20 Best Towns and Neighborhoods in Chicago and the Suburbs
With the real-estate market in turmoil and the economic future uncertain, our in-house housing (and schools) expert names a score of top places to live right now.
Click the town and neighborhood names on the map—or on the list below—for more info.
Related:
CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS
Edison Park »
Roscoe Village »
Beverly »
Lakeshore East »
Rockwell Crossing »
Lakewood Balmoral »
Holstein Park »
Bridgeport »
Calumet Heights »
Marynook »
SUBURBS
Lake Bluff »
Wilmette »
Tinley Park »
Oak Park »
Glen Ellyn »
Western Springs »
Orland Park »
Glenview »
Woodstock »
Frankfort »
For almost 20 years, I have roamed the streets of Chicago and its suburbs for this magazine, checking out houses, schools, parks, stores, and other elements that contribute to quality of life. Along the way, I have found that in a metro area that stretches to the corners of six counties—and beyond—you can find an enormous variety of ways to live well.
Whether your conception of life lived well occurs in a super-tall high-rise at the pulsing center of a city, a tranquil little village with its sepia-toned charm intact, or something in between, you can find it in the Chicago area. In these pages, I will show you around 20 of my favorite places, including affluent areas filled with picturesque dream homes and more modestly priced places that are just as long on charm.
In my experience, these selected towns and neighborhoods distinguish themselves in several key ways. I looked at house prices, with an eye toward affordability in these complicated economic times. Ease of transportation—both public and by car—plays increasingly on time, expenses, and general comfort. Many parents make their residential decisions based on school quality, so I factored in that criterion using a variety of measures, including test scores and my own long experience in assessing schools for this magazine. (For example, see my report on the best public high schools in the October 2007 issue. In December 2007, senior editor Geoffrey Johnson filed a similar report for private high schools. We will be reporting on elementary schools in the October 2010 issue.) Finally, I hold that a lively town or neighborhood needs to be anchored by good shopping and dining choices that ideally join to form the social center of the community.
The selections I made—which follow in no particular order—range from a postcard-perfect town square nestled among streets of Victorian homes to an old-line Chicago neighborhood chock-a-block with bungalows and its own walkable restaurant strip. All of them are places with uncommon flavor.
You don’t merely buy or rent a home, you invest in a community as well, and in these 20 places, you get a lot in that deal. Come with me and take a look.
This article appears in the April 2010 issue of Chicago magazine.
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Comments are moderated. We review them in an effort to remove offensive language, commercial messages, and irrelevancies.
Agreed, elizabeth riley, these are some of my favorites as well. Add one up & coming neighborhood--fruzsE's Albany Park!
i would trade you lincoln square for rockwell crossing. rockwell crossing seems super specific.
Qstrian: I'm with you on Albany Park. We had it in a story on bargain neighborhoods in October 2008: http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2008/Where-to-Buy-Now/
You should check out Brighton Park, low low taxes and you can purchase for under 175K. Super nice area between 44th and 47th and California and Kedzie. 6 blocks from the Orange Line and one mile from 55.
What suburbs were runners up near Westchester? Are you doing a new list for 2011?
hi!!we are thinking on moving to chicago, but we don´t know anything about it.. we´re looking a nice place to live, not to expensive, but safe, near to transportation. what do you recomend.. thanks everyone
Thinking of moving to Chicago next year........can you tell me something about the different kinds of ethnic neighborhoods, like African American, Greek, Italian?
Also where are the excellent senior living communities?
Schorsch Forestview is also a great Chicago neighborhood minutes from O'hare Airport.
@ NAN1939 Schorsch Forestview has a high content of Italians
@ NAN1939 Schorsch Forestview has a high content of Italians
Thinking of moving to chicago next year with 3 daughters - twins of 15 & other daughter 12.
Anyone got any advice on which the best areas & good schools?
Hi Sazza,
This piece we did on the best public elementary schools should help you out: http://chi.mg/9ZMvqn
Alternatively, the Tribune maintains a more up-to-date list here: http://schools.chicagotribune.com/
You can search for a school's report card either by address or name. I hope these resources help.
Best,
Elizabeth
Doe's anyone know much about n.clybourn ave around the 2200 block. Is it a good place to live and safe.
Hi, Paulb61070. I know the neighborhood well, but I think of those blocks of Clybourn as being pretty full of retail and dining, maybe a little loud and heavy on the traffic--where just a block or so off Clybourn you'd have less noise. On the other hand, if you're ok with the noise and have found a nice rental (maybe above some of the older retail, or in one of the new buildings?), go for it. On safety, you shouldn't have many issues: It's a fully developed, heavily trafficked neighborhood. I hope this helps!
Any suggestions for a relocating early 30s professional married couple with no kids? We currently live just outside of NYC, enjoy local restaurants, and do not need a lively late night scene. Not interested in staying long term and school systems are not a concern.
Looking to move to Chicago...looking to stay close to work (100 N Riverside Plaza). found a house on W Erie St (East Village/ Wicker Park). Is this a good area? Have a 14 year old as well...
Any tips for a 29 year old from Boston to Chicago? I work from home so I would need a decently sized 2 bedroom apt. I don't know much about the neighborhoods so would like to hear what suburban areas are safe & spacious. Something not longer than 30 minutes away from Downtown Chicago.
Thanks!
I am considering moving from NYC to Chicago for family reasons. My husband and I are looking for a bit less competitive environment while still maintaining culture/diversity/excellent schools for our three children. We like NY because our children have diverse friends and the culture promotes achievement, but we do not like the high pressure, fast-paced, cut-throat environment. Would love some advice. What neighborhoods should we be looking into?