Why Consider the Chicago Suburbs?

For many people moving to the Chicagoland area, the suburbs offer the best of both worlds: access to one of America's greatest cities along with more space, excellent schools, and a slower pace of life. The Chicago suburbs span a vast area across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and McHenry counties, and each community has its own personality. Whether you are a young family looking for top-rated schools or a professional seeking a manageable commute, this guide will help you find the right suburban fit.

Top Chicago Suburbs for Relocating

Naperville

Naperville consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States, and for good reason. Located about 30 miles west of Chicago in DuPage County, this city of roughly 150,000 offers exceptional schools, a charming downtown with the Riverwalk, and a strong sense of community.

Median home price: $475,000 to $550,000
School districts: Naperville School District 203 and Indian Prairie District 204, both among the state's highest-rated
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 45 to 55 minutes on the BNSF line
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.1% to 2.4%
Best for: Families with school-age children, professionals working in the western suburbs or downtown

Evanston

Evanston sits immediately north of Chicago on the Lake Michigan shore and is home to Northwestern University. It has a distinctly urban feel for a suburb, with walkable downtown areas, diverse dining, and lakefront beaches. It seamlessly blends suburban and city living.

Median home price: $400,000 to $525,000
School districts: Evanston Township High School District 202 is well-regarded, with diverse academic and extracurricular programs
CTA Purple Line to downtown Chicago: 30 to 40 minutes, making it one of the best-connected suburbs
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.5% to 3.0%
Best for: Those who want suburban space without losing urban energy, academics, and lakefront lovers

Oak Park

Oak Park borders Chicago's western edge and is famous for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and Ernest Hemingway heritage. It is one of the most diverse suburbs in the Chicagoland area, with a progressive community character and excellent transit connections.

Median home price: $350,000 to $450,000
School districts: Oak Park Elementary District 97 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 both perform well
CTA Green and Blue Lines to downtown: 20 to 30 minutes
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.8% to 3.2% (among the higher suburban rates)
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, those who value diversity, and commuters who want quick CTA access

Schaumburg

Schaumburg, located in the northwest suburbs, is a major employment center in its own right. Home to Woodfield Mall (one of the largest in America), numerous corporate headquarters, and a growing entertainment district, it offers a self-contained suburban experience.

Median home price: $300,000 to $380,000
School districts: Schaumburg Township District 54 is solid, and Schaumburg High School is well-equipped
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 50 to 65 minutes on the Milwaukee District West line
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.2% to 2.6%
Best for: Those working in the northwest suburban corridor, families seeking affordable homes with good schools

Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights is a well-established northwest suburb with a revitalized downtown area, good schools, and easy access to both O'Hare Airport and downtown Chicago. The community has invested heavily in its central business district, creating a walkable area with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Median home price: $350,000 to $430,000
School districts: Arlington Heights District 25 and Township High School District 214 are both strong performers
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 45 to 55 minutes on the Union Pacific Northwest line
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.3% to 2.7%
Best for: Families, professionals near O'Hare, those who appreciate a walkable downtown

Downers Grove

Downers Grove is a western suburb in DuPage County known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and strong community spirit. The downtown area along Main Street has been revitalized with local shops and restaurants, and the village maintains excellent parks and recreation programs.

Median home price: $380,000 to $470,000
School districts: Downers Grove Grade School District 58 and Community High School District 99 (with Downers Grove North and South) are highly rated
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 35 to 45 minutes on the BNSF line, one of the fastest Metra routes
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.2% to 2.5%
Best for: Commuters who want a short Metra ride, families seeking top schools without Naperville prices

Highland Park

Highland Park is an affluent North Shore suburb known for its beautiful ravines, excellent schools, and Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. The community is smaller and more upscale, with a charming downtown and proximity to Lake Michigan.

Median home price: $550,000 to $800,000
School districts: North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113 (Highland Park High School) are excellent
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 50 to 60 minutes on the Union Pacific North line
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.5% to 3.0%
Best for: Affluent families, music and arts enthusiasts, those who prefer a quieter, upscale community

Wheaton

Wheaton is the DuPage County seat and home to Wheaton College. It has a charming, walkable downtown, strong community traditions, and some of the best public schools in the state. The Illinois Prairie Path, a popular biking and walking trail, runs through the community.

