There are many great large cities in America, but Chicago is, without a doubt, the best. Here are five reasons why:

1. Affordability

The city is affordable compared to other large cities like New York or Los Angeles.

Chicago is the third largest city in the united states, but it is a clear winner in the best bang for the buck category. Chicago is one of the most budget-friendly cities to live in, making it easier for people to start a career or family.

To maintain a comparable lifestyle in New York as someone who earns $75,000/year in Chicago, you would need to earn an annual salary of $117,000 in New York City.

In Los Angeles, you would have an annual salary of $201,000 to maintain a similar living standard as someone earning $123K a year in Chicago.

Overall, New York is 57% more expensive than Chicago, and Los Angeles is 64% more expensive than Chicago.

A recent surge in remote workers has made the cost of living in Chicago even more attractive. Few cities have so much to offer at relatively low prices. If you’re looking for an urban environment with a jaw-dropping skyline but don’t want to break the bank, Chicago is the perfect place.

2. Diverse Cultures and Activities

There is something for everyone in Chicago. Whether you’re a foodie, sports fan, or culture lover, you will find plenty to do in this city!

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. Still, the city also offers an amazing variety of culinary options that range from classic American to immigrant-influenced delicacies. The city’s craft beer scene has been growing rapidly in recent years, with dozens of local breweries and taprooms offering a wide variety of beers.

Chicago is also home to some of the best sports teams in the country, including the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Games are often filled with passionate fans who cheer their teams on through every inning or buzzer. Chicago has a team for every professional sports league, no matter what you love to watch.

Art & culture are also celebrated in Chicago, with dozens of museums and cultural hubs across the city. The Art Institute and Field Museum are just two of the many options that bring history to life. There’s also a variety of public artworks, live music venues, theater productions, and more throughout the city.

Along with sports and food, Chicago has one of the most diverse populations in the country. Offering many diverse festivals and neighborhoods to explore. Chicago has a large Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy, and Little India, also including Polish Communities, Mexican communities, and Puerto Rican communities, to name a few.

If you are foody or love to explore different cultures, it will be hard to find a similar city with so much to offer in the US.

3. History and Architechture

I’ve had the chance to explore many other major U.S. cities, and I can confidently say that none have a skyline as impressive as Chicago’s. It looks like it belongs in a movie–which is why so many big-budget films and TV shows are filmed here. Gotham City has been portrayed on screen multiple times, but no other city can do it quite as Chicago can.

Chicago is known as the second city, and it was designed to correct the mistakes made in New York. In 1871, a devastating fire dispersed over 3 square miles of damage and killed over 300 people… but instead of discouraging growth, it only pushed the citizens to rebuild and make their Chicago stronger than ever before.

City planning has made Chicago one of the most livable cities in the US. The city is designed with a grid system, making it easy to navigate your way around. From its public transportation to its infrastructure and walkability, Chicago has what everyone needs for city life.

The city also has numerous bike lanes for cyclists and miles of parks, beaches, and waterfront trails for outdoor lovers. If you love to enjoy an urban landscape with tasteful public places and parks, Chicago has some of the best in the world.

The architecture in Chicago is also world-class, from the historic buildings on Michigan Avenue to The Willis Tower, or Sears Tower as we locals call it.

Willis tower is the second of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere and North America but it is only one of many impressive buildings in Chicago. Chicago has a jaw-dropping lakefront, a river walk, and a magnificent mile with lots of lively activities and stores.

Nightlife in Chicago is one of the best in America! There’s something for everyone, from rooftop bars to brewery tours, jazz clubs, and more. As a major city with a nightlife that caters to all sorts of tastes and budgets, you don’t have to look far.

4. Transportation Options

Chicago has been long known as the connection to the west and the transportation hub of the United States.

It was originally settled because of the advantages of location connecting the great lakes to the Mississippi river. Still, it quickly transformed into a railroad hub, with extensive road systems and also home to the fourth largest international airport in the world.

It’s the starting point of Route 66, America’s first cross-country route before the modern Interstate Highways System and currently the largest rail hub in North America. The Chicagoland area developed many modern transportation options, offering travelers and commuters endless options.

The Chicago Public transportation or CTA system is also one of the best in the country. An extensive network of buses, trains, and public transportation also serves the city. Making it easy to get around the city or fly anywhere in the world without connecting flights.

If you want to be centrally located, Chicago is the best of the midwest!

5. Higher Education and Employment Options

Chicago is home to some of the best universities and colleges in the United States, including the University of Chicago, Loyola, Depaul, Northwestern, and Illinois Institute of Technology, to name a few.

With such a vast selection of higher education options, it’s no surprise that Chicago has become an educational hub. Chicago is a blue-collar hard-working demographic, but Chicago was also recently recognized as one of the best places to find a tech position.

Illinois is one of the top producers of computer science degrees in the United States, making Chicago a hotspot for talented and tech-savvy employees. Illinois has the third most tech career opportunities in the country. It is quickly becoming part of the conversation of the best cities for Tech workers.

Conclusion

Chicago offers all the amenities of a large city combined with a Midwestern sensibility and affordability that is unmatched. If you’re looking for a place to call home, Chicago should be on your list. Check out some of these amazing places in the city, or explore our website for more information on neighborhoods, things to do, and much more.

If you are looking to buy rent or sell a home in the Chicagoland area, make sure to give us a call. We would love you help you make a move.

The cost of living in Chicago is higher than the US average. Chicago is typically the 11th most high-priced city in the country, ranking alongside places like Minneapolis, Boston, and San Diego.

The Chicago cost of living is significantly lower than that of other major cities, such as New York or San Francisco, and it nevertheless offers many of the same attractions and conveniences. In reality, the two top cities from which immigrants migrated to Chicago are New York and San Francisco.

This is a comprehensive list of my average monthly expenses and salary so that you can gauge how much it would cost to live in Chicago if you wish to do so.

What are Chicago’s Housing Costs?

Not shockingly, when understanding how much Chicago costs, your main monetary worry will most likely be housing costs. Your safe place should be where you live, so housing should be a top priority in hunting where to live.

Chicago’s housing market has a median sale price of $290,000. Chicago homes are less expensive compared to the nation’s median purchase price for houses, which jumped to $295,300.

One of the key reasons Chicago’s home prices are lower than other major cities on average is the city’s excess housing supply, which has lowered home values. Chicago real estate market hasn’t appreciated much in value in comparison to the rest of the nation, with a lower appreciation margin of 2.20%.

Now can be an excellent time to purchase and secure a lower price if you’re wanting to relocate.

In Chicago, Should I Rent or Buy?

The Windy City is a pricey city to rent in. Chicago apartments will cost an average rent of $1,826 per month. This represents a 1.15 percent increase from the previous year. The national average for rent is $1,588 for a one-bedroom apartment. However, the price is significantly higher in Chicago.

Chicago is an excellent value when you compare rental costs to those in other large cities like San Francisco, where the rental rate is $3,500, or New York, where you’ll pay $3,000 per month.

Prices in some Chicago suburbs can be comparable to those in San Francisco or New York. Rent in River North will cost you $2,600 per month, and rent in Streeterville can cost you $2,566. Both the Austin and The Island areas have rent prices that are a mere $562 per month.

The cost of a home is currently lower than the national average, thus, purchasing one might be preferable to renting.

