The 10 Best Suburbs of Chicago for Families and Schools in 2027

1. Naperville Illinois

Naperville ranks first because it delivers the strongest overall combination of elite schools, exceptionally low crime, and convenient rail access. Its violent-crime rate is near 0.6 per 1,000 residents, and both Naperville Central and Naperville North high schools earn A+ Niche grades. The median home price is around $485,000, offering substantial family homes near two BNSF Metra stations. The famous Riverwalk and downtown provide a vibrant, walkable community hub.

Naperville is for families who prioritize top-tier academics and safety above all and can handle DuPage County's high property taxes. It offers a more complete package than the value-focused Downers Grove, which has a slightly higher crime rate and less prestigious schools. However, buyers pay a premium for the name and amenities, with homes commanding more per square foot than in comparable nearby suburbs.

2. Hinsdale Illinois

Hinsdale ranks second for its exceptionally low violent-crime rate of about 0.5 per 1,000 and its nationally recognized public high school. Hinsdale Central High School in District 86 is consistently one of Illinois's top performers in test scores and college placement. The village is an affluent, established community located just 18 miles from downtown Chicago. Its median home price is steep, around $900,000, reflecting the premium for this prestigious address.

Hinsdale is for affluent families who want a top-tier school district and a prestigious, established suburb, and are willing to pay a significant premium. It trades away the broader housing variety and slightly lower entry price of Naperville for an even more exclusive and academically rigorous environment. The walkable downtown and three Metra stations add convenience, but the high cost makes it inaccessible to many budget-conscious families.

3. Wheaton Illinois

Wheaton ranks third because it offers a historic, college-town atmosphere with excellent schools and a low violent-crime rate of about 0.7 per 1,000. The city is anchored by Wheaton College and serves as the DuPage County seat, providing a unique cultural and civic identity. District 200 schools, including Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South, earn strong Niche grades. The median home price is around $470,000, which is competitive for the area.

Wheaton is for families who value a traditional, walkable downtown and a slightly more conservative, established community feel than newer suburbs. It trades away the sheer size and retail variety of Naperville for a more intimate, college-town character. The Illinois Prairie Path offers excellent recreational opportunities, but the commute on the Union Pacific West line is longer than from Hinsdale, and the school ratings are a notch below the top-tier districts.

4. Downers Grove Illinois

Downers Grove ranks fourth as the Best Value pick, combining strong schools, safe streets, and excellent Metra access at a median home price near $420,000. Its violent-crime rate is around 0.9 per 1,000, which is still very low. The village is served by three BNSF Metra stations, offering convenient commutes to the Loop. Downers Grove North and South high schools in District 99 earn solid Niche grades, making it a smart choice for budget-minded families.

Downers Grove is for families who want a true commuter suburb with a vibrant downtown and good schools without paying the premium of Naperville or Hinsdale. It trades away the top-tier academic prestige and the very lowest crime rates of the higher-ranked suburbs for a more accessible price point. The historic Tivoli Theatre and summer concert series provide a lively downtown, but its schools are rated slightly below those in Naperville or Hinsdale.

5. Arlington Heights Illinois

Arlington Heights ranks fifth for its lively, redeveloped downtown, strong schools, and a low violent-crime rate of about 0.7 per 1,000. The northwest suburb has a population of about 77,000 and offers a thriving commercial core clustered around its Metra station on the Union Pacific Northwest line. District 214 high schools, including John Hersey, are well-regarded with strong academic programs. The median home price sits near $450,000, providing good value for the amenities.

Arlington Heights is for families who want a walkable, entertainment-rich suburb on the northwest side with good schools and a reasonable commute. It trades away the prestige of the North Shore or western suburbs for a more dynamic, modern downtown and slightly lower home prices.

6. Glenview Illinois

Glenview ranks sixth for its excellent North Shore schools and a very low violent-crime rate near 0.6 per 1,000. The village is home to Glenbrook South High School in District 225, which is among the best public high schools in the state. The Glen, a redeveloped town center on the former naval air station, provides a planned mix of housing, parks, and shopping. The median home price is around $650,000, reflecting the premium for this desirable North Shore location.

Glenview is for families who want a planned, amenity-rich community with top-tier schools and convenient access to both downtown and the northern suburbs. It trades away the historic, village charm of Western Springs or Hinsdale for a more modern, master-planned feel. The Kohl Children's Museum and easy highway access are major draws, but the higher home prices and property taxes make it less accessible than Arlington Heights or Downers Grove.

7. Lisle Illinois

Lisle ranks seventh for its strategic location between Naperville and Downers Grove, offering access to excellent schools at a more moderate price. Its violent-crime rate is about 0.8 per 1,000, and it bills itself as the "Arboretum Village" near the Morton Arboretum. A portion of Lisle is served by Naperville's District 203, including the highly rated Naperville Central High School, which is a major academic draw.

