Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide

Tyler Wood

Last Updated: Dec 3, 2024
5 min read

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.

Chicago Suburbs List

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.