Ahhh, the suburbs. When you picture them, you may envision white picket fences, driveways of parked minivans, and picturesque green lawns. Doesn’t sound too terrible, right? In fact, suburbs are great places to raise a family. You generally get way more bang for your buck as far as space (and as any growing family knows, it’s easy to feel like you’re quickly outgrowing your home.) Suburbs are typically community-driven and full of other families. Plus, you’re still close to the city, meaning you can easily commute or just take advantage of everything Chicago offers. Thinking about making the move? Here are some of the best suburbs of Chicago for families to consider!
Planning a Move? Here are the Best Suburbs of Chicago for Families
Long Grove
Zip Codes: 60047, 60060
Long Grove is a popular choice for families. Located northwest of the city, it is rated the #1 best place to raise a family in Illinois and #1 in places with the best public schools in Illinois (according to Niche.) This Lake County community offers a rural feel with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and parks.
Kenilworth
Zip Codes: 60043
Located in Cook County, Kenilworth is known for its highly rated public schools and safety scores. North of Chicago, parts of Kenilworth are right on the shores of Lake Michigan, with seasonal access to Kenilworth Beach available with a pass. Beautiful parks, stores, and coffee shops give it a signature small-town feel.
Clarendon Hills
Zip Codes: 60514
Southwest of Chicago is Clarendon Hills, a family-friendly community with a small-town feel. This highly coveted area has homes with plenty of charm, character, and a dense suburban feel. Great schools, restaurants, and parks make it one of the best suburbs of Chicago for families.
Kildeer
Zip Codes: 60047, 60074
Kildeer offers a more rural suburban aesthetic, with various accessible parks, wooded areas, ponds, and lakes. Highly rated schools and local amenities like restaurants and stores make Kildeer a sought-after area for families. Northwest of Chicago, the city is about an hour away; still accessible, but removed enough for peace and a little extra elbow room.
Inverness
Zip Codes: 60010, 60067
Inverness is a quieter suburb highly rated as one of Illinois’s best places to retire. It’s still an excellent spot for families, however! There’s a bit more space to spread out, but the schools are still highly rated, and there are plenty of parks and restaurants to explore.
Tower Lakes
Zip Codes: 60010
Tower Lakes is a small suburb northwest of Chicago with a population of about 1,300. Beautiful lakes and parks make it a recreational dream, and while nearby Barrington has all of the resources you need (schools, post offices, grocery stores, etc.), the village of Tower Lakes is strictly residential.
Hinsdale
Zip Codes: 60521, 60522
Hinsdale is a much larger suburb with a population of over 17,000 people. West and slightly south of Chicago, it offers small-town charm, natural beauty, and a friendly community atmosphere. One of the wealthiest suburbs of Chicago, Hinsdale also has great public schools and highly-rated hospitals.
Best Suburbs of Chicago for Families
The greater Chicago area is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. With so many fabulous suburbs nearby, it’s no wonder so many people choose to raise children in this neck of the woods – myself included! Have more questions? I’m happy to continue the conversation about the best suburbs of Chicago for families anytime.
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