s largest watch manufacturer in the 1860s. These days, this delightful and historic suburb boasts beautiful lakeside parks, fun museums, great skiing, and easy access to the Windy City. With average commute times to Chicago clocking in at less than half an hour, you can’t go wrong building your home in Elgin.

8. Evanston

• Population: 73,833
• Median Home Value: $372,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 33.5 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,266
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 115

Nestled alongside Lake Michigan, Evanston is just a 12-mile straight shot north of Chicago. After the Chicago Fire of 1871, many in high society who had the money to move did so, and they fled to Evanston and built new homes. Today, new buyers are still looking to live here. As home to Northwestern University, Evanston is one of Chicago’s larger suburbs. With more than 200 new home communities to choose from, you too can call Evanston home.

7. Skokie

• Population: 64,826
• Median Home Value: $291,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 32.4 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,255
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 90

The unique village of Skokie is a historical jackpot and a culinary enthusiast and nature lover’s dream. After the Great Depression, Skokie’s population experienced explosive growth as families moved out to the suburbs. It has continued to flourish, but residents still relish the village’s vibrant past. Skokie is only a few short miles from Chicago, so those working downtown can commute in a jiffy.  Come discover your new home in this thriving village.

6. Orland Park

• Population: 58,703
• Median Home Value: $297,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.5 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 705
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 36

Just 27 miles southwest of Chicago, this quaint village offers an array of coffee shops, local restaurants and parks. This winning community has about 400 new home communities, along with great entertainment, outdoor parks and restaurants. Need to commute to the city to work? That’s an easy order; just hop on the Metra commuter rail system. No doubt you will find your next place to call home in Orland Park.

5. Naperville

• Population: 150,034
• Median Home Value: $421,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 31.6 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,172
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 75

The largest suburb of Chicago, Naperville is home to two award-winning public school districts, which is music to parents’ ears. This city, which is located about 30 miles west of Chicago, offers vibrant nightlife and family fun all in the same weekend. Take a stroll in the evenings and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. With almost 3,000 new homes under construction in the area, start searching for your new home today. 

4. Schaumburg

• Population: 72,629
• Median Home Value: $260,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.1 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,540
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 83

Located northwest of Chicago, Schaumburg is an affluent city with low crime rates. From amusement parks to nature walks and museums, you won’t have time for boredom to set in. Come find your dream home in Schaumburg.

3. Palatine

• Population: 67,339
• Median Home Value: $268,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20.4 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 834
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 40

Palatine is a top-notch village with local boutiques and a wide array of restaurants to suite anyone’s taste. Residents always have an abundance of activities awaiting them every weekend. Come check out this hidden treasure where your new home awaits.    

2. Arlington Heights

• Population: 77,676
• Median Home Value: $346,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.1 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 766
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 53

About 25 miles northwest of Chicago lies the village of Arlington Heights, the second largest suburb on our list. Homeowners feel safe living in this community, and with more than 2,000 new construction homes, Arlington Heights is whispering an invitation to all who have ears to hear: Come check out our showcase of homes.

1. Wheaton

• Population: 52,894
• Median Home Value: $352,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.2 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 667
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 59

About 25 miles west of the Windy City, Wheaton is an affluent area where crimes are low and graduation rates are high — nearly 100 percent. It’s home to the well-known evangelical school, Wheaton College, as well as 45 churches, representing 40 denominations. It’s not surprising that nearly 3,000 new homes are popping up in this suburb. Get ready to find yours today!

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Bolingbrook	75,178	$215,000	31.4 minutes	A-	592	112
Tinley Park	56,204	$227,700	33.2 minutes	A-	694	23
Aurora	199,602	$178,300	29 minutes	B+	2,301	538
Oak Lawn	55,511	$194,300	35.6 minutes	B+	758	81
Kenosha, WI	100,164	$145,700	24 minutes	B	1,495	338
Elgin	111,683	$177,500	27.9 minutes	B	1,713	235
Joliet	148,099	$172,400	31.2 minutes	B	2,312	486
Waukegan	86,792	$125,500	27.1 minutes	C+	1,944	355
Berwyn	54,917	$192,700	32.2 minutes	C	818	191
Hammond, IN	75,795	$89,300	26.9 minutes	C-	2,652	365
Cicero	81,597	$154,600	30.8 minutes	C-	1,770	314
Gary, IN	75,282	$67,400	28.1 minutes	D	2,723	374

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.