Top 10 Best Suburbs to Buy a Home Near Chicago

Direct Answer

The Best Overall suburb to buy a home near Chicago is Naperville, where median prices sit near $550,000 and standout homes range from $400,000 to $2 million — a large, thriving city of its own with nationally ranked schools, a beloved Riverwalk and downtown, and a Metra ride of about 45 minutes to Union Station that few suburbs match for all-around quality of life.

The Best Value pick is Arlington Heights, where solid homes start near $375,000 and top out around $1 million, offering a lively downtown, a fast Metra commute, and strong schools for noticeably less money. This list is built for commuters, families, and move-up buyers who want top schools, a real downtown, or lakefront North Shore prestige — whether the budget sits near $375,000 or stretches past $2 million.

Every suburb below is real, current, and actively trading in the Chicago metro market.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each suburb against what Chicago-area buyers tell agents they actually prioritize, leaning on data from Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Mansion Global, and Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS records. The weighting:

• School quality — 25%
• Commute and Metra access — 20%
• Home values and appreciation — 15%
• Downtown walkability and amenities — 15%
• Safety and community — 15%
• Resale demand and liquidity — 10%

A suburb with great homes but weak schools, or top schools but a punishing commute, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Naperville 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $400K | Best for: Families who want top schools and a vibrant city of their own

Naperville, about 28 miles west of the Loop in DuPage and Will counties, is consistently ranked among the best places to live in America. Median prices hover near $550,000, with homes from $400,000 past $2 million across neighborhoods and the prestigious Naperville Park District areas.

The BNSF Metra line reaches Union Station in about 45–60 minutes. Naperville pairs nationally ranked schools (Districts 203 and 204) with the scenic Riverwalk, a thriving downtown of shops and restaurants, low crime, and abundant parks. Buyers are families and professionals who want a self-sufficient, amenity-rich community with excellent academics.

Pros:

• Nationally ranked schools in Districts 203 and 204
• Scenic Riverwalk and a vibrant, walkable downtown
• Low crime and abundant parks and recreation
• Strong resale demand and steady appreciation

Cons:

• Commute runs longer than inner-ring suburbs
• Premium pricing in top school sections

Verdict: Naperville wins on balance — schools, downtown, safety, and amenities with no real weak spot.

2. Arlington Heights 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $375K | Best for: Buyers who want a lively downtown and fast commute for less

Arlington Heights in the northwest suburbs delivers a vibrant, walkable downtown and a quick commute at an attainable price. Median prices run near $450,000, with homes from $375,000 to $1 million. The UP-Northwest Metra line reaches Ogilvie Transportation Center in about 35–40 minutes.

Downtown Arlington Heights offers a dense cluster of restaurants, a theater, and events, while the schools (Districts 25 and 214) earn strong marks. The town is poised for further growth around the former Arlington racetrack site. Buyers are commuters and families who want walkability and transit without North Shore pricing.

Pros:

• Fast UP-Northwest Metra commute, about 35 minutes
• Lively, walkable downtown with dining and theater
• Strong public schools at an attainable price
• Lower entry pricing than the North Shore

Cons:

• Smaller lots than far-west suburbs
• Inventory moves quickly in the downtown core

Verdict: Arlington Heights is the value champion — a real downtown and fast trains for far less than the North Shore.

3. Hinsdale

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $700K | Best for: Buyers who want estate homes and top schools close in

Hinsdale in DuPage County is a premier western suburb known for grand homes, leafy streets, and a charming, walkable downtown. Median prices sit near $1.2 million, with homes from $700,000 well past $4 million. The BNSF Metra line reaches Union Station in about 30–35 minutes — fast for the prestige level.

Hinsdale pairs top-ranked Hinsdale Central High School with an upscale downtown of boutiques and restaurants. Buyers are affluent families and executives who want a close-in, walkable village with estate-caliber homes and elite academics.

Pros:

• Top-ranked Hinsdale Central High School
• Fast 30-minute BNSF Metra commute
• Charming, walkable upscale downtown
• Grand estate homes on leafy lots

Cons:

• High entry pricing for the western suburbs
• Older homes can require significant updates

Verdict: The close-in estate pick — buy here for prestige, top schools, and a fast commute.

4. Wilmette

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $600K | Best for: Buyers who want North Shore living near the lake

Wilmette anchors the southern North Shore along Lake Michigan, blending lakefront beauty with strong schools and a quick commute. Median prices run near $900,000, with homes from $600,000 past $3 million, including coveted properties near Gillson Park and the beach.

The UP-North Metra line reaches Ogilvie in about 30 minutes, and the CTA Purple Line adds an alternative. Wilmette pairs excellent New Trier Township schools with a charming downtown and the iconic Baha'i Temple. Buyers are families who want lakefront access, top academics, and classic North Shore character close to the city.

