10 Best Places to Live in Illinois, According to Local Real Estate Experts

Wilmette

This serene waterfront community on Lake Michigan draws new residents with its quaint tree-lined streets, historic homes, and top-notch services and amenities. Families are especially drawn to the area because of Wilmette's highly-rated schools and kid-friendly facilities like beaches and parks.

"East Wilmette is very desirable because of its proximity to the lake and public access to the city. The CAGE is a neighborhood within East Wilmette that is known for its prominent historic homes on red-brick streets with wide lots," Danielle Wylie, a real estate broker at Baird & Warner/Luxury Portfolio International, said, adding that those who'd like a bit more privacy should consider investing in a home on Sheridan Road, which is known for its large estates along the lakefront with private beach access.

Hinsdale

"Hinsdale has often been likened to a picturesque scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting — a community seamlessly blending small-town charm with the convenience of proximity to the city," Kerry Turgeon, a longtime Hinsdale resident and broker at Baird & Warner, told Travel+Leisure. Turgeon added that because of its proximity to Chicago — Hinsdale is only 20 miles from downtown — it "strikes the perfect balance for those craving the serenity of suburban living without forgoing access to urban amenities." 

Excellent elementary schools and a year-round calendar of community events contribute to Hinsdale's popularity with families. According to Zillow, the median home value here is currently around $1 million, and Turgeon explained that residents can choose from a variety of home styles; from "new homes to historical gems, brick residences, charming farmhouses, and the alluring Nantucket and Victorian styles, each home tastefully weaves into the picturesque landscape of Hinsdale."

Lake Forest

This charming North Shore community sits on Lake Michigan and offers an easy commute to Chicago, a beautiful sandy beach, several parks, golf courses, a bustling commercial area known as one of the first planned shopping centers in the country, and plenty of open spaces where residents gather for concerts and other community events. While homes in Lake Forest are not cheap — the median home value is about $1.1 million — the town has some of the lowest property taxes in the region, which is a draw for some potential buyers. 

"Middlefork Farms is a wonderful neighborhood with access to Lake County Forest Preserve, and Conway Farms has a premier golf course and some maintenance-free living options as well," Andra O'Neil, an agent at @properties Christie's International Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, explained, noting that other popular areas in Lake Forest are Villa Turicum, South Park, Whispering Oaks, Onwentsia Gardens, and The Ponds.

Naperville

Located west of Chicago, this beautiful city of about 150,000 is known for its scenic riverwalk and an outdoor history museum that draws over 380,000 visitors a year. But those who call Naperville home also benefit from access to excellent public and private schools, libraries, outstanding healthcare facilities, and various public transportation options available to those commuting to the Windy City.

"Naperville offers a diverse array of home styles, with traditional two-story single-family homes being among the most common," Kim Dalaskey, a local agent with @properties Christie's International Real Estate, explained. "The Naperville Historic District showcases a rich tapestry of 19th- and 20th-century architecture, including Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles, offering a glimpse into the city's architectural heritage."

Evanston

"Evanston is a beautiful, culturally diverse, architecturally significant lakefront community and the closest northern suburb to Chicago," Mike Thomas of @properties Christie's International Real Estate explained. "We have a great small-city vibe — lots of parks, highly rated schools, great community involvement, and the best local shops and downtown area outside of Chicago."

Don't believe him? Last year, Livability.com ranked Evanston as one of the best cities to live in the country, calling it "the perfect suburb for people who think they don't like suburbs." Additionally, in 2019, Thrillist named it one of the best suburbs for food. 

The home of Northwestern University, Evanston benefits from a diverse cultural scene, dozens of parks, and an abundance of outdoor recreation, including water sports. "For favorite neighborhoods, the lakefront is always a fan favorite, but the vintage condos within walking distance of the train have a perennial draw," Lindy Goss, a broker with Baird & Warner/Luxury Portfolio International, suggested.