However, Chicago has one of the high real estate taxes, coming in second only to New Jersey at 2.27%. In comparison to a state like Hawaii, where you would only spend roughly $600 to purchase the same property, you will therefore be paying on average $4,942 on a $217,500 home.

Cost of Living in Chicago and Utility Costs

Your utility costs won’t be excessive if you live in Chicago. Heating, air conditioning, water and waste costs for an average 900-square-foot flat are $150- estimated monthly costs.

In general, Chicago’s utility costs are around 7% less than the rest of the country. This makes it affordable to live in the city once you have a perfect house and a steady cash flow.

Utility prices in Chicago, like property taxes, sales taxes and other costs, differ from suburb to suburb, so you should research any area you’re considering to get an accurate estimate.

Due to Chicago’s 9% streaming service tax, internet service will set you back about $64 per month, which is more than the national average. Additionally, since cellular services are taxed at 43%, among the highest rates in the country, you’ll pay extra for your phone service.

Food Budget and Cost of Living in Chicago

Chicago is renowned for having a fantastic food culture. You should set aside some money from your budget to check out some of the city’s top restaurants. A three-course lunch at a mid-range restaurant can cost $72, whereas a meal at a cheap restaurant can cost you roughly $15.

Food Costs are on the necessity list, but a dozen eggs will cost you approximately $3.50. Chicago imposes a 0.5% restaurant tax in addition to its high 10.25% sales tax. Before offering to foot the tab for everyone’s meal, you might want to take this into account.

The price of groceries is comparable to other cities, such as Minneapolis in the Midwest. You’ll typically spend $300 each month on groceries. Though the monthly price will vary adversely depending on your consumption level.

Is a salary of $70,000 Good in Chicago?

Yes! In Chicago, a two-person family makes an average salary of $60,000. Therefore, if a single individual earns $70,000, they earn more than the average income for a household headed by one person. In Chicago, the median salary income for a household of four is barely $76,000.

Certainly. For a single individual, it’d be a cozy middle-class existence. If you and your spouse both earned that much money, you would live a very comfortable life. This can even help you cater for children or family members comfortably.

Transportation Costs and Chicago’s Cost of Living

Public transportation is a practical choice for many inhabitants in Chicago, which has the second-largest transportation system in the country. About 30% of Chicago residents choose public transit over driving a car. When analyzing Chicago’s cost of living, that can have a significant impact. Living in Chicago can lower your transportation expenses.

You will pay $105 for a monthly travel card for buses and trains. This card apply for daily transportation around the town. You will be charged $2.50 for a one-way bus or train ticket.

If you choose to travel by car, you will be subject to a Wheel Tax that is specific to Chicago. By acquiring a Chicago City Vehicle Sticker, you can pay the wheel tax. You could spend anywhere between $90.88 to $144.44 depending on the structure of your car. This program’s revenue goes toward repairing and maintaining the streets.

Additionally, you can completely avoid paying for transportation. Chicago has more than 300 miles of bicycle lanes because it was constructed with bicycling in mind. With a 23-minute commute time on average, the city has the second-highest proportion of commuters who cycle to work.

The Cost of Entertainment and Extras in Chicago

You’ll want to leave the house and tour the city, of course. You should factor entertainment costs into your budget because there are so many music and film competitions, comedy clubs, nightclubs, over 7,300 eateries, and sports events to keep you entertained.

A gym membership might increase your monthly spending by an additional $54.46 and constitute another expense if you desire fitness.

What Kind of Salary Is Necessary Given Chicago’s Cost of Living?

Chicago is among the more reasonably priced metropolitan cities, but your estimated monthly costs can mount up rapidly. Without factoring in rent, a family of four can anticipate monthly expenses of about $3,711.84. Your projected monthly expenses for a single individual total $1,030.86. For a single individual renting a one-bedroom residence, your monthly bill increases to $2,618.86 when rent is added.

Chicago residents make an average salary of $58,247 per year. A one-bedroom condo in Chicago would cost about $43,200 a year, or $21.60 an hour, to comfortably maintain. Paying expenditures could be difficult depending on your work, whether you’re a student or have any debt.

You shouldn’t, on average, spend more than 30% of your salary on rent. Your monthly income, for example, should be $3,600 if your house costs $1,200 per month.

Chicago is an excellent choice if you want to live in a big city without paying the exorbitant rents you would in New York or San Francisco. You still intend to cut your monthly spending in any way you can, of course. We hope that clarifies the query, “How much does it cost to live in Chicago?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which City is More Affordable, California or Chicago?

Though the average pay in California is larger than in Chicago, it is less expensive to live in Chicago. How much less expensive is Chicago? Chicago’s living cost was 18.5% lower than California’s in a salar.com analysis. That represents a big difference!

2. Is living in Chicago Expensive?

Unless you contrast it with other significant American cities like San Francisco and New York. Additionally, home prices are below the national average. Chicago’s typical sales price for a residence is $273,949, which is less than the $295,300 median purchase price for a residence nationally.

Budgeting for a Chicago Move

Getting a fantastic deal on a residence is one of the finest methods to reduce your expenses. Think about partnering with a knowledgeable local realtor who can guide you through the Chicago property market. In addition to advising you on which communities best suit your needs and budget, a knowledgeable realtor can determine if renting or purchasing a home is ideal for your circumstances.

To Sum it Up

We hope we’ve provided you with a good understanding of the living costs in Chicago irrespective of your lifestyle or specific spending. As you can see Chicago isn’t much of an expensive city. Chicago cost of living is 107.4, based on the cost of living index.

We regard ourselves to be authorities in the western suburbs because we have lived there all of our lives. Before coming to the lovely city of Chicago, if you need any assistance analyzing your alternatives, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Here is also a link to the cost of living in the Chicago suburbs as a comparison.

Whatever you choose, we wish you the very greatest happiness and financial stability in your new residence.

Have inquiries? Do not hesitate to contact us.

Understanding Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui

Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are popular practices in that they help people live in harmony with their environment. Although they are based on similar principles, they each have a favorable direction that the home should face.

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient practice that comes from India. It is similar to Feng Shui practice in China. Vastu means “dwelling” and Shastra means “science. While Feng Shui is more about the placement of objects in a space to create harmony, Vastu is the practice of designing and constructing buildings in alignment with natural forces.

The goal of Vastu is to create a balance between the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. When these elements are in harmony, it is believed that they will bring health, wealth, and happiness to the home’s occupants.

Both practices help people live in harmony with their environment. The main difference is that Vastu Shastra is based on the five elements: water, fire, earth, air, and space. Each element has a favorable direction that the home should face.

Vastu Shastra believes the home entrance should face east or North East. This is because these are the directions where the sun rises. The sun is a source of energy, good luck, and fortune. Having your home face east or northeast allows you to take advantage of these things.

Feng Shui

On the other hand, Feng Shui believes that the main door should face South or South East. This is because this is the direction of the Wealth star. The South East is also where the sun rises. Having your home face this direction allows you to take advantage of good luck and fortune.

So, which one should you choose? If you are looking for a home that brings you good luck and fortune, you should choose a home facing South East, according to Feng Shui.

If you are looking for a home with good energy, you should choose a home facing east or northeast, according to Vastu Shastra.

Now that we’ve gone over the favorable directions of each practice, let’s talk about the disadvantages and advantages of each direction in Chicago.

