If you need one more reason to move to one of Chicago’s best suburbs, HomeSnacks is here to give you ten. We’ve created a list of the top ten best suburbs in Chi-town for 2025 and listed them below.
Whether you’re a die hard Chicago Bears fan, a deep dish ‘za fan, or just a fan of a great people, Chicago’s suburbs have all this and then some. And because we know that when searching for your forever home, the amount of information can be overwhelming; take the guessing out of the equation and use our guide to help you navigate Chicago’s suburban waters.
How did we calculate our list? To get the most scientific list, we looked at the latest FBI data for and Census for Chicago’s 166 suburbs. We looked at things like crime reports, median income levels, unemployment rates, and poverty rates for each place. We then ran each suburb through our SnackAbility formula for things like affordability, education levels, safety, and amenities. And, folks, the top ten best suburbs in Chicago are very snack worthy: 8 of the top ten scored a perfect 10/10!
If you’re looking for a safe, family friendly Chicago burb, River Forest’s real estate agents are ready to take your calls, if you’re a new professional just starting out, Clarendon Hills is on Chicago’s “L” and the unemployment rate is relatively low and if you are looking for a suburb with lots to do, Inverness has twenty parks and first class shopping.
More importantly, if you don’t want to be left out in The Windy City’s cold, take a look at our list below so that you are in the know.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 10 best suburbs to live around Chicago for 2025:
Chicago is America’s 3rd biggest city, so to put up the numbers that this city’s best suburbs have done in terms of our SnackAbility criteria, deserves a good ‘ol fashioned shout out! Not to mention, Chicago’s number one best suburb should be the poster suburb for the rest of the country.
So, what is Chicago’s best suburb for 2025? Well, according to the latest data, that award goes to Western Springs.
And if Chicago is your kind of town like it’s our kind of town, do yourself a favor and hit that down arrow key to see where the rest of Chicago’s suburbs landed on our list.
Feel free to check out some more reading about Illinois:
The 10 Best Chicago Suburbs To Live For 2025
/10
Population: 13,353
Median Income: $218,839
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
Poverty Rate: 2.0%
More on Western Springs: Data
Western Springs is always mentioned as one of the best suburbs in the Chicago area. We’ll tell you the good about “Awesome Western Springs.”
Everyone here is rich; families average $218,839 a year, which is the 8th highest in the Chicago region. And only 2.61% are out of work. Homes average more than $691,300 each.
Their is no crime in that town and the neighborhood is nice. Their are a lot of things to do in that town and have a nice ice cream shop called Oberweis Dairy. Their are also Metra trains their too.
Spring Rock Park is a nice park with baseball fields and a hockey rink. Oberweis Dairy has good ice cream.
2. Kenilworth, IL
/10
Population: 2,543
Median Income: $250,001
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Poverty Rate: 1.1%
More on Kenilworth:
Kenilworth is the second best ‘burb we looked at near Chicago for 2025.
It ranks 2nd for incomes in the area and only 1.02% of residents lack insurance, good for 5th best.
/10
Population: 17,155
Median Income: $250,001
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
Poverty Rate: 1.8%
More on Hinsdale: Data
Here in Hinsdale, it’s really safe, and residents are just about as rich as you’ll see in the Chicago metro area.
The bad side? Schools are more crowded, and the cost of living puts a large part of the city out of reach for most families.
But price is based on demand and a lot of people want to live in Hinsdale.
/10
Population: 27,550
Median Income: $192,300
Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
Poverty Rate: 3.4%
More on Wilmette: Data
Wilmette ranks as the 4th best suburb of Chicago for 2025.
You won’t find many better places to raise your kids in the region than in Wilmette and the schools are some of the best around.
I love living in Wilmette. People are so friendly and the town is well run offering many activities. It is a same place to live.
I love being close to Lake Michigan Beach and the pool in Wilmette is fantastic.
/10
Population: 12,508
Median Income: $250,001
Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Poverty Rate: 1.9%
More on Winnetka: Data
Coming in as the fifth best is Winnetka.