Park Ridge

"Growing up in Park Ridge, I always knew that I would find myself back here raising a family someday. Around town, you always hear people talking about [how] everybody who grew up in Park Ridge moves back," Matt Steiger, an agent with @properties Christie's International Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, shared with T+L. Steiger highlighted his hometown's strong sense of community, excellent schools, beautiful parks, great youth organizations, and vibrant cultural and dining scenes. 

Unlike other towns within commutable distance to Chicago and with similar amenities, Park Ridge's real estate market is relatively affordable — the median home value is around $480,000, and there are many neighborhoods to choose from.

"You have areas like South Park, close to the expressway, CTA Blue line, and local shops and restaurants. The Uptown area of Park Ridge is where you are within walking distance to shopping, dining, the farmers market, and the historic Pickwick Theatre. There's the Country Club neighborhood, lined with blocks of older homes full of character and charm, as well as The Manor with larger lots, giving you more square footage and nice size yards," Steiger added.

Peoria

This city in Central Illinois is consistently included in the U.S. News & World Report list of the best 150 metro areas to live in — it ranked 70th in 2023 and 50th in 2022. The website also highlighted the city's affordability; the median home price here is currently $114,546, over $200,000 less than the national average.

"The Greater Peoria area is a treasure in Illinois," Michael Maloof, president and owner of Jim Maloof/REALTOR (and lifelong resident of the city), said. "We offer an international airport, a beautiful riverfront — complete with a museum and planetarium — a top-tier medical community with OSF Healthcare headquarters in Peoria, the new, state-of-the-art cancer center, and a civic center offering semi-professional hockey, concerts, and theater."

Peoria is also home to two universities — Bradley University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine — while the city's park system is one of the oldest and largest in the state, with a zoo, athletic fields, fishing facilities, and hiking trails.

Rockford

This city in northern Illinois, sitting on the banks of the Rock River, is constantly buzzing with fun events. "Locals will tell you that there is always a festival, concert, or tournament going on. The challenge is usually deciding what option to enjoy this weekend," Jonathan R. Krause, president at Gambino Realtors, said, adding that if you ever get bored in the city, Chicago and Milwaukee are about an hour and a half away, so there's never a lack of entertainment options. 

Krause also highlighted the fact that Rockford has one of the most affordable urban housing markets in Illinois ("You can get far more home here than anywhere else!"), with median home prices around $140,000, according to Zillow.

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Moline

The Quad Cities area along the Mississippi River (which includes Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island in Illinois) ranked 54th in the U.S. News & World Report 2023 list of the best places to live — higher than any other city in Illinois, scoring high in the value and quality of life categories. However, statistics don't tell the whole story.

"Moline's waterfront along the Mississippi River is active with a popular bike path, shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Downtown is walkable and has something to see and do every season," Lynsey Engels, president of brokerage at Mel Foster Co., explained.

And there's more good news for those wanting to purchase a home here. "The housing market is still very affordable compared to other cities with similar amenities. Inventory is increasing as more sellers prepare for a spring or summer move," Engels added. "There are newer downtown housing developments, charming historic neighborhoods, and affordable homes throughout the city offering easy access to amenities." The median home value is around $135,000, according to Zillow.

Chicago

"The people of Chicago make the city what it is: welcoming, hard-working, honest, and no-nonsense," Heidi Picard, an agent at @properties Christie's International Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, said. "Take a seat at the bar, and you will never meet a stranger."

Despite its high cost of living, the Windy City remains one of the best places to relocate to in Illinois if you're seeking top-notch entertainment, diversity, cultural events and activities, world-class restaurants, and every possible urban amenity you can ever imagine. Chicago also has a leg up over other large metropolitan areas when it comes to housing. In December 2023, the median home value in the metro area was $307,000, lower than the national average for that month.

"If you want a room with a view, my favorite neighborhood is Lincoln Park on the lakefront. Look out over vast Lake Michigan, also known as ‘the saltless sea.’ Feed the ducks and turtles at North Pond while taking the doodle on a walk and the kids to the park. Meander through the organic Green City Market pretending to get vegetables, but then opting for pie," Picard added, highlighting the area’s amenities.

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