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: 58,959
- Median Home Value: $251,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 725
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
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. Orland Park
- Population: 58,312
- Median Home Value: $283,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 35.8 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,015
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20
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.
8. Naperville
- Population: 148,304
- Median Home Value: $410,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 34.1 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 562
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 102
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.
7. Skokie
- Population: 63,280
- Median Home Value: $308,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,606
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 172
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. Evanston
- Population: 74,106
- Median Home Value: $380,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.6 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,702
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 140
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.
5. Schaumburg
- Population: 73,509
- Median Home Value: $247,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.2 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,516
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 61
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.
4. Mount Prospect
- Population: 54,198
- Median Home Value: $321,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.9 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 558
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 32
Mount Pleasant is a prosperous suburb just northwest of Chicago. The village boasts low crime, highly rated schools and plenty of family-friendly entertainment options. Explore Mount Prospect and learn why it is a favorite. Then get ready to find your next home here.
3. Arlington Heights
- Population: 75,249
- Median Home Value: $350,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.3 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 628
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 28
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.
2. Palatine
- Population: 68,053
- Median Home Value: $278,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 29.6 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 358
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 28
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.
1. Wheaton
- Population: 53,150
- Median Home Value: $350,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 629
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
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.
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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