Best Towns and Cities Near Chicago to Raise a Family

Chicago is a cultural and commercial hub with a fascinating history, world-renowned architecture, and an incredible food scene. If you want to live near Chicago and enjoy all of its benefits but would rather raise your family outside this massive city, there are plenty of desirable communities nearby that offer wonderful homes for families. Let’s look at the best towns and cities near Chicago to raise a family.

Lake Forest is an appealing suburb located on the shores of Lake Michigan. This medium-sized city is home to around 20,000 and has a peaceful feel. With thick forests and winding streets, the outdoor recreation makes it ideal for families. It is a safe community with luxurious homes that attract affluent buyers.

Algonquin is an appealing suburb that is just a short drive from the heart of Chicago. Not only does it boast low crime rates, but it feels distant from the big city’s noise with excellent parks and nearby forests. Algonquin is known for its upscale shopping, dining, and high-end homes.

Wheaton is a pleasant city situated west of Chicago with a population of around 53,000. This city is renowned as a historic and affluent community that promises tranquility and superb homes. There are many notable real estate options near Wheaton, and it has excellent public and private schools nearby.

Downers Grove is a thriving suburb that has become a hub for the business industry, with several major companies headquartered here. This has contributed to its growing population, which is currently at about 50,000 residents. Commuting to Chicago from Downers Grove is easy, and the town has many pleasant parks and family activities.

Park Ridge is near O’Hare Airport and a quick drive into Chicago’s downtown. It is known for its own appealing downtown, which includes the historic Pickwick Theatre. Park Ridge’s high safety ratings and family-friendly vibe make it a popular option for home buyers. It is widely considered an affluent suburb and has top-notch schools.

Bloomington is a city in central Illinois famous for its history and pleasant atmosphere. This community has excellent museums and other family-friendly activities and events throughout the year. Additionally, the Bloomington School District is highly regarded. It also boasts lovely public parks and trails like Constitution Trail.

Winnetka is a scenic city just north of downtown Chicago located on the shores of Lake Michigan. This little city is home to around 12,000 and is renowned as one of the wealthiest communities in the country. It has sandy beaches, excellent parks, high-end luxury real estate, and its schools are considered some of the best in the state.

Oswego is a quiet suburb with a welcoming community and family-friendly appeal. It features scenic public parks and trails, including Hudson Crossing Park, and excellent museums, like the Little White School Museum. There are exciting annual events like PrairieFest, which has concerts and carnival rides.

Naperville is a large busy suburb that is home to 150,000. The DuPage River is the site of the city’s Riverwalk, an ideal spot for outdoor fun with trails and bridges that wind across the water. Naperville also has pleasant beaches and outdoor recreation facilities, promoting a healthy family lifestyle.