12 Best Places to Live in Illinois

With every opportunity that arises, many people seek to enhance their quality of life by relocating to an environment that supports their well-being. As we move into 2025, it may seem like the ideal time for some to find a new neighborhood, city, or state to call home. If you're considering Illinois, you'll be pleased to learn that the Prairie State is one of the most appealing destinations in America. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse cultures, thriving economy, and abundant job opportunities, Illinois offers all the necessary elements for a comfortable life.

In contrast to the bustling, fast-paced cities, the state's small, laid-back towns offer some of the best living environments in Illinois. These areas boast a lower cost of living, reduced crime rates, strong community bonds, and numerous green spaces, ensuring a higher quality of life for newcomers. Whether you're a single, young professional, a family person, or a retiree, these areas represent some of the finest places to settle in the Land of Lincoln.

Hinsdale

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Hinsdale provides a safe haven away from the city's busier streets. The town is enriched with several parklands and green spaces, including Hinsdale Veeck Park and Peirce Park, offering ample opportunities for nature appreciation and outdoor activities. The vibrant arts scene features many quaint galleries, such as the esteemed Acquisitions of Fine Art, where visitors can discover a unique collection of classical art. The Hinsdale History Museum plays a crucial role in preserving the town's rich history, inviting newcomers to explore the heritage and values of the community.

Its proximity to Chicago ensures easy access to all the essential amenities of a major city. However, Hinsdale is among the state's most expensive communities, with a median home price of $1.5 million, reflecting its desirability and quality of life.

Northbrook

This Cook County village attracts residents with its beautiful nature centers, suburban feel, strong sense of community, and safety. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, with activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing in Potawatomi Woods, and hiking and picnicking in Wood Oaks Green Park. Northbrook Court offers modern shopping and dining experiences, while the weekly Northbrook Farmers Market fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Located about half an hour from Chicago, Northbrook offers a balance between small-town charm and big-city conveniences. Despite its many advantages, the median home cost in Northbrook is relatively affordable at $550,000, making it an attractive option for many homebuyers.

Lisle

Nestled in DuPage County and home to about 23,000 people, Lisle is a gem within the Chicago Metropolitan Area, offering easy access to the city's unparalleled amenities. Despite its proximity to urban life, Lisle retains a quaint, small-town ambiance, highlighted by its splendid natural areas, particularly the Morton Arboretum. Spanning 1,700 acres, the arboretum invites locals to enjoy tranquil nature trails and idyllic picnic spots amidst a peaceful setting. For those intrigued by local history, the Museums at Lisle Station Park provide insightful indoor exploration opportunities. Remarkably, Lisle stands out as one of the more affordable suburbs of Chicago, with the median home price at $389,900, just slightly above the state average.

Glencoe

Glencoe may appear unassuming due to its small population of fewer than 10,000 residents, but this picturesque lakefront village is full of surprises, boasting world-class attractions. The Chicago Botanic Garden is a standout, sprawling across 380 acres and featuring five distinct natural habitats and 27 gardens. It remains a popular destination throughout the year. The village offers a variety of lake-related recreational activities, including swimming and sunbathing at Glencoe Beach and kayaking and fishing in the Skokie Lagoons.

The cultural life in Glencoe thrives with numerous art centers, and the Writers Theater, in particular, is renowned for its compelling plays and live performances. However, living in Glencoe comes with a high price tag, as the median home cost is about $2.5 million.

Plainfield

Plainfield, with its tranquil ambiance, is an ideal locale for families. Despite having fewer than 50,000 residents, it epitomizes the essence of small-town charm while ensuring access to the urban conveniences of downtown Chicago. The town's picturesque natural landscape includes the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, a prime location for observing migratory birds. It also boasts various family-friendly attractions, such as The Wandering Dragon Game & Puzzle Shop and Twisted Pin bowling alley. The DuPage River, meandering through Plainfield, offers exciting water activities, including tubing adventures with Plainfield River Tubing. The housing market is relatively accessible, with an average home price of $461,000.