Your home can face four main directions: North, East, South, and West. Each has its unique benefits.

North Facing Homes

Home buyers less desire North and South-facing homes, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages. North-facing homes don’t get a lot of sun so they can be quite dark and gloomy. The upside to a North facing home is that it’s usually cooler in the summer and has warm bedrooms in the winter, so it’s more energy-efficient if you have bedroom at the back of the house.

North-facing homes get the most sun in the summer and the least in winter. This is because the sun is in the northern sky during summer and in the southern sky during winter. North-facing homes are also more likely to have a great sunset view since the sun sets in the west.

Advantages:

• The northern hemisphere’s residents in warmer climates will experience the most positive effects.
• Helps you save on air-conditioning costs in the summer by reducing energy consumption.
• Clothes-drying in the backyard is most effective for north-, northeast-, and northwest-facing homes.

Disadvantages:

• Not a wise choice for colder climate zones in the northern hemisphere.
• The amount of natural lighting is less at the front of the house than it is at the back.
• The increased use of heaters during winter causes a higher consumption of energy.

South Facing Homes

South-facing homes get the most sun in winter and the least in summer. This is because the sun is in the southern sky during winter and in the northern sky during summer. South-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the southeast and sets in the southwest. Often south-facing homes are best for climates with harsh winters like Chicago.

South-facing homes also receive the majority of the sunlight during the winter months, so it is also most likely to help you melt the snow from your driveway and sidewalks in the winter. The opposite is true if your home faces North. A northern-facing home is more likely to create icicles and has frozen snow on the ground because it doesnt get as much sunlight, especially in the winter months.

Advantages:

• South-facing houses get the most sun in the winter, making them warmer than other houses.
• South-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
• Houses that face south are efficient at absorbing solar heat.

Disadvantages:

• In winter, south-facing houses can be too sunny and bright.
• In summer, south-facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.

East Facing Homes

East-facing homes get the most sun in the morning and the least in the afternoon. East-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunrise since the sun rises in the east. East-facing homes typically have large windows that let in a lot of light.

East and West-facing homes are the most desired by home buyers. An East facing home gets a lot of morning sun in the front of the home, which is great for starting your day and can help you wake up more easily in the morning. If you are morning person and enjoy getting up with the sun, then an East-facing home may be perfect for you.

Advantages:

• East-facing houses get lots of sun in the morning, making them bright and cheerful.
• In the afternoon, east-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
• East-facing houses typically have a better view of the sunrise.
• East-facing windows are optimal for solar heating.

Disadvantages:

• In the afternoon, east-facing houses can be too shady and cool.
• In the morning east facing houses can be too hot and stuffy.
• Less energy efficient compared to North or South facing homes

West Facing Homes

West-facing homes get the most sun in the afternoon and the least sun in the morning. West-facing homes are also more likely to have a view of the sunset since the sun sets in the west.

Western-facing homes will have a warm backyard in the morning, and cooler West-facing homes will get the afternoon sun. Western-facing homes are great for relaxing in the evening and can help you sleep better at night. The downside to a West-facing home is that it can be quite cold in the morning, so you’ll want to ensure you have a good heating system.

Advantages:

• West-facing houses get lots of sun in the afternoon, making them warm and cozy.
• In the morning, west-facing homes get less sun, which can help you save on cooling costs.
• West-facing houses typically have the best view of the sunset.

Disadvantages:

• In the afternoon, west-facing houses can be too hot and bright.
• In the morning, west-facing houses can be too dark and dreary.

Regardless of your house’s direction, there are advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each position, you can make a more informed decision about which is best for you and your family.

Which direction’s advantages appeal most to you? Let us know in the comments below!

If you need to buy or sell a house in the Chicagoland area, make sure to book a consultation to make sure you get the most from your home-buying or home-selling experience. Thank you very much for reading! We hope this helps. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.

As they say, real estate is local, so today, I’m going to give the facts of what is essential to know about the change here in the Chicago western suburbs. I will go over which suburbs are hot and which are not. 

In this blog, I will cover everything you need to know to help you decide whether to buy, sell, or rent in 2023.

Let’s get straight into it!

Interest Rates

The recent and sudden change in interest rates is on everybody’s mind. A year ago, 3.0% was the highest 30-year fixed mortgage rate we had seen, and now we’re almost at 7%.

Even though this doesn’t seem like much of an increase initially, it can have large consequences for your monthly payments.

With a 3% interest rate, your monthly mortgage payment for a $500,000 home would be $2,200. However, if the interest rate were 7%, your monthly mortgage payment would surge to $3,300; that’s an additional

$1,100 per month!

With interest rates remaining at an all-time high, the demand for houses has significantly decreased.

A year ago, there were 20% more homes on the market than there are now. Fewer choices for new homeowners might be due to sellers not wanting to leave their current interest rate or lack of available options.

With the housing market always in the news, you might wonder how it’s doing where you live. It’s important to remember that real estate is local though, so even if prices are dropping in some areas of the country, that doesn’t mean it’s happening everywhere. Here in the Chicago western suburbs, for example, we’re still going strong!

The largest drops in home prices have come in the areas of the country that have dramatic increases in appreciation, areas as Arizona, Texas, and San Francisco. Chicago, however, was ranked 5th as the fastest-shrinking inventory in the nation. 

The Midwest is a linear market; this means appreciation never gets too hot or cold, unlike cyclical markets on the coasts.

Median Sales Price

However, not all suburbs are doing as well as others. Let’s cover the Western Suburbs that are still strong and those that have seen a decrease in value.

Chicago Western Suburb Prices

In this section, we will cover a year-over-year change in median sales price for the largest suburbs of the Western Suburbs.

Most suburbs are seeing a rise in median sales prices, except Clarendon Hills and Glen Ellyn. Both recorded lower sales prices this year compared to last year; however, Glen Ellyn only experienced a slight change of -1.2 percent, while Clarendon saw a much more dramatic decrease of 13%.

Carol Stream, Naperville, and Schaumburg have seen the biggest jumps in median sale price at 9.8%, 9.1%, and 8.5%, respectively, while most of the other suburbs are between 4-6%.

Market Time

Now, we will look at the days on the market metric to see how long a house takes to sell.

This comparison is between Q3 last year and today. All suburbs have shown a decrease in the number of days on the market, except for Lombard and Glendale Heights. Lombard increased by 2.4%, while Glendale Heights’ numbers more than doubled, increasing to over 50%.

This number should generally be around 60 days; anything over is not good news for sellers and buyers. The lower the days on the market, the more demand vs. inventory.

While demand is lower because of rates, the lower supply balances prices and keeps a stable market.

Glendale Heights had a large change in market time in March 2022, at the same time as interest rates started to increase aggressively. Glendale Heights, an entry-level housing market, is likely getting priced out of the market by potential buyers who can afford to buy in Glendale with today’s interest rates.

We are still in an ideal market for sellers. With interest rates increasing but fewer properties available to buyers, prices could stagnate or decrease just a bit as winter arrives.

Months Supply

Months Supply has been dropping for over a decade but much more aggressively since the pandemic’s start. The short supply is the main reason prices skyrocketed.

The suburbs with the largest home supply decrease are Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn, Addison, and Schaumburg.