Winnetka gets kudos for having the 3rd most expensive homes in the Chicago area, where houses sell for an average of $1,206,300. However, the cost of living here is among the highest in the area.
/10
Population: 15,999
Median Income: $154,556
Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
Poverty Rate: 5.1%
More on La Grange: Data
La Grange is proud of its 6th place finish on this list. And here’s why.
Most residents have great jobs and the unemployment rate sits at 2.01%.
According to online reports, La Grange is quickly becoming one of the more affluent suburbs in the Chicago area, meaning you need to get in soon.
/10
Population: 19,185
Median Income: $189,705
Unemployment Rate: 2.4%
Poverty Rate: 2.5%
More on Deerfield: Data
The 7th best suburb on our list goes to Deerfield.
Deerfield schools are some of the best in the region, and crime is really low. The cost of living makes it a lot more desirable for many families, especially first-time home buyers.
And, it’s only 24.3 miles to downtown, which is a good thing.
/10
Population: 9,079
Median Income: $149,219
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Poverty Rate: 4.1%
More on Riverside: Data
Riverside is growing quickly, and for a good reason. Crime is far below average, and most residents are gainfully employed. Even the cost of living is reasonable.
A solid 1.15% of people lack insurance, good for 6th in the area.
/10
Population: 8,715
Median Income: $250,001
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Poverty Rate: 2.5%
More on Glencoe: Data
Is ‘Everything Better In Glencoe?’
Almost.
It placed 9th on our list thanks to the fact that it’s really expensive to live here, but the schools are great, so you get what you pay for in that regard.
I am from Glencoe and I do NOT appreciate being called the snobbiest town in Illinois, thank you very much. I would also say that nobody else who lives here likes it either. Yes, we are a wealthy town, but there is a fine fine line between s****y and wealthy.
Plus, since the houses get more expensive as they get closer to the lake and Glencoe is right on the lake, the houses will obviously be expensive!!!! That comment that you said about the art galleries and theatres, that’s just because we all like performing arts!!
/10
Population: 13,227
Median Income: $119,115
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Poverty Rate: 4.0%
More on La Grange Park: Data
And rounding out the top ten for 2025 is La Grange Park.
This city is far above average in every category, and the best part? It’s far more affordable than the other cities listed above. So, you get a big bang for your buck here.
Methodology: How We Determined The Best Suburbs Around Chicago for 2025
Figuring out the best suburbs around Chicago was simple. We used Saturday Night Science to find things people like about living in the suburbs and then locate the suburbs with those things.
We analyzed the newest American Community Survey data for 2019-2023 to research each suburb. We decided upon the following criteria:
- Low unemployment rate
- High median household incomes
- Population density (lots of things to do)
- High home values
- A lot of college-educated people
- Low poverty
- High rate of insured families
We defined a suburb as being within 30 miles of Chicago.
Additionally, we limited the analysis to places that have over 2,000 people. This left us with a grand total of 166 suburbs to evaluate around Chicago.
We ranked each place with scores from 1 to 166 in each category, where 1 was the “best.
Next, we averaged the rankings for each place to create a quality-of-life index.
Finally, we crowned the city with the best quality of life index, the “Best Suburb near Chicago.” We’re lookin’ at you, Western Springs.
This result may differ from our state-wide data as we did not include commute times and crime for this analysis to allow for a more extensive selection of suburbs.
We updated the data for 2025. This report is our tenth time ranking the best Chicago suburbs. Skip to the end to see the list of all the suburbs ranked from best to worst.
Summary: Welcome to the Best Chicago ‘Burbs of 2025
We said it once, and we’ll say it again–life in the big city isn’t for everyone. At least not all the time.
The best suburbs of Chicago are .
So if you’re craving the amenities of a larger city like Chicago but don’t want to deal with the drawbacks, one of these suburbs might be for you.
