Summary
Illinois possesses a remarkable diversity, paralleling its cities and inhabitants. Nestled in the heartland of America, the Land of Lincoln has developed a reputation for ineffective governance; nevertheless, it remains an excellent option for those seeking to establish their lives here. Below, we detail the compelling reasons why.
Once recognized as a powerful economic force, Illinois has experienced a decline in reputation due to mismanagement. Nonetheless, this Midwestern state still maintains a robust economy, ranking as the fifth largest state economy by GDP.
Although a rising unemployment rate has contributed to increased migration away from the state in recent years, Illinois continues to demonstrate notable economic resilience.
Moreover, with escalating home values, an exemplary education system, and a strong presence of esteemed employers—including 34 of the Fortune 500 companies—Illinois offers an overall favorable quality of life.
The state boasts numerous cities with revitalized downtown areas, outstanding entertainment options, and extensive opportunities for outdoor activities.
Additionally, the state is home to several prestigious universities, such as Northwestern University and the University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana, acknowledged for their research and development capabilities, and consistently rank high on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
With numerous appealing locations to consider for residency, selecting the right place to settle in the Prairie State may prove challenging.
However, we have conducted thorough research to provide a list of the 15 best places to live in Illinois, evaluating various factors including crime rate, cost of living, and climate.
1. Springfield
Source: RRuntsch / shutterstockFor many, Springfield is known as the capital of Illinois. To others, it epitomizes the city where Abraham Lincoln spent a significant part of his life. With a population exceeding 117,000, Springfield provides an affordable cost of living, as homes are priced below the national average and rent falls under $1,000.
While public schools may not be the best in the state, they are competent, with three universities located within the city. As the state’s capital, Springfield benefits from a diverse populace, comprising many individuals employed in state governmental roles.
This city also showcases a vibrant nightlife and numerous cultural attractions including Lincoln’s presidential museum, home, and tomb, along with the renowned Hoogland Center for the Arts and Springfield Theatre Centre.
Families with children will find ample entertainment options, notably the Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Adventure, one of central Illinois’s largest amusement parks.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best activities in Springfield include:
- Henson Robinson Zoo
- Washington Park
- The Springfield Park District
- Lake Springfield
- Knight’s Action Park
- Scovill Zoo
2. Naperville
Source: Steve Cukrov / shutterstockWith a community of over 145,000, Naperville ranks as one of the wealthiest cities not only in Illinois but across the Midwest. Although home prices exceed the national average, the median home value is approximately double that figure.
Thus, Naperville caters to individuals seeking an upscale lifestyle, matched by commensurate earnings. For those able to afford it, the high cost of living is justified by safety—Naperville is among the safest cities in America—with 130 parks and sports facilities, alongside various shopping districts.
The population is primarily college-educated (72% of adults), correlated with the presence of eight college campuses serving a relatively small community.
The region is strategically situated along the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, hosting numerous high-tech companies, including AT&T Bell Laboratories, Calamos, Ineos, BP, Western Electric, Nicor Gas, and more.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable activities in Naperville consist of:
- Naperville Settlement
- Hollywood Palms Cinema
- Knoch Knolls Nature Center
- The Morton Arboretum
- BrightSide Theatre
- Naperville Riverwalk Parking
- Greene Valley
3. Buffalo Grove
Source: ckdisco / FlickrAccording to various rankings of the best residential areas in Illinois, Buffalo Grove consistently receives high marks.
This vibrant suburb, home to over 41,000 residents, frequently features in assessments of prime locations to live in the United States, receiving commendations from outlets such as CNN, US News & World Report, and Niche.com.
With a remarkably low crime rate and an outstanding public education system, Buffalo Grove stands out. Despite facing challenges from higher unemployment rates in the broader state, Buffalo Grove’s performance helps maintain a strong average.
However, residents should anticipate higher living expenses, with rentals averaging above $1,000 and the median home value surpassing $300,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Top activities in Buffalo Grove include:
- Par-King Skill Golf
- Willow Stream Park
- Kohl Children’s Museum
- K1 Speed
- Regal Lincolnshire
- Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion
- WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
4. Wheaton
Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstockA notable contender in the discussion of prime living locations in Illinois is Wheaton.
This suburb, boasting over 53,000 residents, provides a comprehensive suite of advantages including some of the nation’s top-ranked public schools and impressively low unemployment rates.
Wheaton features an impressive array of parks, totaling 52 across 829 acres of landscaped areas.
While the living costs trend higher, with average home prices above the national average and rent exceeding $1,000, most locals earn well above six figures, making these expenses more manageable.
Entertainment & Activities
Highly recommended activities in Wheaton comprise:
- Cantigny Park
- Cosley Zoo
- Little Popcorn Store
- Studio Movie Grill
- The Morton Arboretum
- Billy Graham Museum
- Blackwell Forest Preserve
- Lincoln Marsh
- Herrick Lake
- Wheaton Public Library
5. Glenview
Source: pics721 / shutterstockGlenview is another frequently recognized suburb in discussions about ideal living locations in Illinois.
What contributes to this reputation?