Glenview

Glenview, a vibrant community in Cook County, stands out as one of Chicago's premier suburbs, offering an ideal blend of amenities for a high quality of life. With its expansive parklands, efficient transportation network, and a plethora of shopping and dining options, it's an attractive choice for those considering relocation. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the green spaces and open areas such as The Grove and Gallery Park, which boast miles of hiking trails that invite residents to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The Glen Town Center caters to all shopping needs, featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Glenview History Center, among other museums, offers insights into the town's rich heritage. Given its many attractions, Glenview's popularity is understandable, reflected in a median housing price of $720,000.

Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove ranks consistently high among the best places to live in Illinois, thanks to its impressive array of amenities. Families will find ample recreational opportunities for children at places like Willow Stream Park and Buffalo SkatePark. The Raupp Museum, dedicated to the town's history, showcases a vast collection of photographs, archives, and artifacts. For leisure activities, Bowlero Buffalo Grove provides a venue for bowling enthusiasts. Despite its proximity to downtown Chicago, located just 34 miles away, Buffalo Grove remains surprisingly affordable, with a median home price of around $400,000.

Long Grove

Nestled in Lake County, the quaint village of Long Grove is celebrated for its rich history, picturesque natural settings, and tight-knit community. The historic downtown area, with its cobblestone streets and antique buildings, houses a diverse array of restaurants, pubs, antique shops, and ice cream parlors. For those seeking tranquility, the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve offers secluded hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Families will enjoy attractions such as the unique Sock Monkey Museum and Ma & Pa’s Candy. While not the most affordable, with a median housing cost of $924,500, Long Grove promises a rewarding lifestyle for its residents.

Western Springs

Western Springs, a charming village in Cook County, prioritizes community spirit, making it one of the safest places to live. The village draws newcomers with its beautiful outdoor areas, such as Bemis Woods South and the Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. The Western Springs French Market serves as a community hub, offering artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and local specialties. The Theater of Western Springs provides family-friendly entertainment with plays for all ages. Thanks to its lively community and many recreational options, the median house price in Western Springs is $875,000.

Elmhurst

Nestled in DuPage County and hosting Elmhurst University, this suburban community is renowned for its excellent educational system, making it an attractive option for young families. The university enhances Elmhurst's cultural scene, with institutions like the Elmhurst Art Museum offering impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. The town also features a wealth of recreational options, with parks and trails such as Wilder Park and Berens Park providing ample outdoor activities.

The Elmhurst Farmers Market is a hub for community engagement, offering a space for residents to socialize and support local vendors, thereby strengthening community bonds. Although the average home price in Elmhurst is $785,000, the quality of life and proximity to Chicago's amenities justify the cost.

Lake Forest

For those seeking lakefront living with a peaceful vibe and strong community ties, Lake Forest—located along Lake Michigan in Lake County—is an ideal option. It offers numerous outdoor activities at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve and Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. The town's lively performing arts scene, with venues like the Citadel Theater and Gorton Center, provides a continuous schedule of entertainment, including plays, musicals, and concerts.

Market Square offers a convenient shopping solution, reducing the need to travel to Chicago for groceries, home goods, apparel, and more. The price for homes in Lake Forest is steep, averaging around $1.5 million, reflecting its exclusive lakefront lifestyle and community amenities.

Oak Brook

Oak Brook, a charming community in DuPage County, offers a wide range of amenities despite its small population of 8,000. Nature lovers can enjoy the peaceful Dean Nature Sanctuary, home to various ecosystems. Shoppers can explore luxury brands and retail therapy at Oakbrook Center, while food enthusiasts can savor fine dining at Pinstripes. Art enthusiasts will admire the impressive collections at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, featuring detailed jewelry, gemstones, and carved gems. The median home price in Oak Brook is $825,000, combining luxury living with suburban calm.

The Takeaway

As you plan to move in 2025, consider these top Illinois destinations. Known as the Land of Lincoln, Illinois appeals to driven professionals, growing families, and retirees, providing communities with strong economies, safe neighborhoods, and a wide range of recreational and cultural options to suit different tastes. Whether you want easy access to a big city, the charm of small-town living, peaceful natural scenery, or famous attractions, Illinois offers diverse choices to help you find your perfect home.