Discovering the best places to live in Chicago is the first step toward embracing life in this “Windy City.” As a global hub for finance, culture, and education, Chicago offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, from the bustling skyscrapers of The Loop to the serene shores. This 2026 comprehensive guide analyzes the top 10 Chicago neighborhoods based on safety, rent affordability, and proximity to major universities. Whether you are a student or a young professional, our detailed methodology and local insights will help you find your perfect home in Chicago.
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Chicago
Top 1. Naperville
- Population: 149,089
- Median Household Income: $143,754
- Median Home Value: $482,600
- Median Rent: $1,787
- Violent Crimes: 15.4
- Property Crimes: 36.3
Ranking consistently among the best places to live in Chicago and the nation, Naperville is a premier suburb that offers an exceptional quality of life. Located just 28 miles west of downtown Chicago, this vibrant city combines the charm of a close-knit community with all the amenities of a modern metropolis. Its population in 2025 is around 153,000 according to the official census, making it the state’s fourth-most populous city. For students, it stands out as one of the good neighborhoods in Chicago area due to its exceptionally low crime rate, world-class parks, and acclaimed public school districts. The city is home to North Central College and offers convenient Metra train access to major universities in the greater Chicago area.
Top 2. Clarendon Hills
- Population: 8,658
- Median Household Income: $115,923
- Median Home Value: $570,600
- Median Rent: $1,126
- Violent Crimes: 11.4
- Property Crimes: 22.8
Clarendon Hills is a quintessential, cozy suburb in DuPage County, known for its excellent safety and strong community spirit. Its picturesque downtown, centered around the Metra station, offers easy access to Chicago. This makes it a good neighborhood in Chicago area for students who prefer a quiet, suburban lifestyle but need to commute to the city for classes. The area is residential and peaceful. Finding the right student accommodation in Chicago suburbs like Clarendon Hills is easy with uhomes.com.
Top 3. Long Grove
- Population: 8,279
- Median Household Income: $115,923
- Median Home Value: $721,100
- Median Rent: $3,501
- Violent Crimes: 6.1
- Property Crimes: 284
Famous for its historic charm and annual festivals, Long Grove is the best suburbs of Chicago. Located in Lake County, it features preserved covered bridges, boutique shops, and a family-oriented atmosphere. While more residential, it’s a peaceful retreat within the greater Chicago area. It’s ideal for employees and students who value a quiet, scenic environment and don’t mind a slightly longer commute. For those seeking a serene study environment away from the city bustle, uhomes.com offers assistance in finding rental homes in charming communities like Long Grove.
Top 4. Hinsdale
- Population: 17,169
- Median Household Income: $250,001
- Median Home Value: $962,700
- Median Rent: $1,875
- Violent Crimes: 7.5
- Property Crimes: 362
Hinsdale is an affluent suburb consistently noted as one of the best areas in Chicago for its beautiful homes, top-tier schools, and elegant downtown. It boasts a classic village feel with high-end shopping and dining. The community is safe and well-maintained, offering a high quality of life. For graduate students or those affiliated with nearby institutions, it’s an attractive location. The Metra station provides a direct route to the city. It is Chicago top 10 places to visit.
Top 5. Buffalo Grove
- Population: 42,934
- Median Household Income: $127,553
- Median Home Value: $380,700
- Median Rent: $1,988
- Violent Crimes: 9.4
- Property Crimes: 294
Buffalo Grove is a diverse and welcoming suburb in the greater Chicago area, known for its excellent parks, recreational facilities, and community events. It offers a balanced mix of residential neighborhoods and convenient shopping centers. It lies about 30 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago and 20 miles north of O’Hare International Airport. The area provides a good place to live in Chicago suburbs for students looking for affordability and a solid community without being too far from the city. With access to several major highways, commuting is manageable.
Top 6. Vernon Hills
- Population: 26,750
- Median Household Income: $127,553
- Median Home Value: $370,700
- Median Rent: $1,873
- Violent Crimes: 7.1
- Property Crimes: 315
Vernon Hills is a suburb north of Chicago, Illinois, in Lake County. Vernon Hills is a practical and lively place. As a hub for shopping and recreation, it is home to major shopping centers like Hawthorn Mall and offers numerous dining and entertainment options. The area has good public schools and family-friendly parks. For students who enjoy convenience and having amenities close by, it’s a great pick among the good neighborhoods in Chicago region.
Top 7. Kildeer
- Population: 4,133
- Median Household Income: $250,001
- Median Home Value: $683,900
- Median Rent: $961
- Violent Crimes: 5.9
- Property Crimes: 653
As a village in southwestern Lake County, Kildeer is an exclusive, primarily residential suburb known for its large properties, open spaces, and equestrian-friendly atmosphere. It offers a serene, country-like setting while still being part of the greater Chicago area. The community is tight-knit and focused on a luxurious, quiet lifestyle. It suits students who prioritize privacy and a spacious environment. While the commute requires planning, the peaceful setting is unparalleled.