The community, which encompasses over 46,000 residents, excels in education with one of the highest high school graduation rates in the state.
In addition, Glenview maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Illinois. Families relocating to this area benefit from the abundant park space available.
The unique Park Center is found here, featuring a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool, preschool facilities, and arts programs.
As anticipated, the cost of living falls on the higher end, with median home prices exceeding national averages and rentals reaching around $2,000 per month.
Despite this, many families are prepared to meet the financial demands due to the generally high household income levels here.
Entertainment & Activities
Some enjoyable activities in Glenview consist of:
- Kohl Children’s Museum
- Funtopia Glenview
- The Grove Nature Preserve
- Historic Wagner Farm
- Gallery Park
- Flick Park
- Oil Lamp Theater
- Meier’s Tavern
- Glenview History Center
- The Glen Club
- Lincoln Park Zoo
6. Park Ridge
Source: Teemu008 / FlickrCinephiles may recognize Park Ridge as the hometown of Harrison Ford (the real person) and the childhood locale of Hillary Clinton.
Believed to reflect one’s character, the neighborhood one chooses often speaks volumes, making Park Ridge’s reputation fitting given its outstanding security, excellent educational institutions, and overall attractiveness for families.
The Rodham family, for instance, moved to this suburb when Hillary was three, seeking a thriving community with well-regarded schools.
Today, this Cook County suburb, home to over 37,000 residents, continues in this tradition.
However, the area’s affluence is evident in rental prices, which typically exceed $1,000 per month, with single-family homes regularly priced at more than double the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities to explore in Park Ridge include:
- Pickwick Theatre
- Wildwood Nature Center
- Prospect Park
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Centennial Park
- Park Ridge Farmers Market
- Cloud Gate Sculpture
- The Grove
- Park Ridge Country Club
7. Oak Park
Source: Thomas Barrat / shutterstockOak Park is undeniably among the most sought-after residential areas in Illinois.
Located in Cook County, it maintains the consistent theme of high safety, exceptional schools, ample amenities, and an elevated cost of living.
For those employed in the third-largest city in America or who enjoy its cultural offerings yet prefer a nearby residence, Oak Park stands out as an optimal choice.
The suburb, with a population surpassing 52,000, ranks exceptionally low in crime rates, providing a stark contrast to nearby Chicago.
Moreover, Oak Park is recognized for its low unemployment rates and favorable per capita statistics in parks and childcare services.
Educationally, Oak Park shines, earning an A+ rating on Niche.com and ranking competitively regarding high school graduation rates, achieving a commendable 95% alongside Buffalo Grove.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities to engage with in Oak Park include:
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
- Oak Park Conservatory
- Wonder Work’s Children’s Museum
- Oak Park Public Library
- Downtown Oak Park
- Oak Park River Forest Museum
- Oak Park Festival Theatre
8. Elmhurst
Source: davidwilson1949 / FlickrElmhurst’s designation as a desirable neighborhood seems to be a trend with other locations bearing “creek,” “ville,” or “grove” in their names, and the suburb in DuPage County is a prime example reinforcing this stereotype.
Reflecting the prosperous nature of the area, Elmhurst has a population of over 45,000 residents with an average household income exceeding six figures.
According to GreatSchools.org, Elmhurst consistently receives top marks, often achieving a 10 out of 10 rating, establishing it as a reputable educational community.
Such high educational performance, combined with a thriving job market, undoubtedly contributes to maintaining a strong employment rate.
Also noteworthy, Elmhurst ranks number one in terms of parks per capita in Illinois, ensuring ample recreational opportunities for its residents.
Entertainment & Activities
Top attractions in Elmhurst include:
- Classic Cinemas York Theatre
- Wilder Park
- Elmhurst Art Museum
- Elmhurst History Museum
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Berens Park
- The Club Shot & Beer
- Wilder Park Conservatory
- Safari Land
9. Schaumburg
Source: greglaskiewicz / WikimediaThe township of Schaumburg emerges as a prime location on our list of outstanding living areas in Illinois for several reasons.
This community exhibits excellent public education, achieving an impressive A+ rating from Niche.com and a commendable 9/10 from GreatSchools.
It also ranks favorably with one of the lowest unemployment rates within the state, coupled with an almost non-existent crime rate, evidenced by only a single burglary reported in a suburb boasting over 132,000 residents.
Schaumburg houses the fifth highest number of childcare facilities and ranks eighth for parks per capita, combined with a more favorable cost of living—factors contributing to its mention on this list.
Entertainment & Activities
Recommended attractions in Schaumburg consist of:
- Woodfield Mall
- Wintrust Field
- Busse Woods
- Atcher Island
- Santa’s Village Amusement & Waterpark
- Rainbow Falls Waterpark
- Medieval Times
- AMC Streets of Woodfield 20
- The Water Works Indoor Water Park
10. Downers Grove
Source: davidwilson1949 / FlickrDowners Grove, a community housing over 50,000 residents in DuPage County, presents a generally favorable environment, despite its above-average cost of living at 112 compared to the national standard of 100.
