Do you want to raise your family in the western Chicago suburbs? Are you looking for affordable homes and outstanding public schools? Then you’ve come to the perfect place.
Not only that, but western Chicago is an ideal place to raise a family. It’s home to some of the most prestigious schools in the country. The landscape is also beautiful, with many parks and rivers strewn through the neighborhoods.
Finding the right suburb to settle down in can be quite the task if you’re new to Chicago. After all, Chicago is a sprawling urban landscape with tons of towns and villages within it.
That’s why we’re here to break down our top 5 picks for the best suburbs in western Chicago. We chose these towns for their affordable homes, excellent schools, and other appealing factors.
#5: Buffalo Grove
Population: 41,555
Median home price: $350K
School rating average: 7 out of 10
First up, we have the rapidly growing city of Buffalo Grove. It has a rising population of 41,555. Located near Arlington Heights, this town has a very suburban feel. That’s because most of the residents are homeowners. The economy here is on the rise, so it’s a suburb to consider if you require a job.
As far as safety goes, Buffalo Grove has an excellent track record. With only 816 crimes per 100,000 occurring in the town. The median household income is $101,376, which is relatively high. Buffalo Grove is a quiet, high-end suburb perfect for raising a family.
Top-Rated Schools
Let’s take a look at the schools with the highest ratings in Buffalo Grove:
- Prairie Elementary School: Perfect 10 rating
- Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School: Perfect 10 rating
- Ivy Hall Elementary School: Perfect 10 rating
- Meridian School: 7 out of 10
Other Attractions
Besides the excellent economy and housing market, Buffalo Grove also has:
- Beautiful parks perfect for walking pets
- Relaxing coffee shops
- Highly-rated restaurants
Buffalo Grove is an excellent choice for raising a family and enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
#4: Western Springs
Population: 13,187
Median home price: $699K
School rating average: 8 out of 10
Next, we have the beautiful city of Western Springs. It’s arguably the most desirable Chicago suburb to live in right now. That’s due to the high average income and virtually non-existent crime rate. With a poverty rate of just 2.2%, almost everyone in this suburb is rich. As a result, the homes in the area are pretty pricey.
Yet, Western Springs is too good to pass up. If you’ve got the extra money, living here is a true privilege. It’s also an incredible spot to raise a family. There are some outstanding schools in the area, and the housing market is stellar. There are some genuinely gorgeous homes in the area.
Top-Rated Schools
The top-rated schools in Western Springs are:
- John Laidlaw Elementary School: 10 out of 10
- Field Park Elementary School: 9 out of 10
- Forest Hills Elementary School: 8 out of 10
Other Attractions
Western Springs is a great town for sports lovers. That’s because Spring Rock Park boasts some renowned hockey rinks and baseball fields. The area is also home to lovely restaurants and parks.
#3: La Grange
Population: 15,440
Median home price: $536K
School rating average: 9 out of 10
La Grange is one of the best spots to raise a family in Chicago’s western suburbs. Don’t believe us? Just check the population stats! A whopping 8.1% of the population is under five years old. That’s a lot of toddlers wandering around. It’s also a great area with a low crime rate and excellent schools.
It’s a diverse town with a lot of cultural influences. It’s perfect for exposing your children to all different types of cultures. The median home prices are up there, but they’re more affordable than Oak Park and Western Springs.
Top-Rated Schools
The highest rated schools in La Grange are:
- Cossitt Ave Elementary School: 10 out of 10
- Spring Ave Elementary School: 10 out of 10
- Seventh Ave Elementary School: 9 out of 10
Other Attractions
There are many things to do in La Grange, which means you won’t spend many dull days here. Popular attractions include:
- The Jackson Square mall
- La Grange movie theater
- Just Escape Room
- Brookfield Zoo
These are just a few of the fun attractions close to La Grange. As you can see, it’s truly a fantastic spot to raise children.
#2: Naperville
Population: 148,304
Median home price: $439,990
Average school rating: 10 out of 10
Naperville is one of Chicago’s largest suburbs. It’s the main town on the west side, and it has a large population. Still, it’s got some of the most affordable housing in the city at the moment. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable house in an attractive suburb, then Naperville is the hot spot right now.
It’s also a lovely area with a low crime rating. School-wise, Naperville is home to some of the very best in Chicago.
Top-Rated Schools
The schools with the highest ratings include:
- Ellsworth Elementary School: – 10 out of 10
- V Blanche Graham Elementary: 10 out of 10
- Highlands Elementary School: 9 out of 10
Other Attractions
If you find yourself looking for something to do in Naperville, you’ll have plenty of options. Popular attractions include:
- The Riverwalk
- DuPage Children’s Museum
- Solemn Oath Brewery
- Naper Settlement
- Naperville Historic District
The many fun attractions here make it an excellent spot for raising a family.
#1: Elmhurst
Population: 47,260
Median home price: $432,500
Average school rating: 10 out of 10
Finally, we have the humble town of Elmhurst. By far, it has the most impressive schools in the city of Chicago. That’s why it tops our list. Not only that, but the area has some genuinely affordable housing. This town not only looks good on paper, but it backs it up in person, too. Of course, there’s a low crime rate.
In addition, there’s also a high average income and a meager unemployment rate. Test scores from students are among the highest in the state. There are just not enough good things to say about Elmhurst.
Top-Rated Schools
The top schools in Elmhurst include:
- Jefferson Elementary School: 10 out of 10
- Edison Elementary School: 10 out of 10
- Field Elementary School: 10 out of 10
Other Attractions
Elmhurst is a great place to enrich your young children’s minds. There’s a historical museum, public library, and art museum. Not only that, but the city is home to 22 parks, a community center, a golf course, and so much more.
In Conclusion
There you have our top 5 picks for the top western suburbs in Chicago. We’ve provided the best schools and attractions, so we hope you find the perfect suburb for you. Let us know which suburb is your favorite in the comments below.
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