Are you considering a move to Illinois but don’t know which city to choose? With so many great options available, it can be difficult to decide where to call home. Illinois is a state with a diverse range of cities and towns, each with its unique features and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban lifestyle or an urban environment with an abundance of cultural activities, Illinois has something to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to live in Illinois, taking into account factors such as cost of living, quality of life, education, and job opportunities.
Top 17 Best Places To Live In Illinois
- Chicago
- Naperville
- Evanston
- Champaign-Urbana
- Oak Park
- Schaumburg
- Bloomington-Normal
- Geneva
- Springfield
- Palatine
- Barrington
- Glen Ellyn
- Rockford
- Carbondale
- Buffalo Grove
- Crystal Lake
- Clarendon Hills
1. Chicago: A Vibrant City with Endless Opportunities
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,710 |
| Median House Price | $284,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.8% |
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and diverse food scene. It is a hub for business and commerce, with a thriving downtown area and numerous job opportunities. Despite its size, Chicago offers plenty of green space and outdoor activities, including the famous Lakefront Trail and Lincoln Park. With great schools, a bustling arts scene, and endless entertainment options, Chicago is an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant city lifestyle.
2. Naperville
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,530 |
| Median House Price | $430,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
Located just 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville is a picturesque suburb with a population of around 150,000. It offers top-rated schools, excellent parks, recreational facilities, and a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. With a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, Naperville is a great option for families.
3. Evanston
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,800 |
| Median House Price | $525,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
Evanston is a diverse community located just north of Chicago, known for its beautiful lakefront and charming downtown area. Home to Northwestern University, it is a college town with a strong arts scene and plenty of cultural events. Evanston offers excellent schools, numerous parks and green spaces, and a thriving business community. With a mix of historic homes and modern developments, Evanston is a great option for those seeking a unique and vibrant community.
4. Champaign Urbana
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $820 |
| Median House Price | $166,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
Champaign-Urbana is a college town located in central Illinois, home to the University of Illinois and a thriving tech industry. It offers excellent schools, affordable housing options, and a strong sense of community. With numerous parks and recreational facilities, as well as a growing arts scene, Champaign-Urbana is a great option for those seeking a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
5. Oak Park
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,330 |
| Median House Price | $455,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.7% |
Oak Park is a historic suburb located just 10 miles west of Chicago, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. It is home to numerous Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, as well as the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum. Oak Park offers excellent schools, a vibrant arts scene, and a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. With easy access to Chicago and a strong sense of community, Oak Park is a great option for those seeking a mix of history and modern amenities.
6. Schaumburg
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,470 |
| Median House Price | $270,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Schaumburg is a thriving community known for its excellent shopping and dining options. It is home to Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, as well as numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. With great schools, excellent parks and recreational facilities, and a strong business community, Schaumburg is a great option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with plenty of amenities.
7. Bloomington Normal
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $830 |
| Median House Price | $169,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.8% |
Bloomington-Normal is a college town located in central Illinois, home to Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University. It offers a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. With numerous parks
and recreational facilities, as well as a growing downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, Bloomington-Normal is a great option for those seeking an affordable college-town lifestyle.
8. Geneva
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,240 |
| Median House Price | $340,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% |
Nestled along the scenic Fox River, Geneva is a picturesque suburb located just 40 miles west of Chicago, known for its scenic views and quaint downtown area. With a thriving downtown area, abundant parks and trails, highly-rated schools, recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community. Geneva is a great place to call home. With a mix of historic homes and modern developments, as well as easy access to Chicago, Geneva is a great option for those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
9. Springfield
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $770 |
| Median House Price | $122,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% |
Springfield is the capital city of Illinois, known for its rich political history and stunning architecture. It is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, as well as numerous historic sites and landmarks. Springfield offers excellent schools, a thriving business community, and a growing downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. With a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, Springfield is a great option for those seeking a mix of history and modern amenities.
10. Palatine
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,250 |
| Median House Price | $340,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% |
Palatine is a family-friendly suburb located just 30 miles northwest of Chicago, known for its excellent park district and top-rated schools. It offers numerous parks and recreational facilities, as well as a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. With easy access to Chicago and a strong sense of community, Palatine is a great option for families seeking a suburban lifestyle.
11. Barrington
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,610 |
| Median House Price | $541,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% |
Known for its charming downtown area and beautiful nature preserves, Barrington is a peaceful suburb located just 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Known for its scenic views and numerous outdoor activities. It offers excellent schools, a thriving arts scene, and a strong sense of community. With numerous parks and recreational facilities, as well as a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, Barrington is a great option for those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
12. Glen Ellyn
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,190 |
| Median House Price | $380,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% |
Located just 25 miles west of Chicago, Glen Ellyn is a quaint suburban village that’s known for its beautiful parks and lively downtown area. Top-rated schools and excellent parks and recreational facilities. It offers a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as easy access to Chicago. With a strong sense of community and a low crime rate, Glen Ellyn is a great option for families seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
13. Rockford
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $680 |
| Median House Price | $112,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.4% |
Rockford is a city located in northern Illinois, known for its growing arts scene and numerous parks and recreational facilities. It offers excellent schools, a thriving business community, and a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. With easy access to both Chicago and Milwaukee, Rockford is a great option for those seeking a mix of city amenities and outdoor activities.
14. Carbondale
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $590 |
| Median House Price | $110,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.3% |
Carbondale is a college town located in southern Illinois, home to Southern Illinois University and a thriving music scene. It offers a low cost of living, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community. With a mix of historic homes and modern developments, as well as a growing downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, Carbondale is a great option for those seeking a laid-back college town lifestyle.
15. Buffalo Grove
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,300 |
| Median House Price | $305,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% |
Buffalo Grove is a family-friendly suburb located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, known for its top-rated schools and excellent parks and recreational facilities. It offers a strong sense of community, with numerous events and activities throughout the year. With a mix of historic homes and modern developments, as well as easy access to Chicago, Buffalo Grove is a great option for families seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle.
16. Crystal Lake
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,050 |
| Median House Price | $250,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% |
Crystal Lake is a quaint town located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, known for its numerous parks and recreational facilities. It offers excellent schools, a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, and a strong sense of community. With easy access to both Chicago and Milwaukee, Crystal Lake is a great option for those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.
17. Clarendon Hills
| Rental Cost (1BR) | $1,340 |
| Median House Price | $660,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
Located in DuPage County, Clarendon Hills is a charming village that’s known for its strong sense of community and beautiful parks, and top-rated schools. It offers a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as numerous parks and recreational facilities. With easy access to Chicago and a low crime rate, Clarendon Hills is a great option for families seeking a tight-knit community with a small-town feel.
In Conclusion:
Illinois offers a wide range of options for those seeking a place to call home. From bustling cities like Chicago and Champaign-Urbana to peaceful suburbs like Glen Ellyn and Palatine, there is something for everyone in this diverse state. With top-rated schools, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to live in Illinois.