What Are the Best Chicago Suburbs To Live In?

May 28, 2024 | Uncategorized

From world-renowned museums to vibrant cultural experiences, living in Chicago strikes a perfect balance for people who want to straddle the excitement of city life and the coziness of Midwestern hospitality. However, an apartment in The Loop can only fit so much, especially for those wanting to grow their families. If you’re scouting out moving to the Windy City in 2024 but want to avoid living in a high-rise, here are some of the best Chicago neighborhoods to live in.

Downtown Naperville

A gazebo on the Naperville Riverwalk on a sunny afternoon.

Naperville continues to rank as one of the best cities to live in America, so it’s no surprise that several of the best neighborhoods in Chicago lie within its limits. Downtown Naperville’s appeal goes far beyond the picturesque Naperville Riverwalk and its excellent restaurants. This charming neighborhood has become a great place to live for a variety of lifestyles, with nationally ranked public schools, a bustling job market, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Naperville has a reputation for being a city of millennials and is a hot spot for young professionals seeking to take advantage of its booming career opportunities. Additionally, families with children will undoubtedly appreciate the high-quality public education and recreational activities. You’ll never be bored in Naperville!

Techny

Aside from being the filming location of several hit John Hughes movies, Northbrook is home to some of the best Chicago suburbs to raise a family. It has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Illinois, which helps define Northbrook as a comfortable community to settle down in.

Techny is on the North Shore’s quieter and more affordable side. It’s a walkable area with access to great outdoor amenities, including the Techny Prairie Park and Fields, which is fantastic for families raising furry four-legged kids. Similar to other Chicago suburbs, the public schools here are highly renowned. This neighborhood offers a wide variety of housing options, so you can be sure to find something that best suits your lifestyle. For families, Techny is genuinely a well-rounded suburb with lots to offer.

Cress Creek

Farther north in Naperville, Cress Creek provides more affordable options while still being near the city’s amenities. This neighborhood includes town houses and single-family homes, and golf lovers will undoubtedly feel drawn to the Cress Creek Country Club. If an afternoon on the green isn’t your idea of a day off, McDowell Grove is perfect for hiking, boating, fishing, and other family-friendly outdoor activities.

Additionally, Naperville has been considered one of the nation’s best cities for early retirement, and living in Cress Creek is an excellent choice for retirees looking to downsize with the help of reasonably priced storage units in Naperville. For nature enthusiasts who don’t want to spend their weekends cooped up indoors, Cress Creek could be your spot.

Old Farm Village

Are you looking for more of a happy medium between sophisticated adult living and a family-friendly community? Old Farm Village in Buffalo Grove may fit the bill. Moving to Buffalo Grove puts families near scenic parks, a downtown shopping district, and excellent schools—all 30 miles from Downtown Chicago.

This neighborhood is known for having a high concentration of married couples and for its closeness to the Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion. It’s unrivaled for parents wanting the flexibility to have an artsy date night on Friday followed by a family-friendly Saturday afternoon. As far as Goldilocks’ zones go, Old Farm Village is just right for Chicagoans wanting a little bit of everything.

White Plains

A street view of the Techny Towers Retreat and Conference Center in Northbrook.

Heading back to where Ferris Buehler infamously opted to take a day off, White Plains in southern Northbrook is one of the best neighborhoods for families in the entire state. With an abundance of top-rated public schools to choose from and quick access to the Northbrook Sports Center, this residential community is terrific for growing households.

Can you see yourself getting involved in your child’s PTA? White Plains could be your ideal suburb for raising your children in a tight-knit neighborhood of families. The town’s commitment to education, recreation, and environmental sustainability assures it’s a future-oriented community where you can put your roots.

What Is the Median Price for Housing in These Neighborhoods?

Did any of the above suburbs catch your eye? See below for the median sale prices for homes in these Chicago neighborhoods.

Downtown Naperville median sale price. $1.2 million
Northbrook median sale price. $559,450
Cress Creek median sale price. $230,000
Old Farm Village median sale price. $404,250
White Plains median sale price. $567,055

Make the Move to Chicago With a Little Help From Metro Self Storage

Moving is no small feat. Whether you’re relocating to the Windy City or migrating a few neighborhoods over, you deserve to bring along all the valuable memories you’ve gathered through the years. Make room for a fresh start in Chicago with additional space from Metro Self Storage.

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Metro Self Storage has been committed to making room for you since 1973. Contact us today for a storage experience aimed at making this life stage easier.