For more Illinois reading, check out:
Table: Best Chicago Suburbs
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Average Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Springs, IL | 13,353 | $218,839 | $691,300 |
| 2 | Kenilworth, IL | 2,543 | $250,001 | $1,409,800 |
| 3 | Hinsdale, IL | 17,155 | $250,001 | $999,100 |
| 4 | Wilmette, IL | 27,550 | $192,300 | $802,200 |
| 5 | Winnetka, IL | 12,508 | $250,001 | $1,206,300 |
| 6 | La Grange, IL | 15,999 | $154,556 | $582,600 |
| 7 | Deerfield, IL | 19,185 | $189,705 | $608,600 |
| 8 | Riverside, IL | 9,079 | $149,219 | $460,500 |
| 9 | Glencoe, IL | 8,715 | $250,001 | $1,354,900 |
| 10 | La Grange Park, IL | 13,227 | $119,115 | $427,800 |
| 11 | Lake Forest, IL | 19,190 | $228,120 | $909,800 |
| 12 | Park Ridge, IL | 39,241 | $138,059 | $539,300 |
| 13 | Northfield, IL | 5,683 | $180,492 | $807,700 |
| 14 | Long Grove, IL | 8,266 | $235,368 | $746,700 |
| 15 | Riverwoods, IL | 3,988 | $243,036 | $796,100 |
| 16 | South Barrington, IL | 5,004 | $211,083 | $986,300 |
| 17 | Lincolnshire, IL | 7,937 | $179,735 | $625,800 |
| 18 | Clarendon Hills, IL | 8,642 | $125,826 | $595,500 |
| 19 | Northbrook, IL | 34,642 | $155,321 | $644,100 |
| 20 | Highland Park, IL | 30,229 | $161,875 | $594,400 |
| 21 | New Lenox, IL | 27,456 | $133,071 | $377,500 |
| 22 | Naperville, IL | 149,424 | $150,937 | $509,900 |
| 23 | Inverness, IL | 7,541 | $215,810 | $704,100 |
| 24 | Wheaton, IL | 53,453 | $119,566 | $447,700 |
| 25 | River Forest, IL | 11,489 | $148,711 | $676,900 |
| 26 | Elmhurst, IL | 45,538 | $145,374 | $532,800 |
| 27 | Mokena, IL | 19,906 | $129,017 | $377,100 |
| 28 | Buffalo Grove, IL | 42,824 | $129,820 | $392,900 |
| 29 | Oak Park, IL | 53,315 | $108,026 | $456,300 |
| 30 | Winfield, IL | 9,982 | $143,102 | $363,400 |
| 31 | Glenview, IL | 47,682 | $138,758 | $598,800 |
| 32 | Burr Ridge, IL | 11,119 | $154,508 | $694,800 |
| 33 | Frankfort, IL | 20,417 | $153,714 | $461,600 |
| 34 | Downers Grove, IL | 49,867 | $119,649 | $439,000 |
| 35 | Brookfield, IL | 19,235 | $108,429 | $314,000 |
| 36 | Lemont, IL | 17,643 | $126,100 | $447,800 |
| 37 | Arlington Heights, IL | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 |
| 38 | Glen Ellyn, IL | 28,270 | $133,346 | $522,600 |
| 39 | St. John, IL | 21,639 | $127,449 | $370,800 |
| 40 | Palos Heights, IL | 11,817 | $107,974 | $350,000 |
| 41 | Lisle, IL | 23,413 | $106,173 | $407,000 |
| 42 | Darien, IL | 21,855 | $109,354 | $386,400 |
| 43 | Itasca, IL | 9,525 | $111,898 | $375,600 |
| 44 | Willowbrook, IL | 9,138 | $97,861 | $367,000 |
| 45 | Willowbrook, IL | 9,138 | $97,861 | $367,000 |
| 46 | Willowbrook, IL | 9,138 | $97,861 | $367,000 |
| 47 | Willowbrook, IL | 9,138 | $97,861 | $367,000 |
| 48 | Lincolnwood, IL | 13,179 | $107,950 | $475,400 |
| 49 | Flossmoor, IL | 9,666 | $137,768 | $309,100 |
