Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Illinois
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing鈥攁nd prioritizing鈥攃ertain community resources and costs.
compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Illinois using data from . Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
You may also like:
Best counties to retire to in Illinois
#25. Deerfield
- Population: 19,006
- Median home value: $518,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,875 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $153,431
- Top public schools: Glenbrook North High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Highland Park High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School (A+), Socrates Elementary Day School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Lake Cook (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $518,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,875 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $153,431
- Top public schools: Glenbrook North High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Highland Park High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School (A+), Socrates Elementary Day School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Lake Cook (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#24. La Grange
- Population: 15,545
- Median home value: $501,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,183 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $123,965
- Top public schools: Lyons Township High School (A+), Park Junior High School (A), Forest Road Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable), St. Cletus Elementary School (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $501,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,183 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $123,965
- Top public schools: Lyons Township High School (A+), Park Junior High School (A), Forest Road Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable), St. Cletus Elementary School (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Barrington Hills
- Population: 4,070
- Median home value: $773,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,533 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $178,162
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (A+), Grove Avenue Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mark's Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($7.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $773,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,533 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $178,162
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (A+), Grove Avenue Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mark's Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($7.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#22. Northbrook
- Population: 33,343
- Median home value: $534,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,056 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $124,863
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Countryside Day School (A), Solomon Schechter Day School (A), St. Norbert School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($3.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $534,800 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,056 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $124,863
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Countryside Day School (A), Solomon Schechter Day School (A), St. Norbert School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($3.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#21. Northfield
- Population: 5,534
- Median home value: $638,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,083 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $148,077
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christian Heritage Academy (A+), Hyde Park Day School - Northfield (unavailable), New Tier Child Care Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($4.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $638,400 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,083 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $148,077
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christian Heritage Academy (A+), Hyde Park Day School - Northfield (unavailable), New Tier Child Care Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($4.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Biggest sources of immigrants to Illinois
#20. Libertyville
- Population: 20,382
- Median home value: $447,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,313 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $134,110
- Top public schools: Vernon Hills High School (A+), Libertyville High School (A+), Grayslake Central High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Elementary School (unavailable), A Village Green Montessori (unavailable), Alta Vista Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,313 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $134,110
- Top public schools: Vernon Hills High School (A+), Libertyville High School (A+), Grayslake Central High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Elementary School (unavailable), A Village Green Montessori (unavailable), Alta Vista Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. North Barrington
- Population: 2,982
- Median home value: $669,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,181 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $193,650
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Roslyn Road Elementary School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Children's House of North Barrington (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $669,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,181 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $193,650
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Roslyn Road Elementary School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Children's House of North Barrington (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#18. Vernon Hills
- Population: 26,343
- Median home value: $348,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,609 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $104,199
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Vernon Hills High School (A+), Libertyville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Music Academy (unavailable), CDW At Play Child Care Center (unavailable), Phillip Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($949,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $348,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,609 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $104,199
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Vernon Hills High School (A+), Libertyville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Music Academy (unavailable), CDW At Play Child Care Center (unavailable), Phillip Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($949,900, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Green Oaks
- Population: 3,846
- Median home value: $583,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $165,625
- Top public schools: Libertyville High School (A+), Lake Forest High School (A+), Oak Grove Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: ($900,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $583,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,200 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $165,625
- Top public schools: Libertyville High School (A+), Lake Forest High School (A+), Oak Grove Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: ($900,000, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Glencoe
- Population: 8,888
- Median home value: $953,700 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,574 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $248,851
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+), Middlefork Primary School (A+)
- Top private schools: North Shore Country Day (A+)
- Pictured: ($4.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $953,700 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,574 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $248,851
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+), Middlefork Primary School (A+)
- Top private schools: North Shore Country Day (A+)
- Pictured: ($4.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Counties with the oldest homes in Illinois
#15. Riverwoods
- Population: 3,618
- Median home value: $714,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,539 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $207,188
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $714,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $2,539 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $207,188
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Glenbrook North High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Inverness
- Population: 7,633
- Median home value: $628,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $192,576
- Top public schools: William Fremd High School (A+), Barrington High School (A+), Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic Academy (A-)
- Pictured: ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $628,700 (97% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $192,576
- Top public schools: William Fremd High School (A+), Barrington High School (A+), Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Holy Family Catholic Academy (A-)
- Pictured: ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Naperville
- Population: 147,501
- Median home value: $416,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,516 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $125,926
