Table of Contents
- Glencoe
- Wilmette
- Clarendon
- Buffalo Grove
- Naperville
- Long Grove
- South Barrington
- Winnetka
- Western Springs
- Round Lake
- Lake Forest
- Cary
- Windfield
- La Grange
- Monee
- Lincolnshire
- Elmhurst
Discover The Best Chicago Area Suburbs
Chicago is the third-largest city in the USA, and while the winters are long and cold, the summer months are glorious and make up for the other months of the year. The downtown core of Chicago is pretty concentrated, making the rest of the city primarily residential and suburban communities. With reliable public transit, affordable housing prices, and beautiful natural landscapes to enjoy, it's no wonder that Chicago is one of the best cities to move to.
Family-Friendly Chicago Suburbs
If you're ready to take the plunge, here are some of the top Chicago suburbs for families.
Glencoe
Glencoe is a prestigious community that borders western Lake Michigan. Located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Glencoe has a lot to offer those who are looking for resort-style living. There are three pristine golf courses for golf enthusiasts who want to spend the summer months on the green. Residents have access to Chicago's Botanic Garden right in their backyard and can be endlessly entertained at Writers Theatre. The community as a whole is a relaxing and safe area of the city that has access to great schools, kid-friendly recreation, excellent dining options, and so much more. It's an excellent place to raise a family.
Wilmette
Wilmette is a small town in the Chicago area, just north of the city. It's a very family-friendly community, and the lifestyle matches the atmosphere. There is access to some of the top schools in the country for those with school-aged children. The general community is a tight-knit group of people who often partake in civic and charitable initiatives. Residents are close to Gillson Park, which is the perfect place to spend a day with the family at the beach. Pack a picnic and have a wonderful day full of great memories.
Clarendon
Located in DuPage County, Clarendon is a small-yet-mighty upper middle-class community that is full of friendly people. It's a highly desirable community to call home between the excellent housing market, great school, and hospitable people. The area is very safe, making it ideal for families who are looking to relocate. The downtown area is lively and vibrant, featuring plenty of small businesses, great restaurants, recreation, and entertainment options. Clarendon is an excellent option for those who love living in Chicago suburbs.
Buffalo Grove
When you're looking for the top Chicago suburbs for families, Buffalo Grove will likely top the majority of lists out there. Located in Cook and Lake County, this town is known for its incredibly family-focused, diverse, and quaint atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery and parks, the very safe community has so much to offer those who call it home. Outdoor enthusiasts will love all the recreational activities the area has to offer, and it's a great place for kids to burn off some energy and have some fun. There are excellent schools, including some of the best elementary schools in Chicago and extracurricular activities, making it the perfect place for an idyllic childhood. Don't worry, parents. There are plenty of great dining options, local shops, and so much to do for date night or time out with friends. Buffalo Grove is a great option for those looking for Chicago suburb homes for sale regardless of your lifestyle.
Naperville
One of the wealthier suburbs on our list, Naperville, is located in DuPage county. The extremely safe and well-populated city is home to a wonderful public school system. It prides itself on creating an easy transition for students graduating high school and moving onto post secondary. Naperville is often among the top Chicago area suburbs due to its excellent family-friendly community, low crime rates, and a diverse housing market that has something for everyone. There's plenty of entertainment and recreation to enjoy as well and some incredible restaurants.
Long Grove
Long Grove is a laid-back suburb of Chicago, where you can't take life too seriously. When people visit Long Grove, the overall atmosphere can be a bit addictive. It's relaxed, friendly, and full of people from all walks of life. The area has a rich history and vibrant culture, which makes it a popular tourist spot. Residents can enjoy plenty of local businesses, seasonal events that draw huge crowds, dining options, pubs, and bars. It's a great place to raise a family and for parents to enjoy a relaxed slice of life at the same time.
South Barrington
South Barrington is a village located in Cook County. While it may be small, it's quite an affluent area. The famous Willow Creek Church calls South Barrington home, and it's a popular spot for residents. The area is experiencing some substantial growth with the inclusion of an upscale shopping center called the Arboretum. If you want to be in the heart of all the action while having access to great schools for your kids, South Barrington is an excellent option for homebuyers.
Winnetka
If you're looking for the ultimate quality of life, look no further than Winnetka. The prestigious community offers almost everything to families looking for their new Chicago area home. The area is known for being an affluent and modern community with beautifully constructed homes. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Winnetka is only about 16 miles from the downtown core, but there's convenient public transit if you don't drive or want to avoid traffic. The area offers some of the most competitive education, recreation, and sports. Students who attend the area's schools have access to great resources. Winnetka isn't just perfect for families, and it's also one of the best Chicago suburbs for young professionals.
