Chicago is a dynamic city that is still growing, and its strong energy can be felt outside of its busy downtown area. The diverse and welcoming Chicago suburbs, which are tucked away on the outskirts, each provide a special fusion of metropolitan conveniences with suburban charm.
The greatest Chicago suburbs of 2023 provide a variety of tempting alternatives for contemporary living, whether you’re looking for top-notch schools, a strong sense of community, amazing neighborhoods, safer areas, or closeness to the grandeur of Lake Michigan.
These suburban havens have attracted the interest and admiration of locals and visitors alike due to their reputation, quality of life, educational options, recreational offers, and general desirability.
In this article, we examine a selection of 11 Chicago Suburbs that have been carefully chosen and are generally regarded as the best of the best.
About the Suburbs
Our selection covers a variety of interests and lifestyles, from well-known and acclaimed neighborhoods to emerging undiscovered peaceful gems. So whether you are a young professional looking for a lively social scene of a family developing and looking for top-notch schools and secure neighborhoods, you are likely to discover a suburb that matches your goals and criteria.
Join us in this exploration journey where we tell you about 11 outstanding Chicago suburbs, highlighting their special qualities, attractions, population, their unemployment rate, and the things that set them apart from the others. From the charms of the place to how close the suburb is to a popular destination, we have it all covered. The historic buildings, the conveniences, and the different cultural experiences the place has to offer, the list has it all.
Here Are Some of The Best Chicago Suburbs of 2023
1. Naperville
A large suburb in Illinois, Naperville has more than 140,000 residents. It is renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, secure neighborhoods, and wealth of amenities. Naperville is a wonderful spot to get a career because it is home to several Fortune 500 organizations. One of the four largest carillons in the world, the Millennium Carillon, is located in Naperville, which is well known for it.
Additionally, it has a huge network of parks and forest preserves, including Centennial Beach. There are two school districts in Naperville: 203 and 204. It has media operations as well, including NCTV17. On the list of the best cities to live in America in 2023, the suburban area was ranked number 4.
Naperville Is Famous For:
- It is home to Moser Tower
- It is home to Millennium Carillon
- Extensive parks and forest preserve network
- Centennial Beach
Key Features of Naperville:
- Top Notch Schools
- Low Crime Rate
- Energetic and Vibrant downtown
2. Wheaton
A small suburb with a little over 50,000 residents, Wheaton is popular for its historic downtown, thriving and vibrant artistic community, and excellent schools. The neighborhood community is great as well. Wheaton is popular for many attractive places and some historical places.
Wheaton Is Famous For:
- Headquarters of over a dozen organizations and publications that are religious
- It has a recreational area known as Cantigny, which is spread across a 500 acres (200-hectare) area and also includes gardens and golf courses.
- The first division museum (Military History)
- Robert R. McCormick Museum (1896), a house built by Joseph Medill, a newspaper publisher.
Key Features of Wheaton:
- Reputable schools
- Historic Downtown
- Numerous parks and recreational activities
3. Glenview
The population of Glenview, a large suburb, is about 48,000. It is renowned for its welcoming culture for families and top-notch schools and is closer to Lake Michigan. The Glenview Village Centre and the Northbrook Court are the only two well-known shopping centers that can be found in Glenview.
Glenview Is Famous For:
- Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago
- Oil Lamp Theater
- The Grove National Historic Landmark
- Historic Wagner Farm
- ArcLight Movie Theaters
Key Features of Glenview:
- Excellent Schools
- A variety of Parks
- Convenient location near major highways
4. Arlington Heights
The population of Arlington Heights, a sizable suburb, is around 77,000. It is renowned for its lovely downtown, reputable schools, and close access to the Metra Commuter train line. The Arlington International Racecourse, a well-known horse racing facility, is also located in Arlington Heights.
Arlington Heights is famous for:
- Arlington Heights has a wealth of attractions to see, including the nationally and globally recognized Arlington International Racecourse, one of the most luxurious thoroughbred horse racing venues in the nation. It is regarded as the most beautiful racecourse in the entire nation.
- There is also our walkable downtown, which is a popular location for entertainment with a diverse selection of shops, live theatre at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and a wide range of dining options.
Key features of Arlington Heights:
- Offers a strong sense of community
- Good schools
- Diverse housing options
5. Deerfield
The population of Deerfield, a small suburb, is a little over 19,000. It is well renowned for having wealthy citizens, top-notch schools, and being close to the North Shore. One of the biggest public libraries in the Chicago region, the Deerfield Public Library, is located in Deerfield.
Deerfield is famous for:
- The corporate offices of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Baxter Healthcare, and Walgreens Boots Alliance are located in Deerfield.
- Deerfield is frequently cited as one of Illinois’s and the Midwest’s wealthiest and highest-earning communities.