While the average monthly supply number is still very low at 1.7 months supply for the entire MLS, these four suburbs have seen a decrease in inventory for sale. This could be a leading indicator of prices starting to increase or stabilize a bit.

Most all other suburbs had a drop of around 20-30% in supply compared to just a year ago.

Conclusion

Ok, so what does this mean for you? Should you buy, sell or rent? I hate to answer that it depends, but it’s true. It depends on your personal situation, needs, and goals.

Today is a great time to buy if you are a first-time home buyer or someone who needs to move up to a larger house.

Prices have come down from the highs of just a few months ago but are still much higher than last year or even 5. The problem most people are finding is the limited supply of new listings.

I talk to people regularly, waiting for the market to drop or even crash. The truth is, there is no sign of any large increase in supply. And so, wishing that prices drop significantly could be a long wait.

If you can buy it today, you should consider it. I always tell my clients to buy when they are ready to buy; no one can time the market.

Suppose you are interested in buying or selling in the Chicagoland market id love to hear about your goals. You can call, text, or set up a video meeting in the description box below to cover your exact situation.

Are Zestimates Accurate? Studies have shown that Zillow’s home values are within 20% of the actual value around 50% of the time. So while they aren’t perfect, they are a good starting point.

According to Zillow, it covers over 42,000 homes across the Chicagoland area and is only 75% of the time accurate within 5%.

How does Zillow Determine Home Values?

Ever wonder how Zillow comes up with these numbers? They don’t just pull them out of thin air- there is a method to the madness. Zillow’s home values are determined by considering many different data points.

This includes public records, real estate transactions, and even user-submitted information. They then use special algorithms to come up with a final number.

Redfin and Zillow’s estimated values cover about 100 million homes nationwide.

How Accurate are Zillow’s Home Values?

So now that we know how they come up with the numbers, how accurate are Zillow estimates? Studies have shown that Zillow’s home values are within 20% of the actual value around 50% of the time.

So while they aren’t perfect, they are a good starting point.

According to Zillow, it covers over 42,000 homes across the Chicagoland area and is only 75% of the time accurate within 5%. Other areas have different statistics, and your location will also vary the accuracy of the Zestimate.

For example, if your subdivision or town has a lot of activity and relatively similar homes throughout. Zestimate will be fairly accurate. However, the number will be less accurate if your home is unique or in an area with very few home sales.

How to Get a More Accurate Home Value from Zillow

You can do a few things to help ensure your home’s value is as accurate as possible on Zillow. First, make sure your home facts are up-to-date and accurate. This includes the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and any recent updates or renovations.

Your best, most accurate estimate is going to come not from a computer sitting in a warehouse but from a local real estate agent that will be able to walk your property and see what makes your homes stand apart and what a buyer in today’s market would be willing to pay for your home.

If you’re considering selling your home, the first step is to get an accurate estimate of your home’s value. Zillow’s Zestimate can be a good starting point, but remember that it is just an estimate.

Remember, Zillow, at one time, was buying homes from what the Zestimate algorithm was projecting; it led to Zillow buying over-valued properties and losing over $230 million. I guess computers can’t do everything yet.

The four things that sell your Home for the highest price

Briefly, I want to tell you what will sell your home for the highest price; ultimately, the Zestimate is just an estimate of what your property could sell for. To make sure you get all the equity out of your investment that you deserve. Here are the four most essential things to remember when selling your property:

1. Presentation- Presentation is everything; it’s the first impression. This is a big one; you want the buyers to be able to envision themselves living there. If your home doesn’t have good curb appeal, it will sell for less than it could.
2. Pricing- You don’t want to overprice or underprice your home. Remember, you are not just selling to one person; you are selling to the market. The market will determine your home value, no matter how much you or your agent thinks it’s worth.
3. Marketing- Marketing is the overdrive of home sales. How more exposure your home has to every qualified, capable, and willing buyer, the more offers. Ultimately getting the best results.
4. Your Agent- How your agent negotiates for you, the fees they charge you, the marketing they do for you. It all has an impact on your home’s sales price.

Make sure you choose the right real estate agent for the job if you are in the Chicagoland area and looking for real estate services. Please reach out to me; you can call or text.

For a more accurate number, contact a local real estate agent. They or I can give you a more accurate estimate based on your home’s unique features and the current market conditions. You can set up a video conference with the link below to discuss your home and its estimated value.

This means we are still seeing many multiple offers. If you’re a buyer, you must be prepared for competition. If you’re a seller, it’s important to understand the process from the buyers’ perspective and set yourself up for success.

In this blog, I will talk about both of those things and give you the tips you need to win in any real estate market!

Ok, let’s get straight into it.

Get Pre- Approved by a local lender

You must be prepared for competition if you’re a buyer in today’s market. It’s not uncommon to still see multiple offers on a property, and sometimes there can be as many as 5 or 7 buyers competing against each other.

So how do you win in this situation?

The first thing you need to do is get preapproved for a mortgage. This will show the seller that you’re serious about buying the property and that you have the financial ability to do so.

Getting a pre-approval from a local lender is always your best bet-to-win offer. The very best lenders are also reaching out to the sellers and giving them a vote of confidence when your offer is submitted.

This step helps secure the closing. Listing agents and sellers want to feel confident that the mortgage will not be a problem when it comes time to close. Sellers are not only looking for the best terms but for peace of mind that the deal will close.

If you’re working with a real estate agent, they should be able to provide you with a list of local lenders that they recommend.

A seller with multiple offers will choose the best terms and the most likely to close. If the transaction doesn’t close, that extends the time on the market, and the property will likely sell for less.

Move Quickly

The next thing you need to do is be prepared to move quickly. In a competitive market, the seller will choose the buyer who can close on the deal the quickest. So if you cannot close quickly, you might want to reconsider making an offer on the property.

If you are a seller in a multiple-offer situation, pay attention to the buyers’ loan type and approval time frame.

Suppose there are two similar offers; one buyer is pre-approved with a conventional loan, and the other is still in the process of getting approved for an FHA loan. In that case, the seller will most likely choose the conventional buyer because they’ll be able to close on the deal quicker.

As a buyer, you should also be prepared to put your best foot forward with your offer. In some cases, this means offering more money than you originally planned, But if it means winning the property, it will be worth it in the end.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Lastly- Keep Your Emotions in Check; it’s important to keep your emotions in check. In a competitive market, there will be times when you lose out on a property you want. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and let your emotions take over, but you’re likely to make bad decisions if you do this.

When making an offer on a property, ensure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t get caught up in a bidding war just because you think it’s what you’re supposed to do. Stick to your budget, and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.

When you’re selling a property, don’t get too attached to it. It’s important to remember that it’s just a piece of property and that other homes are out there. If you get too attached, you’re likely to make poor decisions, such as accepting a low offer just because you don’t want to let the home go.

Conclusion

There are many things you can do to make your offer the most competitive it can be. Things like waiving contingencies, increasing earnest money, and being pre-approved for a loan can all help.

The bottom line is this: in a competitive real estate market, you need to be prepared.

Know what you want, do your research, and be ready to move quickly. If you do this, you’ll be in a much better position to win the property you want – whether you’re buying or selling.

But at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that you can’t control everything. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and win in a multiple-offer situation, and sometimes you won’t. Don’t let your emotions take over, and stick to your budget.

I hope you all got some value from this blog, and I hope you can put some of this into practice.