Lisle is for families who want proximity to Naperville's amenities and potentially its schools, but at a lower price point. It trades away the cohesive community identity and walkable downtown of its larger neighbors for a more suburban, car-dependent feel. The split school districts mean buyers must carefully verify which schools serve a specific address, but the potential for Naperville Central at a Lisle price is a significant advantage.

8. Park Ridge Illinois

Park Ridge ranks eighth for its classic, walkable downtown and close proximity to Chicago, offering one of the shortest commutes on this list. Its violent-crime rate is near 0.7 per 1,000, and the Uptown district is anchored by the historic Pickwick Theatre. Maine South High School in District 207 is highly rated for both academics and athletics. The median home price is around $560,000, reflecting the convenience of its location near O'Hare and the city.

Park Ridge is for families who want a traditional, tight-knit suburb with a short commute and easy access to O'Hare International Airport. It trades away the larger lots and newer housing stock of suburbs like Naperville or Vernon Hills for a more established, urban-adjacent feel. The historic downtown is a major asset, but buyers should check specific blocks for flight-path noise from O'Hare, and the schools are rated slightly below the top-tier North Shore districts.

9. Western Springs Illinois

Western Springs ranks ninth for its exceptionally low violent-crime rate of about 0.4 per 1,000, one of the safest on the list. This small village of about 13,000 residents offers a quiet, tree-lined, and established character that appeals to families seeking tranquility. Students attend the large and respected Lyons Township High School in District 204. The median home price is around $700,000, reflecting the premium for this safe and charming community.

Western Springs is for families who prioritize safety and a quiet, small-village atmosphere above all else, and are willing to pay for it. It trades away the diverse housing stock, retail options, and larger community amenities of Naperville or Arlington Heights for a more intimate and exclusive setting. The village's small size means fewer local activities, but its proximity to Hinsdale and other western suburbs provides access to broader amenities.

10. Vernon Hills Illinois

Vernon Hills ranks tenth for its newer housing stock, good schools, and abundant retail options in a planned-community setting. Located in Lake County, its violent-crime rate is about 0.8 per 1,000, and it has a population of around 26,000. Vernon Hills High School in District 128 earns strong Niche marks for its academic performance. The median home price is around $430,000, which is reasonable for the area and offers good value for newer construction.

Vernon Hills is for families who want a modern, retail-rich suburb with good schools and a lower entry price than the established North Shore communities. It trades away the historic charm, walkable downtowns, and top-tier school prestige of Glenview or Western Springs for a more car-dependent, planned environment. The extensive shopping centers are convenient, but the commute to Chicago is longer than from most other suburbs on this list, and the community lacks a traditional village core.

How we ranked these

This ranking measured five weighted factors: violent-crime rate per 1,000 residents (30%), public school ratings from Niche and the Illinois Report Card (30%), median home price from Zillow/Redfin (20%), Metra commute time to downtown Chicago (15%), and downtown walkability (5%). Each suburb was scored against these criteria, with Naperville earning the top overall score due to its combination of elite schools, low crime, and rail access.

We deliberately ignored subjective lifestyle factors like nightlife, cultural amenities, and neighborhood character, as these are highly personal and difficult to quantify fairly. We also excluded property tax rates from the core ranking, despite their importance, because they vary widely within each suburb by school district and county. This keeps the list focused on the objective, verifiable metrics that matter most to families relocating for schools and safety.

What to look for

When choosing between these suburbs, the real differentiators are school district boundaries, not town names. Lisle and Naperville share districts, so verify the exact assigned school for any address. Metra station proximity is critical: a home within a 10-minute walk to a BNSF or UP-NW station commands a premium and saves 30-60 minutes daily. Property taxes vary by 1% or more between counties, so compare the effective rate for each specific home.

The most common mistake is buying the largest house you can afford without checking the commute time and school district. Many families stretch for a bigger home in a car-dependent area, then discover the 50-minute train ride or the school is not the one they expected. Always map the address to the school, time the commute during rush hour, and budget for the full property tax bill before making an offer.

Related questions

What is the safest suburb of Chicago for families?

Western Springs has the lowest violent-crime rate on this list at about 0.4 per 1,000 residents, making it the safest. Hinsdale and Naperville follow closely at 0.5 and 0.6 per 1,000, respectively. All ten suburbs have violent-crime rates well below the national average, so safety is a strong point across the entire list.

Which Chicago suburb has the best public schools?

Naperville and Hinsdale are tied for the top school honors. Naperville Central and North both earn A+ Niche grades, while Hinsdale Central is consistently among Illinois' top high schools. Glenbrook South in Glenview and Maine South in Park Ridge also rank highly, making the choice dependent on your child's specific needs and the district's course offerings.