- Top public schools: Neuqua Valley High School (A+), Naperville Central High School (A+), Metea Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Naperville Christian Academy (A), St. Raphael Catholic School (A+), Ss. Peter & Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($6.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $416,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,516 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $125,926
- Top public schools: Neuqua Valley High School (A+), Naperville Central High School (A+), Metea Valley High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Naperville Christian Academy (A), St. Raphael Catholic School (A+), Ss. Peter & Paul School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($6.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Lincolnshire
- Population: 7,572
- Median home value: $508,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,791 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $116,316
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Bannockburn School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $508,700 (84% own)
- Median rent: $2,791 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $116,316
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Bannockburn School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Winnetka
- Population: 12,428
- Median home value: $1,091,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,628 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), The Joseph Sears School (A+), Marie Murphy School (A)
- Top private schools: The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($6.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,091,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,628 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), The Joseph Sears School (A+), Marie Murphy School (A)
- Top private schools: The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($6.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Counties with the highest unemployment in Illinois
#10. Bannockburn
- Population: 1,244
- Median home value: $971,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,065 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $117,917
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Lake Forest High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+)
- Pictured: ($925,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $971,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,065 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $117,917
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Lake Forest High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+)
- Pictured: ($925,000, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Wilmette
- Population: 27,247
- Median home value: $707,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $164,681
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Niles North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Loyola Academy (A+), Regina Dominican High School (A), Baker Demonstration School (A-)
- Pictured: ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $707,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,484 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $164,681
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), Glenbrook South High School (A+), Niles North High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Loyola Academy (A+), Regina Dominican High School (A), Baker Demonstration School (A-)
- Pictured: ($3.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Hinsdale
- Population: 17,710
- Median home value: $884,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,879 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $203,368
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Lyons Township High School (A+), Hinsdale South High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hinsdale Adventist Academy (A), St. Isaac Jogues Elementary School (unavailable), Vine Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($4.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $884,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,879 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $203,368
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Lyons Township High School (A+), Hinsdale South High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hinsdale Adventist Academy (A), St. Isaac Jogues Elementary School (unavailable), Vine Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($4.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. Tower Lakes
- Population: 1,290
- Median home value: $481,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,156 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $147,000
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), North Barrington Elementary School (A+), Barrington Middle School - Prairie Campus (A+)
- Pictured: ($799,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $481,000 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,156 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $147,000
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), North Barrington Elementary School (A+), Barrington Middle School - Prairie Campus (A+)
- Pictured: ($799,000, 4 bedrooms)
#6. Western Springs
- Population: 13,272
- Median home value: $609,900 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,009 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $174,760
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Lyons Township High School (A+), Hinsdale Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John of the Cross Parish School (unavailable), Montessori School of West Springs (unavailable), Sunflower Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $609,900 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,009 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $174,760
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Lyons Township High School (A+), Hinsdale Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John of the Cross Parish School (unavailable), Montessori School of West Springs (unavailable), Sunflower Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Biggest exports from Illinois
#5. Buffalo Grove
- Population: 41,062
- Median home value: $332,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,643 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $115,951
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Buffalo Grove High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Mary School (unavailable), Buffalo Grove Montessori School (unavailable), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($749,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $332,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,643 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $115,951
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Deerfield High School (A+), Buffalo Grove High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint Mary School (unavailable), Buffalo Grove Montessori School (unavailable), KinderCare Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($749,000, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Kenilworth
- Population: 2,460
- Median home value: $1,121,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,906 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $227,404
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), The Joseph Sears School (A+), Central Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,121,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,906 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $227,404
- Top public schools: New Trier Township High School (A+), The Joseph Sears School (A+), Central Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#3. Kildeer
- Population: 4,024
- Median home value: $631,500 (100% own)
- Median rent: $961 (0% rent)
- Median household income: $211,063
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+), Woodlawn Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $631,500 (100% own)
- Median rent: $961 (0% rent)
- Median household income: $211,063
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+), Woodlawn Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Clarendon Hills
- Population: 8,716
- Median home value: $506,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $978 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $111,958
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Westmont High School (A), Walker School (A)
- Top private schools: Seton Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $506,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $978 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $111,958
- Top public schools: Hinsdale Central High School (A+), Westmont High School (A), Walker School (A)
- Top private schools: Seton Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#1. Long Grove
- Population: 7,963
- Median home value: $648,700 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $214,073
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Vernon Hills High School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Long Grove (unavailable), The Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Primrose School of Long Grove (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $648,700 (98% own)
- Median rent: $3,250 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $214,073
- Top public schools: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (A+), Vernon Hills High School (A+), Lake Zurich High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Long Grove (unavailable), The Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Primrose School of Long Grove (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
You may also like:
The scoop on Illinois' ice cream preferences, according to Instacart