Pros:

• Lake Michigan beaches and Gillson Park access
• Elite New Trier Township schools
• Quick Metra and CTA Purple Line commutes
• Charming downtown and classic North Shore homes

Cons:

• Premium pricing near the lake
• Lakefront lots carry higher property taxes

Verdict: The North Shore lakefront pick — ideal for families who want beaches, top schools, and a short commute.

5. Glenview

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $500K | Best for: Buyers who want newer homes and family amenities

Glenview in northern Cook County offers a mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction around The Glen, a master-planned community on a former naval air station. Median prices sit near $650,000, with homes from $500,000 to $2 million. The Milwaukee District North Metra line reaches Union Station in about 35–40 minutes.

Glenview pairs strong schools with The Glen Town Center for shopping and dining, plus parks, golf, and the Kohl Children's Museum. Buyers are families who want newer housing stock, walkable retail, and abundant amenities in a polished suburban setting.

Pros:

• Newer construction and master-planned Glen community
• The Glen Town Center shopping and dining
• Strong schools and family attractions
• Convenient Metra access to downtown

Cons:

• Newer-build sections command premiums
• Less historic character than older suburbs

Verdict: A family-amenity pick — strong for buyers who want newer homes and walkable retail.

6. Evanston

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $400K | Best for: Buyers who want an urban-suburban blend near the lake

Evanston, home to Northwestern University, sits directly north of Chicago on Lake Michigan and offers the most urban feel on this list. Median prices run near $550,000, with everything from condos at $400,000 to lakefront mansions past $3 million. Multiple Metra and CTA Purple Line stops reach downtown in 20–35 minutes — among the fastest commutes here.

Evanston pairs a lively, diverse downtown with beaches, the university's cultural offerings, and walkable neighborhoods. Buyers are professionals, academics, and families who want city energy, transit, and lake access without leaving a true suburb.

Pros:

• Fast 20–35 minute Metra and CTA commutes
• Walkable, diverse downtown and Lake Michigan beaches
• Northwestern University cultural amenities
• Wide price range from condos to lakefront estates

Cons:

• Higher property taxes than outer suburbs
• Density and parking can frustrate some families

Verdict: The urban-suburban pick — buy here for city energy, transit, and lake access close in.

7. La Grange

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $450K | Best for: Buyers who want a classic downtown and fast trains

La Grange in Cook County is a beloved western suburb with a vibrant, historic downtown and one of the fastest commutes around. Median prices sit near $600,000, with bungalows, colonials, and Victorians from $450,000 to $1.5 million. The BNSF Metra line reaches Union Station in about 25–30 minutes — among the quickest on this list.

La Grange pairs a walkable downtown of restaurants, a historic theater, and shops with strong schools and tree-lined streets. Buyers are families and commuters who want a charming, close-in village with excellent transit.

Pros:

• Fast 25-minute BNSF Metra commute
• Charming, walkable historic downtown and theater
• Strong schools and tree-lined streets
• Attractive mix of classic housing styles

Cons:

• Premium pricing near the downtown core
• Older homes may need updates

Verdict: A classic commuter pick — strong for buyers who want a walkable downtown and one of the fastest trains.

8. Western Springs

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $550K | Best for: Families who want a quiet, top-school village

Western Springs in Cook County is a quiet, family-focused village just west of La Grange, known for its strong schools and friendly community. Median prices run near $750,000, with homes from $550,000 to $2 million on tree-lined lots. The BNSF Metra line reaches Union Station in about 30 minutes.

The village pairs top-rated schools (feeding Lyons Township High School) with a small, charming downtown and abundant parks. Buyers are families who prioritize academics, safety, and a tight-knit, low-key community over nightlife.

Pros:

• Top-rated schools feeding Lyons Township High School
• Quiet, safe, family-focused community
• Fast 30-minute BNSF Metra commute
• Tree-lined streets and abundant parks

Cons:

• Small downtown with limited nightlife
• Tight inventory of family homes

Verdict: A quiet family pick — ideal for buyers who prize schools, safety, and a low-key village feel.

9. Park Ridge

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $450K | Best for: Buyers who want close-in convenience near O'Hare

Park Ridge sits just northwest of the city near O'Hare International Airport, offering an easy commute and a welcoming, walkable downtown. Median prices sit near $550,000, with homes from $450,000 to $1.5 million. The UP-Northwest Metra line reaches Ogilvie in about 25–30 minutes, and the airport is minutes away.

Park Ridge pairs strong Maine Township schools with the charming Uptown district of shops and restaurants and a strong sense of community. Buyers are commuters, frequent travelers, and families who want proximity to both downtown and the airport.