Key features of Deerfield:
- Top-notch neighborhood
- Close to North Shore
- Excellent Schools
6. Highland Park
The population of Highland Park, a tiny suburb, is a little over 30,000. It is well renowned for having lovely beaches, top-notch schools, and being close to Lake Michigan. The Ravinia Event, a prominent summer music event, is also held at Highland Park.
Highland Park is famous for:
- Highland Park is home to many worldwide trade industries, such as the Basler Electric Co., Cooper B-Line Inc., Wicks Organ Company, Korte Construction Company, Korte Luitjohan Contractors, Highland Supply Corp., Highland Machine, and the Wall Street Journal’s Midwest printing operation.
- Lovely and beautiful Beaches.
- Ravinia Event
Key features of Highland Park are:
- Affluent Neighborhoods
- Excellent Schools
- Access to Lake Michigan
7. Lake Forest
The population of Lake Forest, a small suburb, is a little over 19,000 people. It is known for its wealth, excellent schools, and closeness to Lake Michigan. A private liberal arts institution called Lake Forest Institution is also located in Lake Forest.
Lake Forest is famous for:
- Located on the North Shore of Lake Michigan, Lake Forest is just a train ride away from downtown Chicago.
- Historic Lake Forest offers visitors a wide variety of shopping, world-class golf, cultural events, and outdoor activities.
Key features of Lake Forest:
- Great Neighborhood
- Good Schools
- Closer to Lake Michigan
8. Glencoe
The population of Glencoe, a small suburb, is slightly over 8,000. It is renowned for having lovely beaches, top-notch schools, and being close to Lake Michigan. One of the biggest public libraries in the Chicago region, the Glencoe Public Library, is located in Glencoe.
Glencoe is famous for:
Glencoe is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- Chicago Botanical Garden. Find out all the details about this amazing botanical garden.
- Glencoe Beach Writers Theatre
- Glencoe Golf Club
- Congregation Hakafa
Key features of Glencoe:
- Beautiful Beaches
- Top Schools
- Closer to Lake Michigan
9. Northbrook
A sizable suburb, Northbrook has more than 35,000 residents. It is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere for families, excellent schools, and close access to the North Shore. The well-known shopping center Northbrook Court is also located in Northbrook.
Northbrook is famous for:
The top attractions to visit in Northbrook are
- River Trail Nature Center
- Northbrook Park District
- Northbrook Court
- Northbrook Historical Society
- History Museum
- AMC Theatres
Key features of Northbrook:
- Family Family Neighborhoods
- Excellent Schools
- Closer to North Shore
Thinking about this excellent place? Know everything about it by visiting the official website of Northbrook.
10. Winnetka
The population of Winnetka, a small suburb, is slightly over 12,000 people. It is renowned for its wealth, top-notch schools, and closeness to Lake Michigan. The Winnetka Public Library, one of the biggest public libraries in the Chicago region, is also located in Winnetka.
Winnetka is famous for:
Winnetlka, a neighborhood located along Lake Michigan’s North Shore, is known for –
- Tree-lined streets
- Sandy beaches
- Renowned schools
- Exceptional parks
- Top-notch leisure centers
- Wide variety of nonprofit and religious organizations
Key features of Winnetka:
- Offers Beautiful Neighborhoods
- Top rated schools
- Access to Lake Michigan
11. Kenilworth
The population of Kenilworth, a small suburb, is slightly over 2,000. It is known for its wealth, top-notch schools, and closeness to Lake Michigan. One of the biggest public libraries in the Chicago region, the Kenilworth Public Library, is located in Kenilworth. It is one of the nine planned communities on the North Shore that surround Lake Michigan and is the newest of the communities. The wealthiest community in the Midwest and the eighth richest community overall in 2018 was Kenilworth.
Kenilworth is famous for:
- Wilmette Historical Museum
- Outatime Games
- Merrick Rose Garden
Key features of Kenilworth:
- Excellent Neighborhood
- Top rated schools
- Wealthiest Community in the Midwest
- Closer to Lake Michigan
Why These Suburbs Are Desirable Places to Live In
Excellent and top-notch educational institutions, low crime rates, lively downtown districts, easy-to-access, popular places, and amazing and family-friendly neighborhoods are just a few of the features that make these suburbs desirable to residents. Many of these suburbs also have lovely neighborhoods and are close to scenic areas like Lake Michigan, and have a strong feeling of community.
Conclusion
The Chicago metropolitan region is home to a large number of suburbs, each with its own distinct personality and allure. Despite rankings fluctuating over time, several suburbs have continuously stood out as popular choices for residents.
Naperville, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Wheaton, Highland Park, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, and Kenilworth are just a few of the 11 suburbs mentioned above that have earned praise for their living and attractive qualities.
The Chicago suburbs provide a variety of possibilities to suit different interests, whether you’re looking for a suburban location with top-rated schools for your children, a bustling cultural scene, or a peaceful setting close to natural beauty.
In the end, determining which Chicago suburb is perfect for you requires investigating the distinctive features and advantages that each city has to offer and which one of them is more suitable for you and your family.