If you are looking into buying or selling real estate in the western Chicago Suburbs, feel free to give us a call, email, or book a consultation with us using the link in the description below.

As local realtors, we get no end of questions about how much it really costs to live in the suburbs. There’s nobody better placed to answer that question for you, so we’ve pulled together everything we know about living expenses here in Chicagoland. 

We’ve made sure to include expensive, affordable, and mid-range suburbs, as well as picking areas from the North, West, and South of Chicago. As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also included averages for the collar counties. Read on to find out which areas of Chicago could suit your way of life. 

Average House Prices 

One cost of living that’s non-negotiable is having a roof over your head – so let’s start by looking at the average house and rent prices across different Chicago suburbs and Counties. 

Median House Prices By Chicago Suburb

As you can see from the suburbs we’ve chosen, house prices across Chicagoland vary drastically by suburb. At the affordable end of the spectrum, you’ve got villages on the south side of the city like Thornton, Illinois, where the median house price is a mere $160K – almost three times less than the Chicago average.

But don’t be fooled into thinking all the suburbs are a haven for cheap property. At the other end of the market, you’ll find upscale suburbs like Hinsdale and Barrington Hills, where the average home costs a mindblowing $900K+.

There is no shortage of high-end neighborhoods around Chicago, so if ever you fancy curb-crawling for your dream lottery home, take a drive around places like Hinsdale, Glencoe, Winnetka, Clarendon Hills, and Wilmette. 

On the other hand, a city like Evanston, located on the north shore of Chicago, comes in at a happy medium of $362K, which isn’t far off the average home price here. 

Yet, the truth is that you can find homes across different price points in practically any suburb. There is a huge variation in size and style that affects the final value of the home.

Average House Prices By Chicago County

This much is clear when you look at the average house price by Chicago County. The figures are much closer together, reflecting the fact that you can find expensive and affordable houses spread across every area. 

All in all, the Chicago County Average house prices reflect that you can find properties close to the Chicago average house price, no matter what side of town you’re looking into. 

Average Rent 

Much like the house prices, the average rent in the Chicago Suburbs really varies depending on where you’re looking. Your jaw may drop as you look at the average rent in Barrington Hills as you ask yourself why it’s so expensive.

That’s because Barrington Hills is a rural suburb of Chicago. It’s miles out from the city itself, and most people here tend to own their homes. So any rentals in areas like this tend to be luxury properties designed for short to mid-term escapes to the countryside. 

Median Rent By Chicago Suburb

In general, rental prices in the Chicago suburbs come in between $1,000 -$2,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment. It’s the most significant expense you’ll need to account for when working out the cost of living in the suburbs.

However, it’s helpful to note that a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment or home would cost far less to split between multiple renters – which is how many people choose to get around the high cost of living these days. 

Median Rent By Chicago County

Data from deptofnumbers.com

Property Taxes 

Regarding the cost of living in the Chicago suburbs, property taxes are the elephant in the room. Many people today might blacklist Illinois as a place to live because our property taxes are famously higher than the national average. 

On the flip side, you could consider it part of the deal to live close by to one of the best cities in America, which is home to nationally ranked schools and a cultural scene with a long legacy of producing world-class professionals across every vocation. 

Regardless of how you see it, the property tax bill will come your way. Let’s take a closer look at how that cost varies across different Chicago suburbs. 

Property Taxes by Chicago Suburb (examples)

Data from smartasset.com/ 

It’s a little tricky to figure out how much property tax you will pay until you’ve chosen a home – a lot depends on the exact area the home is in, as well as the home’s assessed value. But you can see that, once again, property taxes range wildly between different suburbs, and in general, they follow the pattern of how expensive the suburb is. 

In Thorton, which is one of the most affordable suburbs of Chicago, homeowners here pay an average property tax bill of $3,699. This sounds quite appealing compared to the record-breaking Hinsdale, where the locals are shelling out an average of $12,389 in property taxes.

 “Where does it all go?”, you might wonder. The answer is that much of it funds one of the most prestigious school districts in the state of Illinois, Hinsdale Township High School District 86. The situation in Naperville is much the same, and that’s why families who can afford it are flocking to these suburbs despite the high taxes. 

To get a more general picture of how property taxes vary across Chicagoland, we can also consider the property taxes by Chicago County.

Cook County is onto a winner here, with the lowest average effective property tax rate of 1.38%. Cook County and DuPage County are both home to some of our personal favorite suburbs, including Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Skokie, Arlington Heights, and Evanston. 

Property Taxes by Chicago County 

Data from tax-rates.org/

Median Household Income 

One good way to get an idea of the cost of living in an area is to look at the median household income. People generally like to live in the best area that they can afford – and if they have a similar income to you, then you can look to that area too.

As you might expect, based on the rent and house prices, Barrington Hills, Hinsdale and Naperville are the highest earners from our example suburbs.

In fact, they earn 2-3 x more than households living in Thornton and Northlake. So, in general, you can expect the cost of living is 2-3x times higher, depending on your specific lifestyle. 

Median Household Income by Chicago Suburb 

Data from niche.com

Transportation 

Getting around in the Chicago suburbs contributes a lot to your cost of living, and the way that you travel will depend on where you live. 

There are some far-out suburbs, like Barrington Hills, where having a car is an absolute necessity simply due to the scale of the local area (and the fact that there is no nearby metro station). You’ll need a car to do simple things like picking up groceries because public transport doesn’t support it.

However, if you are lucky to live centrally within a well-connected suburb like Naperville or Evanston, you could get around by relying on the metra and pace buses. No matter which suburb you live in, you can get a day pass or a monthly pass for the Metra. The cost does change slightly depending on your route and distance from Chicago. 

Metra Pass

Daily Cost of Commuting to Chicago from Suburbs by Car 

*Based on 2022 current average price for regular gas of $4.541 and the average MPG of 25

** Based on commuting 21 days per month 

Many people in the Chicago suburbs choose to drive as their main method of getting around. Just like most places in America, there is a lot of sprawl in our suburbs and there is nothing more convenient than hopping in your car.

However, it also comes at a cost – and one that is rapidly rising. Fuel prices are almost double what they were this time last year, and there’s no telling how they might change in the future. 

We’ve made some quick calculations to estimate how much it would cost you to commute to Chicago every day from different suburbs. We did this using current gas prices and the average miles per gallon of 25 – plus. We also considered that you’d be commuting approximately 21 days per month. However, no matter what suburb you live in, you can easily calculate it yourself.

To work out how much it will cost you in fuel to travel by car, find out your miles and then divide it by your MPG. Take that figure and multiply it by the current cost of fuel per gallon, and the result is your fuel costs for the trip. 

Bear in mind that being stuck in traffic uses up to ½ gallon of fuel per hour. Many of the Chicago suburbs are known for becoming congested.

If you’re commuting every day from a busy suburb into downtown Chicago, you’ll easily spend a couple of extra hours a week sitting in the car. To add insult to injury, this can add on a few dollars to your fuel costs weekly. 

Parking

On average, people in Chicago pay $190 per month for parking as part of their commute. 

If you are parking every day for your commute – whether that’s to Chicago or simply to your local metra – you’ll want to do some research to figure out the cost of your local garage and account for that in your cost of living. 

