Best Chicago Suburbs for Families
Chicago's suburbs stretch from the North Shore to the western corridor, each with a distinct personality. Whether you're optimizing for Metra access, top-ranked schools, or finding real value under $600K, the right suburb depends on your family's priorities. Here's how the towns stack up.
Top-rated schools
The IL suburbs with the strongest school districts
Wilmette
suburban · $930K · 45 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Winnetka
suburban · $1.8M · 65 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Kenilworth
suburban · $2.0M · 49 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Glencoe
suburban · $1.5M · 53 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Lake Forest
suburban · $1.2M · 66 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Hinsdale
suburban · $1.2M · 47 min to Chicago
10/10
Schools
Naperville
suburban · $594K · 63 min to Chicago
9/10
Schools
Highland Park
suburban · $740K · 54 min to Chicago
9/10
Schools
Shortest commute
Closest suburbs to Chicago by transit or car
Chicago – Pilsen
urban · $420K · 25 min to Chicago
25 min
Commute
Chicago – Ravenswood
urban · $560K · 27 min to Chicago
27 min
Commute
Chicago – Wicker Park
urban · $620K · 28 min to Chicago
28 min
Commute
Elmhurst
suburban · $600K · 30 min to Chicago
30 min
Commute
Chicago – Lincoln Park
urban · $875K · 30 min to Chicago
30 min
Commute
Oak Park
urban · $449K · 34 min to Chicago
34 min
Commute
Chicago – Jefferson Park
urban · $340K · 34 min to Chicago
34 min
Commute
Chicago – Bridgeport
urban · $365K · 34 min to Chicago
34 min
Commute
Most affordable
Best value for families watching their budget
Harvey
urban · $103K · 59 min to Chicago
$103K
Median home
Park Forest
suburban · $149K · 97 min to Chicago
$149K
Median home
Dolton
suburban · $150K · 66 min to Chicago
$150K
Median home
Calumet City
suburban · $151K · 74 min to Chicago
$151K
Median home
Park Forest
suburban · $155K · 93 min to Chicago
$155K
Median home
Calumet Park
urban · $156K · 67 min to Chicago
$156K
Median home
Steger
suburban · $165K · 109 min to Chicago
$165K
Median home
Chicago Heights
urban · $166K · 94 min to Chicago
$166K
Median home
Best walkability
Towns where you can walk to Main Street, the school, or the park
Chicago – Lincoln Park
urban · $875K · 30 min to Chicago
97
Walk score
Chicago – Lakeview
urban · $650K · 39 min to Chicago
95
Walk score
Chicago – Wicker Park
urban · $620K · 28 min to Chicago
94
Walk score
Chicago – Bucktown
urban · $640K · 36 min to Chicago
93
Walk score
Chicago – Logan Square
urban · $530K · 46 min to Chicago
92
Walk score
Chicago – Andersonville
urban · $530K · 60 min to Chicago
91
Walk score
Chicago – North Center
urban · $720K · 43 min to Chicago
90
Walk score
Chicago – Lincoln Square
urban · $580K · 43 min to Chicago
89
Walk score
Rankings only go so far
The best suburb for your family depends on your commute, your budget, and what you care about most. Burbia asks the right questions and scores every town for you — live.
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