Best Places to Live in Illinois

Boasting diverse lifestyles from huge urban areas to rolling farmland, this Land of Lincoln is located in America’s heartland. Illinois has recently been plagued by a high unemployment rate, very high real estate and income taxes plus what many consider poor leadership and this has led to it being one of the states seeing the largest departure of residents (ranked #3 on Money Wise Dec 23,2021 article “The States Americans Are Fleeing (and Where They’re Going)”). That said, Illinois is still know for exceptional universities such as Northwestern, University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Loyola University and Columbia University. Due to this IL ranks positively on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. There are also 34 of the 500 Fortune 500 companies located in Illinois. There are also some highly rated school systems and historical heritage that still draw people to this Midwest state. Here are some of what are considered great places to live and grow a family in Illinois.

Naperville, the 3rd largest city in Illinois is considered one of its wealthiest cities. In fact, it’s considered one of the midwest’s wealthiest cities as well as one offering excellent school districts. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is considered to be one of the safest cities in America and boasts 130 parks and sports complexes, diverse and interesting restaurant and shopping choices and most well known, Naperville’s beautiful Riverwalk. Census shows that most residents are college educated, which could be explained by the eight college campuses serving this community. Located along the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, several high-tech companies here include AT&T Bell Laboratories, Calamos, Ineos, BP, Western Electric, Nicor Gas and more. Many job options here along with being within an hour’s commute of downtown Chicago, Naperville is a favorite place to call home.

The capital of Illinois and home to Abraham Lincoln for almost 2 decades, this city offers a lower cost of living than many other parts of the state. Being the state’s capital, it shouldn’t surprise you that over 17000 residents work in government jobs. The city also includes 3 universities and a thriving cultural environment. Lincoln’s home, tomb and presidential museum along with the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site which allows you to go back and experience life in 1846 including a working, living history farm and farmstead are located in Springfield. This city also has modern cultural offerings like the famous Hoogland Center for the Arts and Springfield Theater Centre. Add for the kids, Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Adventure which is one of the largest amusement parks in central Illinois. The current population of Springfield is 117,000.

Springfield Homes for Sale

One of Chicago’s smaller suburbs with a population of 41,600, this Lake County city has been consistently declared by the likes of Us News & World Report and Niche.com to be one of the Best Places to Live in the entire United States. Boasting an extremely low crime rate and an extremely high rated (ranked 9/10 on GreatSchools) public school systems, this is a popular choice for young, growing families. Though its unemployment rate is considered high for its size, being within less than an hour’s drive to Chicago provides more job opportunities.

Plainfield is noted as one of the best places in Illinois for families. Sitting right next door to Naperville, you can enjoy all the dining, shopping and entertainment options offered there while benefitting from Plainfield’s lower cost of living. While the average home price is $283,000, residents typically earn at a higher income bracket averaging $111,521 so this city gives you more bang for you buck. Excellent schools and a 96% high school graduation rate are part of the reason this city is considered so family friendly. Also, again within an hour of downtown Chicago, O’Hare and Midway International Airports, Plainfield provides excellent commuter options for those wanting to work in the big city of Chicago. An averaged 2022 population of 44,308, you might consider Plainfield a mid-sized city with big city amenities!

Considered one of the less affordable Illinois cities, Clarendon Hills still finds itself on lists of great places to live in Illinois due to having one of the highest rated school systems in the nation and very very low crime rate (considered 8th safest city in IL). With a small population of under 9000 residents, this quaint, friendly and close knit community is considered ideal for raising a family.

With a population of 76,000, Arlington Heights draws in many young professionals as well as is home to families who have lived here for decades. Home choices range from century old homes to mid-century ranches and modern condos. The school system is ranked well and this city offers an abundance of recreational options such as exceptional parks, sports teams, dance studios and several lakes with surrounding walking trails, bird watching and fishing. Chicago is only a 26 mile drive or a 45 minute Metra ride so commuting is common. If you love to travel or have to fly for business then being just 13 miles from O’Hare International Airport (while not being annoyed by airport noise) is a huge plus!

Home to the awesomeness of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio and Unity Temple, one of the most popular events in Oak Park is taking the Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk which includes other historical landmarks and points of interest such as Pleasant Home, one of the earliest examples of Prairie style architecture. There are restaurants, bars, museums, music venues and theater arts so cultural options are vast. But sitting on the border of the city of Chicago, you can drive or commute downtown in around a half hour so many Oak Park residents not only work in the big city but enjoy the dining and nightlife there as well. Not overly large, Oak Park’s population is around 53,000 and in spite of its close proximity to Chicago has one of the Illinois’ lowest crime rates.

Frequently asked questions

Question: For what is Illinois most known?

Known as the Land of Lincoln, Illinois is the birthplace of our 16th President. It is also the home of our 40th President, Ronald Reagan born in Tampico. Illinois also includes the tallest building in the US, Willis Tower (still called Sears Tower by natives!)

Question: What is the population of Illinois?

Ranked as the 6th most populous state in the United States, Illinois’ estimated 2022 population is 12.5 Million.

Question: What are some interesting, fun facts and things to do in Illinois?

Head down to the Springfield area and there are many Historic sites related to the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Chicago, 3rd largest US city, famous for its varied architectural styles, stunning Lakefront and river with parallel bridges (dyed green every St Patrick’s Day), shooting location of several tv shows and movies, World’s Fair and Chicago fire is probably most famous around the world for its ties to mobster Al Capone and the Mafia. A rather fun place to visit is Alton IL , home of the tallest man in the world who was born in 1918 and stood 8’11”! The Prairie state also offers many beautiful rural and farm areas with charming small towns. Now a successful nationwide franchise, the first Dairy Queen was opened in Joliet IL, a suburb of Chicago on 6/22/1940.

Find more homes for sale in Illinois

NAPERVILLE

SPRINGFIELD

BUFFALO GROVE

PLAINFIELD

CLARENDON HILLS

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

OAK PARK

Frequently asked questions

Question: For what is Illinois most known?

Question: What is the population of Illinois?

Question: What are some interesting, fun facts and things to do in Illinois?