Housing prices align above the national average, making it a substantial consideration for homebuyers.
However, Downers Grove remains an excellent choice for individuals, whether living alone or as families. The area is characterized by its friendly atmosphere, having been named one of America’s friendliest towns by Forbes; the strong sense of community is highly evident.
There is ample opportunity for academic, extracurricular, and social engagement, combined with low unemployment rates.
Parents will particularly appreciate Downers Grove’s high availability of babysitters and daycares per capita.
Entertainment & Activities
Sought-after activities in Downers Grove include:
- The Morton Arboretum
- Classic Cinemas
- Patriots Park
- McCollum Park
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
- Yorktown Center Shopping Mall
- Cosley Zoo
11. Plainfield
Source: Dougtone / FlickrFor families seeking an optimal residence in Illinois, Plainfield emerges as a leading contender.
Over half of households in this suburb, which comprises more than 41,000 residents, include children.
While the cost of living remains lower relative to other towns on this list, housing prices typically exceed the national average. Still, residents tend to earn significantly more, with median incomes consistently at six-figure levels.
The high school graduation rates are commendable, placing Plainfield among the top educational districts, and it possesses one of the highest numbers of childcare listings per capita, ensuring families can conveniently find suitable care options.
This suburb, while family-friendly, also boasts a vibrant nightlife, ensuring residents have diverse opportunities for recreation outside their parental responsibilities.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions worth exploring in Plainfield include:
- Plainfield Lanes
- Axe Factor Throwing
- Sable Creek Winery
- Lockport Street Gallery
- Phillips Park Zoo
- Naperbrook Golf Course
12. Clarendon Hills
Source: davidwilson1949 / FlickrClarendon Hills consistently appears on best-of lists for a good reason: it embodies desirable living standards.
The suburb is well-known for its quality public education, ranking within the top tier nationally, and its safety statistics highlight its position as one of the safest areas in Illinois. Overall, the community of over 8,000 residents presents an excellent environment for families.
Predominantly composed of upper-middle-class households, with average incomes exceeding six figures, this small yet tight-knit community allows residents to forge strong connections.
However, the affordability of housing remains a significant concern as the cost of living is substantially higher than the national average.
The average home price sits around $500,000, and premium properties can reach upwards of $1.5 million, particularly for larger homes with 4-5 bedrooms.
Entertainment & Activities
Leisure activities in Clarendon Hills include:
- Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
- Tivoli Bowl
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Seven Bridges Ice Arena
- Burns Field Park
- Sky High Sports Niles
- Audubon Skate Park
13. Northbrook
Source: pics721 / shutterstockNorthbrook is a picturesque village on the North Shore of Chicago, celebrated for its beautiful natural landscapes and charming historical architecture.
It is recognized for having one of the best public school systems in the state, with graduation rates exceeding the state average.
This village also served as a filming location for the classic teen film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, particularly at Glenbrook North High School, which was also attended by director John Hughes.
With low unemployment rates, Northbrook residents benefit from higher-than-average incomes, contributing to the area’s stability despite real estate values surpassing half a million dollars.
Entertainment & Activities
Activities to engage with in Northbrook encompass:
- Northbrook Court
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Nickel City Video Arcade
- River Trail Nature Center
- Village Green Park
- Skokie Lagoons
- Meadowhill Aquatic Center
14. Arlington Heights
Source: Teemu008 / FlickrArlington Heights stands out as a superb location for residency.
With a population exceeding 76,000 residents, the community presents housing markets with above-average prices; however, this should not deter potential homebuyers who have the means to invest here, as their median household income approaches six figures.
Like other cities on this list, Arlington Heights supports an excellent educational system that ranks highly in statewide comparisons.
Despite a crime rate somewhat elevated compared to other communities on this list, locals appreciate the overall livability enriched by ample recreational facilities (beautiful parks, local sports teams, dance studios, and lakes) available for residents.
Entertainment & Activities
Attractions in Arlington Heights include:
- River Trail Nature Center
- River Trails Park District
- Wheeling Park District
- Rainbow Falls Waterpark
- The Glen Club
- Lake Park
- Valentino Vineyards & Winery
15. Mount Prospect
Source: Roadgeek Adam / FlickrCompleting our list of exceptional places to reside in Illinois is Mount Prospect, a suburb of Chicago housing over 54,000 residents.
This area is renowned for its public library and Randhurst Village, alongside being the home of notable figures such as actress Jennifer Morrison.
Notably, Mount Prospect ranks among the safest locations in Illinois, providing a 49% lower crime rate than the state average. Its residents generally lead contented lives, often with income levels surpassing state medians.
Exceptional public education and a diverse array of cultural and social options contribute to its appeal, including many festivals, farmers markets, and family-friendly events, making the suburb a well-rounded choice for homebuyers with budgets exceeding $200,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Leisure activities in Mount Prospect include:
- AMC
- Ball Factory Mount Prospect
- Meadows Park
- Mountain View Adventure Center
- Big Surf Wave Pool
- Burning Bush Trails Park
- Mount Prospect Public Library
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