Parking downtown outside of Chicago is typically metered at $2 per hour. The cost of parking in a garage varies dramatically depending on their individual rates, so you’ll need to do some research to find the best spot for you. 

Utilities 

No matter which suburb you’re looking at, utilities will be roughly the same, as many of them are determined by state or national providers. One of the biggest differences you can make to your cost of utilities is what phone bill and WiFi you choose. The cheapest phone tariffs for U.S. providers start at $30 but can be as high as $180. 

Food prices / Eating out

It’s hard to put an exact figure on the cost of food in the Chicago Suburbs – that’s because it doesn’t really depend on the suburb so much as the person’s individual lifestyle.

According to bungalow.com, people in Chicago spend around $300 every month on food. But we all know that the way you choose to have your meals can make or break that figure; if you shop at budget supermarkets, do meal prep and always eat at home, then your food bill will be significantly lower than someone who lives off takeaways or in upscale restaurants. 

But still, just for fun, we thought we’d head out to a few typical suburban restaurants so we could show you roughly how much it costs to eat out in the suburbs. We ate at an in-expensive restaurant and a mid-range restaurant – here’s how much it cost. 

Inexpensive restaurant: $60-150 (couple)

Mid-range restaurant: $180-$330 (couple)

In short 

We hope to have given you a good insight into how the Chicago suburb you call home can affect your cost of living. Of course, there are many other factors to add to that final bill, such as childcare costs, healthcare insurance, and car insurance, but these are broadly speaking the same no matter where you live. 

Perhaps you’ve even set your sights on one of the suburbs we’ve used as examples. We’ve got lots of helpful information for you about living in Naperville, the best parts of life in Hinsdale, and why we think Northlake is one of the most underrated suburbs of Chicago. 

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Something you might not know about us here at the Ralphie and Ryan Show is that we’re both family men. So, since we’ve done it ourselves, we thought it was about time we covered the best suburbs in Chicago for raising a young family. 

We asked ourselves – what mattered most to us when creating our ideal family life? We each had our unique boxes to tick, but what we had in common was good schools, nice parks, a sense of security and safety, and neighborliness. Aside from that, we had our differences about whether we were looking for proximity to the city, a downtown, and how affordable the suburb needed to be. That’s why you’ll find suburbs on this list that answers to all of those. 

Without further ado, let’s take a tour of our top suburban picks for young families in Chicago. 

9 Best Chicago Suburbs for Young Families

9. Flossmoor 

Median Home Value: $279,900

Flossmoor might not make every list of best family suburbs, but we think people are missing a trick. 

Flossmoor is a small, diverse suburb southeast of Chicago. It’s right next to Homewood, a suburb named so because the area is surrounded by forests. Flossmoor is the safer, quieter sister of Homewood, though both suburbs make our list of the best diverse suburbs in Chicago. 

The Flossmoor-Homewood high school is exceptionally good and is the main draw for families in this suburb. It’s the type of town where neighbors have each other’s backs, and many locals say they couldn’t think of a better place to raise a family in Illinois. 

8. Wheaton

Median house price: $376,500

Wheaton is a beautiful and desirable suburb just west of Chicago. It’s full of families and it’s not hard to understand why. Wheaton’s school district is a consecutive five-times award winner and children here benefit from some of the best educational opportunities in Illinois. The suburb is also home to Wheaton College, an Evangelical liberal arts college. 

As a historically religious suburb, Wheaton is known for its strong family and community values. Many families come here to be part of a collective, where there are endless opportunities to get involved in community events and local improvement. 

Find out more about why locals love living in Wheaton, Illinois. 

7. Glendale Heights 

Median house price: $230,000

We love Glendale Heights for families – if not least because it’s a bit of a hidden gem in the Chicago suburbs. As well as being diverse and affordable, it has good schools and is a mere stone’s throw from one of the best suburbs in Chicago, Glen Ellyn. 

Families here get the best of both worlds – median house prices at just over half the Chicago average, and meanwhile their children can still attend A+ high schools and benefit from Glen Ellyn’s amazing downtown and amenities. There’s a lot to love about life in Glendale Heights and that’s why almost a quarter of the community are young families. 

6. Elmhurst

Median house price: $475,600

Talk to life-long Chicagoans and many of them will say Elmhurst is on their list of dream towns to settle down in. Beautiful homes, outstanding schools, outdoor activities and one of the best downtowns in the Chicago suburbs – Elmhurst lacks nothing. 

Known as the cultural centre of DuPage, Elmhurst is an excellent suburb for young people to cultivate aspirations for an academic future. It’s the home of Elmhurst University and so it’s pretty inspiring for families to be surrounded by successful students enjoying some of the best years of their lives.

Read all about the best of life in Elmhurst in our community spotlight. 

5. Libertyville 

Median house price: $458,900

Libertyville is an idyllic town to start or raise a family – partly because it looks like it was plucked straight from a postcard. But if you’re worried Libertyville’s beauty is only skin-deep, rest assured that’s not the case here. 

This Lake County suburb is home to excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a community of happy families. Among the reasons they love living here are the quaint downtown, the neighbourhood atmosphere, and the modern library. 

4. Vernon Hills

Median house price: $348,900

This medium-sized suburb is in Lake County, north of Chicago. Vernon Hills ranks highly across the board for amenities, including public schools, safety, housing and is rated as the 10th best place to live in the entire state of Illinois. 

Vernon Hills boasts all the creature comforts needed for a good childhood. The streets are safe and well-maintained, there are plenty of parks, and the suburb has many of the nation’s favorite retailers and outlets. Locals from Vernon Hills say they loved growing up in this quiet part of Lake County, where it feels like everyone looks out for each other. 

3. Lincolnshire 

Median house price: $562,500

This small suburb in Lake County offers a peaceful respite from the city, with the best of suburban living including excellent schools, green spaces, and community amenities. It is home to two highly-rated high schools, Adlai E. Stevenson and Deerfield, and residents say they feel very safe here in this tight-knit community. 

Lincolnshire has lots to do for young families, such as Spring Lake Park, which is breathtaking in spring, summer, and autumn. Young families can get an early taste for the performing arts at The Marriott Theatre, showing family classics like West Side Story, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz. 

While Lincolnshire real estate is on the more expensive side of things, there are a variety of home types and price points, from luxury condos, to attractive family homes, and the occasional affordable fixer-upper or lots and land. For families who find Lincolnshire too pricey, the closeby Buffalo Grove is an excellent alternative (further down on this list!). 

2. La Grange 

Median house price: $510,700

The pretty village of La Grange is a perfect place to raise a young family and also makes our list of the top five affordable suburbs with the best schools. The median house price in La Grange is boosted by the many large and gorgeous properties, but if you dig into the listings you can find family homes in line with average Chicago house prices. 

La Grange is situated west of Chicago in Cook County and is an enviable settle-down suburb for many reasons. The village offers consistently great schooling across the suburb, with all schools rated A+ to B, and is well-connected to The Windy City and wider Chicagoland. 

Many family-friendly suburbs are forced to make a trade between safety, peace and quiet, and things to do – but not La Grange. This small suburb is home to a vibrant, cutesy downtown area mostly made up of boutiques and independent stores. 

Despite only being 2.5 square miles, La Grange has 82-acres of beautifully maintained parks and preserves, so families here can expect to spend lots of quality time together outdoors. 

Find out more about life in lovely La Grange. 