Median home price: $400,000 to $500,000
School districts: Community Unit School District 200 is consistently among DuPage County's top performers
Metra commute to downtown Chicago: 40 to 50 minutes on the Union Pacific West line
Property tax rate: Approximately 2.3% to 2.7%
Best for: Families prioritizing schools, trail enthusiasts, those seeking a traditional suburban feel

Metra Commuter Rail: Your Lifeline to Chicago

The Metra commuter rail system is the backbone of suburban commuting to Chicago. With 11 lines radiating out from downtown Chicago's four terminal stations, Metra connects over 100 suburban communities to the city center. Key facts for new suburban residents:

Monthly pass pricing: Ranges from $100 to $260 depending on distance (zone-based pricing)
Frequency: Trains run every 20 to 60 minutes during rush hours, with reduced midday and weekend service
Parking: Most Metra stations have commuter parking lots, with daily rates of $1 to $3 or annual permits of $300 to $600
Quiet cars: The first car on most trains is a designated quiet car, a favorite of regular commuters
Reliability: Metra generally runs on time, though winter weather and freight train interference can cause delays

School District Rankings: Why They Matter

For families with children, school quality is often the number-one factor in choosing a suburb. Illinois publishes school performance data through the Illinois Report Card, and several suburbs consistently rank at the top:

Naperville (Districts 203 and 204): Regularly among the top 5 in the state
Hinsdale (District 181 and Township High School District 86): Known for academic rigor
Wheaton (District 200): Strong performance across all levels
Downers Grove (Districts 58 and 99): Excellent high schools with diverse course offerings
Highland Park (Districts 112 and 113): High per-pupil spending and strong outcomes

Property values in Illinois are closely tied to school district quality, so investing in a top-rated district often pays dividends at resale.

City vs. Suburb: Cost Comparison

Here is how key expenses compare between Chicago proper and a typical suburb like Naperville or Arlington Heights:

Housing: A three-bedroom rental in Chicago averages $2,500 to $3,500 per month; in the suburbs, $2,000 to $2,800 for a comparable single-family home
Property taxes: Suburban rates are often higher (2.2% to 3.0%) than some Chicago neighborhoods, but assessed values may be lower
Transportation: A car is essential in most suburbs, adding $500 to $800 per month in payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance. Chicago residents can often go car-free
Childcare: Slightly lower in the suburbs, averaging $1,200 to $1,800 per month versus $1,400 to $2,200 in Chicago
Groceries and dining: Comparable, though Chicago offers more options at every price point

Property Taxes by Suburb

Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and rates vary significantly by suburb. This is because property taxes fund local schools, fire departments, parks, and libraries. Here is a snapshot of effective rates:

Naperville: 2.1% to 2.4%
Evanston: 2.5% to 3.0%
Oak Park: 2.8% to 3.2%
Schaumburg: 2.2% to 2.6%
Arlington Heights: 2.3% to 2.7%
Downers Grove: 2.2% to 2.5%
Highland Park: 2.5% to 3.0%
Wheaton: 2.3% to 2.7%

On a $450,000 home, property taxes can range from approximately $9,500 to $14,400 per year depending on the suburb. Factor this into your budget alongside mortgage payments.

Lifestyle and Family-Friendly Amenities

Chicago suburbs are designed with families in mind. Most communities offer:

Park districts: Nearly every suburb has its own park district offering youth sports, swimming pools, fitness centers, and summer camps
Libraries: Suburban libraries in Illinois are among the best-funded in the country, offering extensive programming for children and adults
Community events: Fourth of July parades, farmers markets, summer concert series, and holiday festivals create a strong sense of community
Outdoor recreation: Forest preserves, bike trails (including the Illinois Prairie Path and Des Plaines River Trail), and local parks provide ample green space
Youth activities: From travel soccer leagues to competitive swim teams, suburban kids have access to a vast array of organized activities

Find Your Perfect Suburb

Choosing the right Chicago suburb means balancing commute times, school quality, housing costs, property taxes, and lifestyle priorities. The good news is that with over 200 suburbs to choose from, there is a community for nearly every budget and preference. The first step is connecting with movers who understand the nuances of Chicagoland relocations, from navigating suburban neighborhoods to coordinating Metra schedules around your move-in day.

Get your free suburban moving quote today and start your journey to the perfect Chicagoland community.

Moving to Chicago Suburbs: Naperville, Evanston, Schaumburg & Beyond