Pros:

• Fast 25-minute Metra commute and O'Hare proximity
• Charming, walkable Uptown district
• Strong Maine Township schools
• Welcoming, established community feel

Cons:

• Some areas affected by airport flight paths
• Older homes can need updates

Verdict: The convenience pick — buy here for fast trains, O'Hare access, and a walkable downtown.

10. Lake Forest

Type: Suburb | Entry price: $700K | Best for: Buyers who want estate acreage and North Shore prestige

Lake Forest is the North Shore's grand estate suburb, set along Lake Michigan about 30 miles north of the city. Median prices run near $1.2 million, with homes from $700,000 well past $5 million, including historic mansions on multi-acre wooded lots. The UP-North Metra line reaches Ogilvie in about 50–60 minutes.

Lake Forest pairs elite public and private schools (including Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest Academy) with the charming Market Square downtown, golf, and lakefront beauty. Buyers are affluent families and executives who want acreage, prestige, and classic North Shore grandeur.

Pros:

• Grand estates on multi-acre wooded lots
• Elite public and private schools
• Charming historic Market Square downtown
• Lake Michigan beauty and golf

Cons:

• Longest commute on the list
• High entry pricing and large-lot upkeep

Verdict: The estate pick — buy here for acreage, prestige, and North Shore grandeur at the top of the market.

Which One Is Right for You?

What to Look For

• School district lines — In Chicago suburbs, districts like Naperville 203/204, New Trier, and Hinsdale Central drive value; confirm exact assignment block by block.
• True commute time — Quoted Metra times exclude the walk and wait; ride it at rush hour. La Grange, Park Ridge, and Evanston lead on real door-to-door time.
• Property taxes — Illinois carries some of the nation's highest property taxes — often $10,000–$30,000+ on these homes; factor the annual cost, not just the price.
• Flood and lot grading — Older suburbs can have basement flooding; check drainage, grading, and recent water history.
• Metra line reliability — BNSF and UP lines differ in frequency and downtown terminal (Union vs. Ogilvie); match the line to your office location.
• Resale liquidity — Top-school and North Shore suburbs hold value best; verify recent comps, not asking prices.

What matters less than the hype: trendy open-concept renovations, oversized square footage, and luxury finishes. Around Chicago, school district, taxes, and commute drive long-term value far more than the latest kitchen.

FAQ

Which suburb near Chicago is the best overall? Naperville earns our top spot, balancing nationally ranked schools in Districts 203 and 204, a beloved Riverwalk downtown, low crime, and homes from $400,000 to $2 million.

What is the best value suburb near Chicago? Arlington Heights offers the best value, with homes from around $375,000, a lively downtown, and a roughly 35-minute Metra commute for less than the North Shore.

Which Chicago suburb has the fastest commute? Evanston and La Grange offer among the fastest commutes, reaching downtown in 20–30 minutes via Metra and the CTA Purple Line.

Which Chicago suburbs have the best schools? Naperville (Districts 203/204), Wilmette (New Trier), and Hinsdale (Hinsdale Central) rank among the top public school systems in the metro.

Where can I find North Shore lakefront homes? Wilmette, Evanston, and Lake Forest all sit along Lake Michigan, offering beaches, lakefront homes, and elite schools, with Lake Forest leading on estate acreage.

Are Chicago suburb home prices still rising? Yes — top-school suburbs like Naperville, Hinsdale, and Wilmette continue to see tight inventory and steady appreciation, driven by strong family demand for academics and amenities.

Bottom Line

For buyers near Chicago, Naperville is our Best Overall suburb — balancing nationally ranked schools, a beloved Riverwalk and downtown, low crime, and homes from $400,000 to $2 million. Arlington Heights, with homes from around $375,000, is our Best Value, delivering a lively downtown and fast Metra commute for less.

If your priorities lean toward estate acreage, lakefront North Shore living, an ultra-fast commute, or newer construction, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Lake Forest, Wilmette, La Grange, or Glenview instead. Buy on school district, taxes, and commute — not the latest finishes — and your Chicago-area home will serve you for years.

Sources

• Zillow — Chicago metro suburb home values
• Redfin — Chicago suburb market data and trends
• Realtor.com — Naperville and Arlington Heights listings
• Mansion Global — Chicago luxury real estate coverage
• Metra — commuter rail schedules and lines
• Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS
• Wall Street Journal — Mansion real estate section
• Robb Report — luxury real estate features
• Chicago Magazine — suburb and real estate guides
• GreatSchools — Chicago suburb school ratings

*Chicago suburbs review — best Chicago suburbs reviews, rating, best suburbs near Chicago 2027, and a review of where to buy a home near Chicago for commuters and families.*