1. Buffalo Grove 

Median house price: $325,300

Safe, affordable, and well-schooled, Buffalo Grove tops our list of the best suburbs to raise a young family in Chicago. 

Buffalo Grove is a large, family-focused suburb in Lake County, northwest of Chicago. It has three outstanding high schools; Adlai E. Stevenson, Deerfield, and Buffalo Grove, and takes the bronze medal for Chicago suburbs with the best public high schools, according to niche.com. 

The only drawback to life in Buffalo Grove is the convoluted Metra commute to Chicago – but this has encouraged the suburb to develop plenty for its townsfolk to do locally. With heaps of parks, restaurants, shops, and community events, this suburb strikes the perfect balance for families to escape the city but never be bored. 

Families in Buffalo Grove can spend their weekends between the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve and the Willow Stream Pool, whereas teenagers will love the Mike Rylko Skatepark. Buffalo Grove is undoubtedly a suburb where many family memories are made, both past and present. 

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When you’re selling a property in Illinois, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is who pays the closing costs. This can be a tricky question, and it depends on a variety of factors. However, there are some standard expenses associated with selling that we will discuss in further detail.

Often I get the questions: Who Pays the Closing Costs When Selling a House in Illinois? The buyer and seller are generally both responsible for the closing costs of a property. 

Who pays closing costs when selling a house in Illinois? 

As a general rule, closing costs are paid according to the terms of the buyer’s and seller’s purchase agreement. The responsibility for closing costs is usually divided between both parties if the sale goes through. The costs may not be evenly split, and the buyer is likely to pay more than the seller. 

The buyer and seller are generally responsible for the closing costs of a property. 

Closing costs are the fees associated with the sale of a home, and they can vary depending on the type of home, the location, and the buyer. For a full breakdown of these costs, here’s a list of all the fees associated with selling. 

Remember, closing costs and real estate sales contract terms are negotiated between the buyer and seller before the sale is final.

Sellers typically pay for:

– The real estate agent’s commission

– Property taxes

– Home insurance

– Utilities

– HOA dues (if applicable)

– Repairs (if necessary)

Some of these expenses, like the real estate agent’s commission and repairs, are paid at closing. Others, such as property taxes and utilities, may be prorated so that the seller only pays for the time they owned the home.

There’s a lot to take into consideration when selling your home – if it’s your first time, you will find it helpful to read our list of steps for selling your home successfully.

Buyers typically pay:

– Loan origination fee

– Home appraisal fee

– Home inspection fee

– Pest inspection fee (if necessary)

– Closing costs

– Down payment

Understanding Seller Concessions

Seller Concessions are paid by the seller to help offset some of the buyer’s costs. In Illinois, a seller can pay up to 3.0% of the sales price towards the buyer’s closing costs and/or prepaid items.

The amount that a seller can contribute is negotiable between the buyer and seller, but note that any amount over 3.0% is paid for by the buyer.

Negotiating Seller Concessions

Negotiating seller concessions can be a great way to save money as a buyer. If you’re looking to purchase a home, be sure to ask the seller if they’re willing to contribute to your closing costs. It never hurts to ask!

Keep in mind that when purchasing a home, the price needs to be favorable in a sellers’ market (which Illinois has) to get an accepted seller concession. In a buyer’s market, seller concessions are significantly easier to reach an agreement on.

Disadvantages of Seller Concessions 

Let’s get this out of the way: Sellers aren’t paying your closing expenses because they are too kind. In most situations, when a seller covers closing costs for a buyer, the sales price is usually higher.

Typically the buyer asks the seller to cover some of your closing costs, but what the seller is really interested in is their net profit. The seller agrees to pay for closing costs but at a higher sales price.

In some situations, the home may not appraise for the sales price. If this happens and the buyer is getting a loan, they may have to bring money to closing to make up the difference.

The key takeaway?

If you’re thinking of selling your home in Illinois, it’s important to understand the closing process and who pays the closing costs. When you’re negotiating with a seller, they will be looking out for their best interests – not yours. Seller concessions can be beneficial for buyers, but it’s important to understand that there are potential risks involved. It’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate agent or lawyer before entering into any agreements.

In Summary

So, who pays the closing cost when selling a house in Illinois? It really depends on the situation. Who pays the closing cost when selling a house in Illinois can vary, but typically the buyer and seller are both responsible for some closing costs. The best way to find out is to ask your real estate agent or the person you’re selling the house to.

If you have any other questions about selling a house in Illinois, feel free to reach out to us! We would be more than happy to help.

Happy selling!

Here we take a look at the brightest, brainiest, and most brilliant schools in the Chicago Suburbs. Qualities that earned institutions a place on our list include AP and honors classes, strong academic performance, athletics, excellent facilities, and, where possible, student diversity. We couldn’t cover every incredible school in the Chicago suburbs in detail, but if we could, our full list of the Best High Schools would include:

• Evanston Township
• York Community High School
• Glenbrook North High School 
• Naperville Central High School 
• Neuqua Valley High School
• Metea Valley High School
• Hinsdale Central High School
• Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
• Glenbard High School
• Roycemore 
• Naperville South High School 
• Lake Forest High School
• Deerfield High School
• Waubonsie Valley High School
• Barrington High School 
• Prospect High School
• Lyons Township High School 
• Buffalo Grove High School
• Oak Park High School 
• Wheaton Warrenville South
• Lemont Township Highschool 

If there are any others that you think should be on the list, drop us a comment below. For now, let’s dive into the top nine schools from the suburbs of Chicago that caught our attention. 

What are the Best High Schools in Chicago Suburbs?

9. Evanston Township High School

• AP participation/pass rate: 66%, 52%
• English/maths proficiency: 53%, 50%

Located in the vibrant city of Evanston, this school is home to a diverse, successful student body. 54% of its student enrollment identify as a minority and 36% are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The school maintains a good average SAT score of 1240 and ranks highly across the board for academics, teachers, college prep, clubs and activities, and health and safety. 

The 65-acre campus serves 3,602 students in Evanston and Skokie. Teenagers attending Evanston Township High School say that they love the inclusive ethos of the school, where students from all walks of life are encouraged to explore their interests through the many clubs and competitive opportunities on offer. 

8. York Community High School

• AP participation/pass rate: 58%, 52%
• English/maths proficiency: 65%, 63%

Creative and academically-minded students will excel at York Community High school. This historic and prestigious school is located in the pretty suburb of Elmhurst, which is known for being the cultural capital of DuPage. 

It should come as no surprise, then, that York is widely known for its performing arts programs, including musical performance, dance, and theatre, and the many shows that take place year-round in the school’s own auditorium. Students particularly look forward to the Fine Arts Week, which includes the school’s annual talent show. 

Students attending York Community High School are well-prepared for life beyond SATs and many students go on to competitive universities including Madison and the University of Iowa. York has a dedicated College Resource Centre, which students say makes the world of difference navigating college applications, finances, and interviews. 

It’s not just York that’s great in Elmhurst – we are in love with this cute city-cum-suburb. Find out why with us as we take a stroll around the leafy streets of Elmhurst.

