Chicago Suburbs Guide: 40 Best Family-Friendly Suburbs of Chicago

Have you been considering moving to Chicagoland? Not sure which Chicago suburbs have the most favorable features and career opportunities?

Chicago is notorious for all of its amazing neighborhoods and pockets of eclectic communities. The suburbs are no different. If you’re ready to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city of Chicago or move to Chicagoland from another city, this guide has all the details you need to pick the most family friendly suburb for you.

Learn more about Chicago Suburbs’ fun-filled and family-friendly features, public schools, job opportunities, and amenities in this guide to get information for your move to Chicago. In short, there is plenty of things to do in Chicago with kids (or not), which is why it’s still a destination of choice for many in the US. We have also made a list of our top 10 best moving companies to help you once you decide.

Chicago Suburbs List Contents

Chapter 1: North Suburbs
Chapter 2: Northwest Suburbs
Chapter 3: West Suburbs
Chapter 4: Southwest Suburbs
Chapter 5: South Suburbs
Chapter 6: Downtown Neighborhoods

When it comes to schools, quality of life, and real estate, the North Suburbs is on top of the list. It’s a perfect location to raise a family if you’re seeking for one with exceptional sports facilities, high schools, and shopping establishments and unique landmarks such as the Navy Pier.

Here’s a rundown of our most favorite suburbs in the North area.

Lake Forest

This 160-year old suburb is located along the coast of Lake Michigan, with easy access to beautiful beaches and downtown Chicago for fun nights and shopping sprees. This windy suburb has approximately 21,000 residents to date.

Demographics

Population – 80, 070
Median Age – 38.2
Unemployment Rate – 2.9%

Educational Profile

Total Public Schools located within Lake Forest – 11
Total Private Schools located within Lake Forest – 4

Wilmette

Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds – small town atmosphere and big city features. Of all the places in Wilmette, Sheridan Road is considered as the most restrictive in terms of real estate. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a family.

Wilmette is part of North Shore communities of Chicago.

Demographics

Total Population – 27,087
Total Households – 9,742
Median Age – 44.8

Educational Profile

Total Number of Public Schools – 3
Total Number of Private Schools – 5

Highland Park

This area makes an excellent venue to go shopping and revel in the entertainment brought by Ravinia Festival’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There are other big names to check out in Highland Park, including inexpensive dining and sightseeing spots just like in Lincoln Park, another community in North Side Chicago.

Demographics

Total Population – 29,743
Total Households – 11,373
Median Age – 41

Educational Profile

Number of Early Childhood Center – 1
Number of Elementary Schools – 8
Number of Middle Schools – 3
Number of High School – 2

Winnetka

This rich municipality is known to be the most stunning and scenic suburb in downtown Chicago. It offers the mesmerizing view of Lake Michigan and also the bright lights of the city nearby.

Spend your date nights Avli Restaurant, or go biking and walking along the scenic nature trail of Skokie Lagoons. You could also reward yourself with a new hobby with the Village Toy Shop’s range of toys such as board games, puzzles, dress up clothes, and so much more.

Demographics

Total Population (as of 2014) – 12,490
Median Age: 41.9 years

Educational Profile

Total Number of College/Universities – 7
Total Number of Public High Schools – 1
Total Number of Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 5
Total Number of Private Elementary/Middle Schools – 2

Evanston

A great mix of family-friendly atmosphere, quality schools, and fantastic dining locations. A good college town as they call it, it offers lof of stuff for families that love to have fun. Here, you can amaze your kids in the historical ceramic pitchers at American Toby Jug Museum. You could also have fun on the ice, skating or playing hockey at the Robert Crown Center.

Demographics

Total Population (as of 2010) – 74,486
Total Households – 29,651
Median Age – 36.8

Educational Profile

Total Number of College/Universities – 4
Total Number of Public High Schools – 1
Total Number of Popular Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 10
Total Number of Private Elementary/Middle Schools – 5

Glenview

The village of Glenview is one of the biggest in Chicago. It encompasses multiple major US-based corporations; some of which are Republic Tobacco, Kraft Foods, Anixter, and Avon.

Demographics

Total Population – 44,692
Total Households – 16,783
Median Age – 45.5

Educational Profile

Number of Colleges/universities close to Glenview – 7
Number of Public High Schools – 3
Number of Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 10
Number of Private Elementary/Middle schools – 2

Kenilworth

Another well-to-do suburb in Chicago is Kenilworth. This planned community is considered as an exclusive community, having an estimated median household income of $247,000. It’s located at the front of Lake Michigan and part of the communities known as the North Shore. For families who love the ocean, they can go swimming at the Kenilworth Beach, which employs lifeguards during the beach season.

Demographics

Total Population – 2,562
Total Households – 822
Median Age – 42.5

Educational Profile

Total Number of Colleges/Universities Nearby – 7
Total Number of Public Elementary/Middle schools – 1

Lake Bluff

Only 35 miles away from downtown Chicago, this community can be seen sitting at the top of Chicago North Shore’s string of communities. As part of Lake County, people in this hometown takes advantage of easy access to major highways, airports, and railway system. Lake Bluff is proud for having two massive business parks: Route 43 and State Routes 176.

Demographics

Total Population (as of 2014) – 5,698
Median Age – 46.5
Total Households – 6,673

Educational Profile

Number of Colleges/universities nearby – 7
Number of Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 2

Back To Table Of Contents

Chapter 2 of Chicago Suburbs: Northernwest Suburbs

The Northwest Suburbs make up most of Chicago’s land area. It’s situated in Northwestern Cook County and centered along the paths of Union Pacific Northwest Metra Rail Line.

If northwest is your peg and you want to know what’s the best neighborhood to move to in this part of Chicago, these suburbs are worth checking out.

Arlington Heights

Having the zip code 60004, 60005, and 60006, people adore Arlington Heights for having a good combination of small-town feel and big-city perks. What’s more, once part of the friendly neighborhood, you too can take delight in the city’s abundant features, including entertainment, cultural, educational, and recreational facilities.

We have also put together a list of our favorite top 10 plumbers for you.

Demographics

Median Age – 43.1
Total Households – 30,763

Educational Profile

Number of Colleges/Universities in Arlington Heights- 2
Number of Colleges/Universities Nearby – 4
Number of Private High Schools – 2
Number of Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 10

Buffalo Grove

Based 35 miles away from northwest of downtown Chicago, Buffalo Grove is known for being one of the fast-progressing communities in the state. Though most communities in Chicago experience problems and struggles of sudden urbanization, Buffalo Grove’s suburban characteristics remained intact.

Like other suburbs, there are tons of enjoyable things to experience at Buffalo Grove. One, there’s Buffalo Grove Theater for family entertainment, K1 Speed Buffalo Grove for awesome racing fun, Buffalo Wings & Rings for happy tummy and so much more!

Demographics

Total Population (as of 2010) – 41,496
Total Households – 16,094
Median Age – 41.9

Educational Profile

Number of Colleges/Universities Nearby – 7
Number of Public High School – 1
Number of Public Elementary/Middle Schools – 10
Number of Private Elementary/Middle Schools – 2

Deerfield

Previously known as Leclair, Deerfield is named as such because of the abundance of deer surrounding the area. This township founded Deerfield Area Historical Society, an organization that preserves the historical sites, buildings, and artifacts owned by the community. The society also aims to provide activities and events that residents of all ages can join in.