Best Places to Live in Illinois

Do you have the itch to move somewhere great?

And not just anywhere, it has to be more than great. Like the American Dream great.

As you are getting ready to go into overdrive researching which town you should move to, we’ve already done the nitty gritty for you.

Thanks to Niche, an analytically driven company that uses rigorous and credible data to rank neighborhoods, schools and companies, has compiled the ultimate list you never knew you needed.

From Niche’s scientific results, we were able to review their data and find out what it takes to be one of the best places to live in Illinois.

So, look no further, because here are the top 7 best places to live in Illinois in 2018:

Long Grove

Ranked as the seventh best place to live in Illinois, Long Grove offers more than just exceptional living.

Long Grove also makes the top ranking for the best public schools in Illinois, and one of the best places to raise a family.

With a median home value of $652,100, this diverse, friendly town is dominated by growing families and young professionals ready to start their careers.

This Lake County suburb is filled with charter schools that provide great opportunities and academics, making it an ideal place for families to live.

Indian Head Park

A small southwestern suburb of Chicago in Cook County, Indian Head Park is ranked as the sixth best place to live in Illinois in 2018.

Indian Head Park is also ranked as one of the best suburbs to buy a home and one of the best places to retire.

With a smaller population of 3,823 residents, majority of homes are owned versus renting.

The homes in the area have an average value of $237,300 and have an adequate variety of housing options to choose from.

Making this quaint suburb ideal for those transitioning into retirement.

Oak Park

Recently ranked as a top place for Millennials to live, Oak Park also secures a top spot as one of the best places to live in Illinois.

A charming and family-oriented town, the 51,989 residents of Oak Park live in an economically friendly and diverse area.

With a wide variety options, homes on average are worth $359,100 in value.

In addition, the schooling system is academically strong with an average graduation rate of 93%, making Oak Park a top choice for places to live.

Western Springs

As one of the safest cities in Illinois, Western Springs has been ranked as the fourth best place to live in Illinois.

Residents prominently own homes with a median value of $530,800. With a wide variety of living options, Western Springs offers a relaxed and flexible lifestyle.

A population of 13,133 residents, people have come to know and love this city for its quaint and small-town vibe.

And just a short car ride away from Chicago, Western Springs has the best of both worlds.

Naperville

With a population of 145,789 residents, Naperville has been ranked as the third best place to live in Illinois.

Not only is Naperville ranked as one of the best places to live, the city is also recognized as one of the best cities to raise a family, has the best public schools and ranked number one for safest city in America.

Adding to Naperville’s overall score, real estate is another contributing factor. With a median home value of $388,400, Naperville offers beautiful living options and a safe environment for residents.

Buffalo Grove

A northern suburb of Chicago in Lake County, Buffalo Grove is the second best ranked place to live in Illinois.

Based off thousands of statistics, Buffalo Grove has rightfully been ranked in the top tier of places to live, in addition to one of the best suburbs to buy a home.

Around the area, homes are dominantly owned and have an average value of $299,600.

Crime rates are on the lower side as well, making Buffalo Grove a safe and favored place to live among families.

Clarendon Hills

And lastly, a western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Clarendon Hills has been ranked the number one place to live in Illinois in 2018.

Clarendon Hills has been continuously voted as one of the best areas in Illinois, in addition to one of the best suburbs to raise a family.

With a median home value of $485,900 and a statistically safe report card, it is clear why people choose to live in Clarendon Hills.

Public schools have also been notably favored by parents due to their strong academics and available extracurricular activities.

The real estate in Clarendon Hills is another contributing factor to their overall ranking. Homes are well-maintained that are in nice and clean neighborhoods.