What is the most affordable suburb on the list?

Lisle has the lowest median home price at around $400,000, followed closely by Downers Grove at $420,000 and Vernon Hills at $430,000. These suburbs offer a lower entry point while still providing access to strong schools and Metra service, making them attractive options for first-time buyers or families on a tighter budget.

Which suburb has the shortest commute to downtown Chicago?

Park Ridge offers the shortest commute, with Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line reaching the Loop in about 20-25 minutes. Hinsdale and Western Springs on the BNSF line are also quick, at roughly 25-30 minutes. Naperville and Lisle are farther out, with express trains taking 35-50 minutes depending on the schedule.

Are property taxes higher in DuPage County or Cook County?

Cook County generally has higher effective property tax rates, often 2.5% to 3% of home value, while DuPage County is slightly lower, typically 2% to 2.5%. However, rates vary significantly by school district and municipality. For example, a home in Naperville (DuPage) may have a lower rate than a comparable home in Park Ridge (Cook), but the difference is not uniform across all areas.

Which suburb is best for families who want a walkable downtown?

Naperville, Hinsdale, and Park Ridge have the most vibrant, walkable downtowns. Naperville's Riverwalk, Hinsdale's independent shops near the train, and Park Ridge's Uptown with the historic Pickwick Theatre all offer a classic suburban main street experience. Downers Grove and Arlington Heights also have strong downtowns, but they are slightly more spread out.

How do school district boundaries affect home values in these suburbs?

School district boundaries can create significant price differences within a single suburb. For example, a home in Lisle zoned for Naperville Central High School will command a premium over a home zoned for a lower-rated district. Always verify the assigned school for a specific address, as town borders do not always align with district lines, and this can impact resale value.

What is the best suburb for a first-time homebuyer?

Downers Grove is the best value for first-time buyers, with a median home price around $420,000, strong District 99 schools, and three Metra stations. Arlington Heights is a close second at $450,000, offering a lively downtown and good schools. Both provide a safe, commuter-friendly environment without the premium price tag of Naperville or Hinsdale.

FAQ

Are these suburbs safe for families?

Yes, all 10 suburbs have violent-crime rates well below the national average, typically ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 per 1,000 residents. Most also report property-crime rates that are moderate to low for the Chicago metro area.

How much do homes cost in these suburbs?

Median home prices range from roughly $400,000 in value-focused suburbs like Downers Grove to over $1 million in top-tier communities like Hinsdale or Winnetka. The majority fall between $450,000 and $700,000.

What are the school ratings like?

Nearly every suburb on the list has public schools rated A or A+ on Niche, with strong test scores and college-prep programs. Some districts, like Naperville 203 and New Trier, are consistently ranked among the best in Illinois.

How long is the commute to downtown Chicago?

Commute times vary from about 25 minutes on Metra express trains from suburbs like Evanston or Oak Park to 50–60 minutes from farther-out towns like Naperville or Geneva. Driving can take 30–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Are there any suburbs with lower property taxes?

Property tax rates in the Chicago area are among the highest in the U.S., typically 2% to 3% of home value annually. Some suburbs like Arlington Heights or Mount Prospect have slightly lower rates than high-tax areas like Winnetka or Lake Forest.

Which suburb is best for a first-time homebuyer?

Downers Grove and Arlington Heights offer strong schools and safety at median prices around $420,000–$480,000, making them popular for first-time buyers. Both have good Metra access and family-friendly amenities.

What is the best overall suburb for families?

Naperville is the best overall, with a violent-crime rate near 0.6 per 1,000, two A+ high schools, and a median home price around $485,000. Its Riverwalk downtown and two Metra stations make it a benchmark for family living in the Chicago area.

Which suburb offers the best value?

Downers Grove is the best value, with a median home price near $420,000, strong District 99 schools, and three Metra stations. It provides a true commuter suburb experience without the premium price of Naperville or Hinsdale.

How important is Metra access?

Metra access is crucial for working parents. A home near a station on the BNSF or Union Pacific lines can save 30-60 minutes daily and is a key factor in property values. Suburbs like Downers Grove and Arlington Heights have multiple stations, making them more convenient.

Should I consider property taxes when choosing?

Yes, property taxes in the Chicago area are among the highest in the nation, typically 2% to 3% of home value annually. Rates vary by county and school district, so compare the effective rate for each home, as it can add thousands to your annual costs.

Sources

• https://www.fbi.gov/how-can-we-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/ucr
• https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/
• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-suburbs-for-families/m/chicago-area/
• https://www.greatschools.org/illinois/
• https://www.zillow.com/home-values/
• https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/
• https://metra.com/
• https://www.naperville.il.us/
• https://www.villageofdownersgrove.com/
• https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/

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