7. Libertyville High School 

• AP participation/pass rate:75%, 70%
• English/maths proficiency: 73%, 74%

Libertyville High School is a medium-sized, highly-rated school that is respected for being home to many talented, competitive, and spirited students. Libertyville’s gifted student body of 1,805 excel in music, athletics, and academics, and the institution is a good choice for a well-rounded education. In particular, the school is known for its Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, which keep the picturesque suburb of Libertyville entertained throughout the year. 

Libertyville’s alumni students include a number of notable musicians and sportsmen, likely owing to the school’s long history of competing in various national and state championships, including a 20-year winning streak for the Wind Ensemble band in the Superstate Competition. 

6. Glenbrook North High School 

• AP participation and pass rate: 59%, 57%
• English/maths proficiency: 72%, 74%

Glenbrook North High School is a large public high school in the suburb of Northbrook, north of Chicago. The school is recognized nationally for its academics and is a Blue Ribbon School, distinguishing its students for achieving some of the best test scores in the state of Illinois. 

This high school offers strong programs across the board, including athletics (go Spartans!), performing arts, STEM subjects, and fine arts. As a fantastic all-rounder, Glenbrook North is the place for students to get a well-balanced and high-caliber education.

For students interested in performance and acting, Glenbrook is notable on two counts. It’s home to the Shelly Performing Arts Centre, a contemporary music theatre and performance venue on campus, which houses events from the Northbrook Symphony and Glenview Theatre Guild and the school’s own GBN Theatre, to name a few. The second note, which is of less consequence but of equal interest, is that the school was the film set for the cult film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. However, with Glenbrook’s nurturance, we highly doubt any of their students would take the same attitude to school as the infamous truant Bueller. 

5. Naperville Central High School

• AP participation and pass rate: 56%, 46%
• English/maths proficiency: 67%, 70%

Naperville is home to many outstanding schools, but Naperville Central High School is the grandfather, being the villages’ original high school built beside Centennial Park near the turn of the 20th century. Today, it serves 2,750 students living in central and Northwestern Naperville. 

Students from Naperville Central have great prospects, often going on to university at places like Northwestern, Urbana Champaign, and the University of Iowa, studying in majors such as business, economics and finance, STEM subjects, and psychology. The school is known for giving students a bright start and has dozens of notable alumni. 

In the heart of Naperville, the school couldn’t be better placed for students to be part of the local community. It sits beside the Naperville Riverwalk park/trail network and is a stones’ throw from Naperville’s vibrant downtown, making its freshmen and seniors the envy of many other suburban high schoolers. 

Could Naperville be worth the move? Spoiler – the answer is yes, but if you need convincing, check out our article on everything that’s good about living in Naperville. 

4. Metea Valley High School

• AP participation and pass rate: 68%, 56%
• English/maths proficiency: 59%, 61%

This diverse and prestigious school is located in Aurora and serves students on the east side of the city. As one of the most beautiful schools in Illinois, Metea Valley High School provides an inspiring setting for students to excel.

Built a little over 10 years ago, the bright, contemporary and airy school has previously made the list of Most Amazing School Campuses in the World. The $124.7M institution houses modern and up-to-date facilities including an auditorium, a musical hallway, a media center, technology lab, competition gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, athletic fields, tennis courts, outdoor courtyards, and a football stadium.

Metea Valley provides plenty of opportunities for students to cultivate their interests. The school sponsors almost one hundred extra-curricular clubs, ranging from the nationally recognized, including Model UN and Future Medical Professionals, to the unique including Aikido and Girls Who Code Club. 

Naperville is home to the best of everything, not just schools! Check out our article on everything that’s good about living in Naperville. 

3. Neuqua Valley High School 

• AP participation and pass rate: 68%, 63%
• English/maths proficiency: 72%, 74%

Neuqua Valley High School should be exciting to any young sportsmen, songbirds, or musicians looking to develop their talents to compete on the world stage. 

Neuqua Valley High School might be the newest of Naperville’s three high schools but that hasn’t stopped it from quicking rising up the ranks to prove itself equally deserving of prestige and accolades. Niche.com rates Neuqua Valley as the best high school in Will County, no doubt owing to the school’s fiercely competitive academics and athletics.

The school itself is barely over 20 years old and is an impressive red-brick building that houses over 3,000 students living south of Springbrook Prairie in Naperville. The campus includes a 25-yard swimming pool and a wading pool, five gymnasiums, three full-sized basketball courts, two weight rooms, a climbing wall, an enclosed football field, a rubber running track, and a soccer stadium. It’s no surprise that Naperville frequently takes the podium and even wins state championships, with recent achievements including State Champions for Girls’ Swimming and Diving, 2nd place for Boys’ Cross County, and 2nd Place in Badminton. 

Neuqua Valley High School is the proud curator of a highly acclaimed music program, which is recognized by the Grammy Association. The Music department has a trophy cabinet of awards, so to speak, including nine Grammy signature school awards. The school offers an unparalleled range of clubs and programs, including bands, choirs, orchestras, and soloist concerts, allowing musical students of all persuasions to develop their performance, theory, and technique. 

Opening the door to Naperville’s excellent school system is one of many reasons to move to this suburb. Check out our post on everything that’s good about living in Naperville. 

2. Hinsdale Central High School

• AP participation and pass rate: 58%, 53%
• English/maths proficiency: 79%, 75%

Hinsdale Central is a large public high school located in the Western suburbs of Chicago. It frequently tops the charts of best schools in Illinois, rubbing shoulders with the most prestigious public and private schools alike.

This is a spirited and competitive high school where students make the most of a rich offering of academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities. Hinsdale has won more than 100 Illinois state championships today and has more than 80 clubs. The school’s district recently won a grant for redevelopment, which will include a sparkling new pool at Hinsdale Central.

Hinsdale is known for being one of the wealthier suburbs of Chicago and its students certainly benefit. With property taxes on highly valued homes, Hinsdale Central Highschool recoups enough to spend an immense $21,285 per student every year. The majority of students come from Hinsdale or similarly affluent areas including Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook. 

Wondering if the chance to send your children to Hinsdale Central would be worth a move to this suburb? Check out our guide to the best things about living in Hinsdale or Clarendon Hills. 

1. Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy

• AP participation and pass rate: 80%, 72%
• English/maths proficiency: +

For any young person with a budding potential to one-day program rockets, shape cyberspace or win the Nobel prize, this is the school to set their sights on. 

The Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy (IMSA) is a diverse public high school in the city of Aurora, west of Chicago, and is one of the best schools in Illinois. It offers a three-year residential course to students in grades 10–12, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. IMSA supports a diverse contingent of students and Aurora is known for being one of the best diverse Chicago suburbs.

According to niche.com, 100% of students at IMSA are gifted and talented. This would explain IMSA’s unrivaled average SAT score of 1450, which comes in at more than 100 points higher than any other school on the list. 

Student life at IMSA is competitive but community-centric. Young adults here have the rare opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals with a complete immersion into academic life – a mature environment most teenagers won’t experience until college. IMSA students can also find balance in their lives, with the chance to compete athletically with the Titans (or chess, for the less sporty competitors), as well as the many events, trips, and community engagement activities organized by the school. 

An exciting development is that IMSA recently gained a new president and CEO. Overseeing the academy is Dr. Evan M. Glazer, the former 10-year president of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which tops many rankings as the best public school in the U.S. Perhaps IMSA will be next – watch this space!

If you want to know more about the home city of IMSA, check out our list of pros and cons to life in Aurora, IL.