Western Springs
Another suburb that offers an incredible quality of life is the area of Western Springs. Considered one of the Nice Chicago suburbs, the small town truly has it all. With a very low crime rate, some of the best public and private education in the state, and an overall feeling of security, Western Springs is what living in Chicago suburbs is all about. There's so much to see and do, including natural beauty to explore, locally-owned shops, fantastic restaurants, wine bars, shopping, and so much more. Everyone tends to be very friendly, especially at the local favorite pubs and restaurants. There's never a dull moment.
Round Lake
Round Lake is a picturesque community outside of Chicago that is home to many young families. In fact, Round Lake is home to the most children under five years old. Raising children in Round Lake means that they'll have plenty of friends. Round Lake Beach is the perfect place to spend the day with the kids and a great place to have a picnic lunch while watching them play on the playground nearby. Round Lake is an ideal place for young families who are looking for like-minded neighbors.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest is a Chicago suburb that's located in Lake County. It's a family-friendly community that is over 160 years old. It has a rich history and exciting direction, making it a great place to call home. With excellent schools and Lake Forest College, its focus on education is reassuring for parents looking to relocate outside of Chicago. We can't forget to mention quick access to Lake Michigan for a fantastic day at the beach all summer long. There are plenty of great shopping options, restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and so much more.
Cary
Located in McHenry County, Cary is an ideal community for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. It's not specifically a family-centered suburb, but it offers a lavish lifestyle to families, young professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. With access to great schools, beautiful homes, access to nature, and a 30-minute commute to Chicago, it has a lot to offer. The town is not too big and not too small, but you have quick access to the city if you need those amenities. The comforting and welcoming atmosphere is a big reason why so many people love Cary.
Winfield
If you're looking for the idyllic suburban experience, Winfield is the answer to your hopes and dreams. Quiet and charming residential streets, low crime rate, and picturesque homes, Winfield is an excellent place to settle down. It's a great family-friendly community, and its overall atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly for new residents. There are excellent schools in Winfield so that you can feel confident in your child's education all the way through to graduation. It's a bit on the expensive side, as the median household income is over $100,000 annually. Still, if it's within the budget, Winfield is an amazing suburb to call home.
La Grange
La Grange is located in Cook County and is considered a fantastic Chicago suburb for families. With excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a large population of families, La Grange is an inviting and welcoming community. It's considered among the top places to live in the state. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and recreational options to enjoy for both parents and kids. Residents rave about the suburb and couldn't be happier to call it home.
Monee
Monee is one of the more affordable Chicago suburbs, but that doesn't mean it's any less impressive. Monee is the perfect place for young couples who want to purchase an affordable house while getting ready to settle down. It's the perfect starter community that is accompanied by a lower cost of living. Many young couples call Monee home.
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire is a small community, but it has a lot to offer. The tight-knit atmosphere allows the community to have a strong sense, and residents love calling Lincolnshire home. It's a great place to raise a young family. School-aged children will have access to excellent education and resources to help them succeed throughout their schooling careers. You can easily stay active while enjoying the natural beauty of the area with plenty of parks and trails to explore that are ideal for the whole family. Homes in Lincolnshire are beautiful, and there are many single-family homes on the market that are perfect for raising kids. Aside from all the recreational activities and beautiful scenery, the downtown area is bustling and vibrant, so there's something for everyone.
Elmhurst
Elmhurst is a family-centric community that offers a high quality of life for those who love to stay active. It's a wonderful area that's great for raising kids due to the excellent educational resources and schools. Residents have access to the orchestra, art museum, Elmhurst Historical Museum, and the public library, all in their backyard. Take your kids for the day and let them learn about anything they're interested in. After a day of learning, pack a picnic and head to one of the 22 parks, and have a fun day in nature. If you love to stay active, you'll enjoy the community center, tennis courts, golf course, and pools. There's so much to do in Elmhurst that you and your family will never be bored. It's a bit pricier than other suburbs, but the quality of life is fantastic for those seeking that lifestyle while living in the Chicago suburbs.
Finding A Home In the Chicago Suburbs
Finding your new Chicago home doesn't have to be an overwhelming challenge. With the help of our area experts at Cobblestone Realty Group, you'll be in your dream home within your budget in no time. We can tell you everything you need to know about your desired Chicago suburb. Contact us today to find the best Chicago suburb homes for sale.
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