Looking For the Best Chicago Suburbs? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know

So, you’re thinking about making the move. Whether you’re tired of the city noise, looking for more square footage, or trying to find the perfect school district for your kids, moving to Chicago suburbs is a massive milestone.

I’m Penny, and here at the office, we see people making this transition every single day. While the city of Chicago has its own magic, the suburbs offer a lifestyle that’s hard to beat, if you know where to look. From the historic streets of the North Shore to the booming communities in the Northwest, there’s a lot to navigate.

If you’re a first time home buyer in Chicago or just looking for a change of pace, here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before you start packing the boxes.

1. The "Big Two" Still Rule the Rankings

When you start searching for the best Chicago suburbs, two names will constantly pop up: Clarendon Hills and Naperville. As of 2026, these communities continue to lead the pack. Naperville recently reclaimed its spot as one of the best cities to live in all of America for the third year in a row.

Clarendon Hills offers that small-town, high-end feel with an incredible sense of community, while Naperville provides a "mini-city" vibe with a world-class downtown area. Both consistently earn A+ grades for their schools, safety, and overall quality of life.

2. Public Schools are the Main Event

In the Chicago area, the real estate market is often driven by school district boundaries. For many families, the school district is the single most important factor. Suburbs like Buffalo Grove, Naperville, and Glenview are famous for their A+ rated public schools.

If you are a first time home buyer in Chicago, you’ll notice that homes within the top-tier districts hold their value incredibly well. Even if you don’t have kids, buying in a strong school district is a smart investment because it protects your resale value.

3. The Affordability Gap is Real

One of the biggest surprises for people moving to Chicago suburbs is the price variation. You can find two beautiful homes only 15 minutes apart with a price difference of $200,000.

For example, Buffalo Grove remains one of the more affordable "top-tier" suburbs, with median home prices often sitting in the mid-$300k to $400k range. Compare that to Glenview or Wilmette, where you’re likely looking at $500,000 to $800,000+ for a similar-sized home. Understanding these price pockets is key to finding a home that fits your budget without sacrificing your "must-haves."

4. Safety Ratings Vary Significantly

While most people move to the suburbs for a sense of security, "safety" isn't a blanket term for the entire Chicagoland area. Statistically, there are big differences.

Buffalo Grove and Naperville consistently rank as some of the safest cities in Illinois. On the other hand, more urban-adjacent suburbs like Evanston or Oak Park, while offering incredible culture and architecture, statistically have higher crime rates compared to the quieter, further-out residential hubs. It’s all about what level of "urban feel" you’re comfortable with.

5. Every Suburb Has a Unique "Personality"

Don’t assume all suburbs are the same! Each one has a distinct vibe:

• Evanston: A vibrant college-town atmosphere thanks to Northwestern University. It’s artistic, diverse, and very walkable.
• Glenview: Known for its natural beauty, environmental conservation, and the popular "Glen" area (a former naval air station turned into a massive shopping and residential hub).
• Oak Park: A dream for architecture lovers (hello, Frank Lloyd Wright!) and those who want a very short commute to the city.
• Long Grove: Historic, quaint, and famous for its festivals and cobblestone streets.

6. The Commute Reality: Metra vs. I-90/I-94

If you work in downtown Chicago, your commute will define your lifestyle. Most of the best Chicago suburbs are within a 30-to-60-minute window of the city, but how you get there matters.

The Metra train system is the lifeline of the suburbs. Places like Arlington Heights or Glenview have fantastic Metra access, allowing you to read or work while you commute. If you choose to drive, you’ll be at the mercy of the Kennedy (I-90) or the Edens (I-94). If you’re planning to work from home, look for suburbs that have invested in high-speed infrastructure and have vibrant local coffee shops!

7. Local Job Markets are Booming

You don’t necessarily have to commute to the Loop anymore. Many of the Northwest and North Shore suburbs have become massive job hubs themselves. Naperville is a powerhouse for tech and corporate headquarters, while the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries are huge in the northern suburbs like Abbott Park and Deerfield. This means you can live, work, and play all within a 10-mile radius, which is the ultimate suburban dream.

8. Property Taxes Can Be a Shocker

When calculating your monthly payment as a first time home buyer in Chicago, don't just look at the mortgage. Property taxes in Illinois are among the highest in the country. However, these taxes are what fund those incredible parks, libraries, and schools. Different counties (Cook vs. Lake vs. DuPage) have different tax rates, so always ask for the tax history of a home before you fall in love with it.

9. Community Amenities Beyond the Backyard

The reason people love the best Chicago suburbs isn’t just the big yards: it’s what’s outside the property line. We’re talking about the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, summer outdoor concerts in the park, weekly farmers markets, and elite recreational facilities.

Suburbs like Glenview and Northbrook offer world-class park districts that feel more like private country clubs, featuring water parks, indoor ice rinks, and professional-grade golf courses.

10. Population Size Changes the Experience

Are you looking for a tight-knit village where everyone knows your name, or a large city where you can stay anonymous?

• Small Villages: Clarendon Hills or Long Grove (around 8,000 residents) offer a very intimate, community-focused lifestyle.
• Large Suburbs: Naperville (over 150,000 residents) offers every amenity imaginable but feels much more like a metropolitan city than a quiet village.

Making the Move

Choosing between these incredible communities can feel overwhelming, but that’s where having a local expert makes all the difference. Whether you're looking for a historic brick home in the North Shore or a modern build in the Northwest suburbs, there is a perfect spot waiting for you.

If you’re ready to start your journey or just have a few questions about which suburb fits your lifestyle best, let's chat.

Reach out to Carmen Nedelcu.

Carmen Nedelcu Broker Associate – Remax Top Performers 773.934.8371

Explore Chicago North Shore Suburbs Properties here.