Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide
So, you’re moving to Chicago but the city life isn’t really your style?
No worries!
We’re here to steer you towards the best suburbs this city has to offer.
Get help moving to the suburbs using the best Chicago moving companies.
Use the table below to snap directly to a specific neighborhood. Or, if you’re not quite sure where to start, keep on scrolling to get a better idea of what you’re in for.
| | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Grove | Lisle | Round Lake |
| Clarendon Hills | Naperville | Wheaton |
| Woodridge | Palatine | Evanston |
| Hoffman Estates |
The ‘Burbs: Don’t Call It Chicago
Chicago is a huge, sprawling city that has been divided into an absurd number of neighborhoods.
While they’re all considered part of the same city, there is a stark divide between those who live in the city proper and those who live in the suburbs.
If you’re planning on heading out to The ‘Burbs, it’s best to be prepared for the frequent reminders that “you don’t really live in Chicago”.
Try not to take it too personally. Hating your neighbor for not being a “true Chicagoan” is just part of the Chicago experience.
Average Home Prices in Chicago Suburbs
On top of the community divide, Chicago’s high cost of living will also be a major factor when determining where you want to live.
Chicago’s median home price is significantly higher than the national average of $188,900. That being said, you’ll still be able to find homes listed on both sides of the spectrum.
Those looking for more reasonably priced homes will want to focus on Round Lake, Woodridge, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates to find houses closer to Chicago’s average.
But hey, maybe you aren’t quite ready to invest in a house? Here’s what the suburban rent situation looks like.
You’ll probably have more luck finding a good deal in the suburban rental market.
Of all the areas we are covering, only Buffalo Grove, Round Lake, and Evanston come close to or exceed the average for rent in Chicago.
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Chicago with plenty of business parks and arts centers for young professionals as well as great schools and tree-lined, safe neighborhoods for families.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $296,200
- Average Rental Price (1 bedroom): $1,436
- Median Household Income: $94k
- Median Age: 44
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Lisle
Commonly known as the “Arboretum Village”, Lisle is a very popular area among young professionals and young families. Here, you’ll find many public parks and green spaces along with a downtown filled with unique shops and four-star restaurants.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $276,600
- Average Rental Price (1 bedroom): $1,264
- Median Household Income: $76k
- Median Age: 38
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Round Lake
Round Lake is an extremely community-oriented area which makes it much more family-focused than you might be looking for. Still, if you’re in search of a quaint neighborhood that loves its festivals, you’re in the right place.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $186,600
- Average Rental Price (1 bedroom): $1,500
- Median Household Income: $55k
- Median Age: 32
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Clarendon Hills
Clarendon Hills is very much your typical, idyllic suburb. It has a great public school system, a low crime rate, and is just an overall great place to raise a family.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $449,600
- Average Rental Price (1 bedroom): $990
- Median Household Income: $98k
- Median Age: 40
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Naperville
Naperville is considered one of the best places to live by multiple outlets, and it’s easy to see why. With it’s across-the-board great schools, safety, and diversity, not to mention all of the nightlife available at the beautiful Riverwalk, it’s easy to see why this place attracts families and young professionals alike.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $375,600
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,226
- Median Household Income: $76k
- Median Age: 36
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Wheaton
It may be one of the pricier suburbs, but Wheaton makes up for it in the sheer amount of stuff to do. This place is full of local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and even features one of the nation’s best libraries.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $325,300
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,243
- Median Household Income: $88k
- Median Age: 36
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Woodridge
Woodridge is a great option for people who want to be closer to the city without sharing its high cost of living. The community has a thriving community of young professionals who enjoy a wide selection of restaurants and a bustling lineup of festivals.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $255,200
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,221
- Median Household Income: $77k
- Median Age: 37
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Palatine
Palatine is yet another example of a solid, standard Chicago suburb. The area boasts a low unemployment rate with a nice community feel that should make up for the area having a higher cost of living than Chicago proper.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $247,200
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,125
- Median Household Income: $64k
- Median Age: 35
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Evanston
Evanston has one of the best arts and culture scenes of any Chicago suburbs. The town draws in predominately young professionals. The cost of living is higher than the Chicago metro, it’s great schools and diverse community do make it very suitable for young families as well.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $323,200
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,604
- Median Household Income: $65k
- Median Age: 32
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
Hoffman Estates
The other city ranked among the nation’s best by Money Magazine, Hoffman Estates has some of the highest rated schools in the area along with an extremely diverse community, a renowned golf course, and the Sears Centre Arena.
The Stats
- Average Home Price: $243,000
- Average Rental Price (2 bedroom): $1,158
- Median Household Income: $60k
- Median Age: 31
Noteworthy Local Hotspots
And if you’re relocating from within the city, you’ll definitely want to check out our Cost of Moving in Chicago guide for tips on how best to maximize your budget.
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