| 50 | Orland Hills, IL | 6,758 | $118,281 | $262,600 |
| 51 | Westchester, IL | 16,524 | $103,561 | $297,400 |
| 52 | Indian Head Park, IL | 3,992 | $107,019 | $337,700 |
| 53 | Mount Prospect, IL | 55,648 | $103,911 | $377,000 |
| 54 | Schaumburg, IL | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 |
| 55 | Oak Brook, IL | 8,028 | $171,123 | $867,900 |
| 56 | Homer Glen, IL | 24,516 | $128,546 | $400,000 |
| 57 | North Riverside, IL | 7,495 | $80,753 | $295,100 |
| 58 | Villa Park, IL | 22,456 | $94,698 | $313,100 |
| 59 | Morton Grove, IL | 24,687 | $106,078 | $377,000 |
| 60 | Evanston, IL | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 |
| 61 | Evergreen Park, IL | 19,498 | $95,738 | $255,700 |
| 62 | Roselle, IL | 22,731 | $109,118 | $318,000 |
| 63 | Westmont, IL | 24,201 | $83,622 | $369,100 |
| 64 | Lockport, IL | 26,228 | $113,252 | $298,800 |
| 65 | Lombard, IL | 43,722 | $97,253 | $321,200 |
| 66 | Palos Park, IL | 4,832 | $126,263 | $469,900 |
| 67 | Dyer, IL | 16,400 | $101,183 | $288,700 |
| 68 | Munster, IL | 23,733 | $105,764 | $312,000 |
| 69 | Willow Springs, IL | 5,871 | $103,429 | $370,900 |
| 70 | Carol Stream, IL | 39,427 | $105,395 | $308,700 |
| 71 | Tinley Park, IL | 55,007 | $103,819 | $289,000 |
| 72 | Bloomingdale, IL | 22,388 | $98,891 | $363,100 |
| 73 | Woodridge, IL | 33,889 | $97,263 | $345,200 |
| 74 | Hoffman Estates, IL | 51,186 | $109,683 | $340,400 |
| 75 | Berkeley, IL | 5,222 | $83,224 | $222,400 |
| 76 | Orland Park, IL | 57,961 | $98,979 | $349,400 |
| 77 | Skokie, IL | 66,427 | $93,550 | $368,600 |
| 78 | Harwood Heights, IL | 8,851 | $79,651 | $316,400 |
| 79 | Monee, IL | 5,104 | $89,571 | $226,400 |
| 80 | Oak Forest, IL | 26,888 | $87,941 | $247,800 |
| 81 | Norridge, IL | 15,177 | $87,579 | $361,000 |
| 82 | Forest Park, IL | 14,000 | $81,323 | $293,800 |
| 83 | Palatine, IL | 66,548 | $95,950 | $347,900 |
| 84 | River Grove, IL | 10,482 | $74,793 | $244,700 |
| 85 | Des Plaines, IL | 59,408 | $94,303 | $318,200 |
| 86 | Olympia Fields, IL | 4,636 | $107,656 | $289,900 |
| 87 | Schererville, IL | 29,627 | $86,020 | $294,600 |
| 88 | Hickory Hills, IL | 14,718 | $85,541 | $278,400 |
| 89 | Elmwood Park, IL | 23,982 | $84,121 | $325,000 |
| 90 | Oak Lawn, IL | 57,098 | $82,493 | $267,900 |
| 91 | Rolling Meadows, IL | 23,981 | $100,424 | $299,700 |
| 92 | Streamwood, IL | 39,055 | $101,049 | $258,300 |
| 93 | Niles, IL | 30,262 | $78,563 | $350,900 |
| 94 | Oakbrook Terrace, IL | 2,714 | $70,586 | $315,600 |
| 95 | Homewood, IL | 19,471 | $96,522 | $210,500 |
| 96 | Wood Dale, IL | 13,926 | $90,408 | $303,400 |
| 97 | Schiller Park, IL | 11,454 | $67,473 | $276,200 |
| 98 | Warrenville, IL | 14,232 | $99,028 | $266,500 |
| 99 | Bolingbrook, IL | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 |
| 100 | Griffith, IL | 16,228 | $76,009 | $200,400 |