Top 8. Evanston
- Population: 77,181
- Median Household Income: $250,001
- Median Home Value: $454,600
- Median Rent: $1,625
- Violent Crimes: 8.1
- Property Crimes: 478
Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is a vibrant lakefront city that blends college town energy with urban amenities. It’s undoubtedly one of the best areas to live in Chicago for students, offering a walkable downtown, beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan, and a rich cultural scene. The presence of a major university creates a dynamic, intellectual atmosphere with plenty of cafes, bookshops, and student-friendly housing. uhomes.com is the perfect partner for students looking for student accommodation near Northwestern University. Not only in Chicago, we also offer a wide range of verified apartments across the US.
Top 9. Loop
- Population: 38,255
- Median Household Income: $250,001
- Median Home Value: $493,338
- Median Rent: $2,432
- Violent Crimes: 3.2
- Property Crimes: 262
As the bustling central business district and historic heart of downtown Chicago, The Loop is the epicenter of city life. It’s filled with iconic architecture, major attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute, and extensive public transit. For students attending universities in downtown Chicago, living here means being at the center of it all. It’s one of the popular spots in Chicago for young professionals and students alike. Find your ideal downtown Chicago apartment through uhomes.com and live steps away from your campus, such as Columbia College Chicago, DePaul’s Loop Campus, or Roosevelt University.
Top 10. Northbrook
- Population: 34,950
- Median Household Income: $150,236
- Median Home Value: $621,600
- Median Rent: $1,998
- Violent Crimes: 7.5
- Property Crimes: 437
Northbrook is a suburb of Chicago, located at the northern edge of Cook County. It is an upscale, family-oriented suburb renowned for its excellent public schools, expansive park district, and the Northbrook Court shopping center. It provides a high standard of living and is consistently ranked as one of the best suburbs of Chicago. The community is safe and well-planned, with easy access to highways and the Metra for a commute to the city. For students seeking a stable, quiet, and high-quality suburban base, Northbrook is the perfect fit.
Advantages of Living in Best Places in Chicago
- The Food Scene
Chances are, when you think of Chicago and food, you think of the city’s famous deep-dish pizza (aka Chicago-style pizza). In addition to the deep-dish delicacy, Chicago also boasts an amazing take on thin-crust pizza, though it tends to get overshadowed by its famous cousin.
- Chicago Culture Scene
There’s always something to do in Chicago, and many times, it won’t cost you a dime (thanks to free museum days, local live music, and outdoor festivals, to name a few things).
- The Sports Teams
Sports fans will fit right in as residents of the Windy City. When the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016, they ended the longest championship drought in professional sports – 107 years without a title.
- Lots of Career Opportunities
Chicago has all kinds of job opportunities, whether you want to advance in your current career or start a new one. Major Fortune 500 companies call this city home, as well as all kinds of local businesses and even startups.
- Public Transit System
Chicago’s public transit system does a great job of getting you around the city.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Best Places to Live in Chicago
Chicago is a city of distinct characters, where every neighborhood offers a unique rhythm of life. Whether you are drawn to the high-energy pulse of The Loop or the historic charm of Northbrook, the best places to live in Chicago cater to every lifestyle and budget. Selecting the right area is about balancing your commute, safety, and personal interests.
As you prepare for your move in 2026, remember that finding the perfect apartment is just as important as choosing the right neighborhood. At uhomes.com, we simplify your search by offering a wide selection of vetted student accommodations and private rentals across these top-tier Chicago districts. Explore our listings today and let us help you secure your dream home in the heart of the Midwest.
FAQs about Best Places to Live in Chicago
Chicago’s population for 2025 is estimated to be approximately 2.74 million residents. It is the third-most populous city in the United States after New York City and Los Angeles.
Chicago has a higher-than-average crime rate, it can be expensive to live in certain neighborhoods, and the weather can get very cold. But is Chicago a good place to live overall? We and plenty of its 2.7 million residents think so.
Yes, it is worth living in Chicago. Because there are plenty of job opportunities, and the housing costs are less than in many coastal cities. You also have access to all kinds of cultural activities, the food scene is thriving, and there’s always something to do.
The top pros of living in Chicago are the food scene (it’s a foodie heaven), the live music, the sports culture, and a top-notch cultural calendar that’s busy throughout the year.
The average annual salary should reach around $87,592 to live comfortably in Chicago. However, housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood you live in and whether you rent or buy.
The cost of Living in Chicago is about 6 percent above the U.S. average and 13 percent above the Illinois state average. However, when you compare Chicago to cities like Los Angeles and New York, you’ll find the Second City is much more affordable.
Yes, you can live in Chicago without a car. As Chicago’s public transit system does a great job of getting you around the city. It was even named among a list of the best cities for mass transit, per Time Out.
It depends on your priorities. New York offers unparalleled career opportunities, 24/7 energy, and dense cultural institutions. Chicago provides a more manageable cost of living, less crowding, and impressive architecture with easy lakefront access. New York is faster and more expensive; Chicago is often seen as more laid-back and livable. Choose based on lifestyle and budget.
People stay in Chicago because of its delicious food, the Cubs games, friendly residents, bustling arts scene, delicious dining options, lower cost of living than major cities like Los Angeles and New York, and the plethora of diverse neighborhoods.
