Best Suburbs for Families Near Chicago in 2026
The Chicago metro area is home to some of the most family-friendly communities in the United States, with top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and easy access to the city. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a change of pace, choosing the right suburb can make all the difference in your family’s quality of life.
As the largest hauler of household goods for Atlas Van Lines, and with one of our 10 locations right in Chicagoland, Ace Relocation has helped thousands of families successfully relocate to the Chicago area. This guide highlights the best suburbs for families in 2026 based on school quality, safety, affordability, and family amenities.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Which Chicago suburbs rank highest for families in 2026
- What makes each suburb’s school district stand out
- The cost of living and housing market in each suburb
- What family amenities and activities each community offers
- How each suburb connects to downtown Chicago
This guide answers common questions like:
- What is the best suburb of Chicago to raise a family?
- Which Chicago suburbs have the best public schools?
- What are the most affordable family-friendly suburbs near Chicago?
- Which Chicago suburbs are safest for families?
- How far are the best Chicago suburbs from downtown?
Why the Chicago Suburbs Are Exceptional for Families
The Chicago metro area consistently produces some of the highest-ranked suburbs in the country for family living. Illinois’s investment in public education, combined with the competitive real estate markets in Chicago’s surrounding communities, has created a suburban landscape where families enjoy excellent schools, abundant green space, low crime rates, and genuine community spirit — all within commuting distance of one of America’s greatest cities.
Top Chicago Suburbs for Families in 2026
1. Clarendon Hills — #1 Best Suburb to Raise a Family in the U.S.
Clarendon Hills earned the top ranking on Niche’s 2026 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the U.S. — a remarkable achievement for this small community of under 8,000 residents located about 23 miles southwest of Chicago. Families consistently praise Clarendon Hills for its walkable downtown, strong public schools, community pool, weekly farmers market, and outdoor concerts. Children can walk to top-rated schools safely, and the Metra makes Chicago very accessible. It borders Westmont and Hinsdale, both excellent communities in their own right.
- School district: Community Consolidated School District 181, Hinsdale Township High School District 86
- Average commute to Chicago: 35 minutes via Metra BNSF Line
- Vibe: Small-town warmth, incredibly safe, extremely family-oriented
2. Naperville — Best City to Live in America (Niche, 3 Consecutive Years)
Naperville is the crown jewel of Chicago’s western suburbs. Named the Best City to Live in America by Niche for the third consecutive year, this vibrant city of about 149,000 residents offers families an extraordinary combination of academic excellence, outdoor recreation, and community life. The Naperville Riverwalk is a beloved gathering place, and the city’s downtown is packed with restaurants, shops, and events year-round.
- School district: Naperville Community Unit School District 203 — two nationally recognized high schools
- Average commute to Chicago: 50 minutes via Metra BNSF Line
- Vibe: Vibrant, walkable downtown; excellent for families at all income levels
3. Glenview — Top Schools, Great Parks, Ideal Location
Located about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, Glenview is one of the most desirable suburbs for families seeking outstanding schools in a park-rich environment. Students attend Glenbrook North or Glenbrook South High Schools, both known for strong academics, competitive sports, and robust AP programs. The Glenview Park District is one of the best in Illinois, and Gallery Park offers sports courts, boating access, and year-round programming.
- School district: Glenbrook High School District 225; Glenview School District 34
- Average commute to Chicago: 35 minutes via Metra Union Pacific North Line or I-94
- Vibe: Suburban charm, nature-focused, outstanding community facilities
4. Evanston — College-Town Energy, Lakefront Living
Just north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, Evanston offers families an unmatched combination of urban energy and suburban space. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston has top-rated public schools including Evanston Township High School, excellent bikeability, and direct CTA Purple Line access to downtown Chicago. Free beach access, the Evanston Folk Festival, and a thriving arts scene give families plenty to explore year-round.
- School district: Evanston Township High School District 202; Evanston/Skokie School District 65
- Average commute to Chicago: 25 minutes via CTA Purple Line
- Vibe: Intellectual, walkable, diverse, lakefront lifestyle
5. Northbrook — Safe, Prestigious, Excellent Schools
Located in Lake County about 25 miles north of Chicago, Northbrook is a prestigious suburb known for its safety, excellent schools, and high quality of life. Students attend Glenbrook North or Glenbrook South High Schools, both offering strong AP courses, fine arts programs, and technology initiatives. Northbrook’s safe neighborhoods and low crime rate make it an ideal environment for raising a family.
- School district: Glenbrook High School District 225; Northbrook School District 28
- Average commute to Chicago: 40 minutes via I-94 or Metra Union Pacific North
- Vibe: Upscale, quiet, family-focused, strong community pride
6. Oak Park — Historic, Diverse, Frank Lloyd Wright Country
Just 20 minutes west of downtown Chicago via the CTA Green Line, Oak Park is one of the most unique suburban communities in America. Birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, Oak Park offers a rich cultural environment alongside excellent schools, strong walkability, and genuine community diversity. Its proximity to the city is unmatched among Chicago suburbs.
- School district: Oak Park Elementary School District 97; Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
- Average commute to Chicago: 20 minutes via CTA Green Line
- Vibe: Historic, architecturally unique, progressive, walkable
7. Buffalo Grove — Affordable, Great Schools, Family Fun
For families seeking top schools at a more accessible price point, Buffalo Grove delivers. Located in Lake County, Buffalo Grove offers well-ranked school districts, beautiful parks including Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, and family-friendly events including the annual Buffalo Grove Days festival. Willow Stream Park is a summer favorite for families, with water toys, spray features, tennis, disc golf, and sand volleyball.
- School district: Township High School District 214; Buffalo Grove area elementary districts
- Average commute to Chicago: 45 minutes via I-94 or Metra North Central Service
- Vibe: Affordable, community-oriented, outstanding parks
What to Consider When Choosing a Chicago Suburb
- School district quality and programs that match your child’s needs
- Commute time and transportation options — Metra, CTA, or highway access
- Housing costs and affordability for your budget
- Safety ratings and crime statistics
- Community amenities: parks, sports leagues, libraries, and youth programs
- The overall vibe and whether it matches your family’s lifestyle
Best Chicago suburbs for families in 2026 at a glance:
- Clarendon Hills — #1 in the U.S. for raising a family
- Naperville — Best City to Live in America, three years running
- Glenview — Outstanding schools and park district
- Evanston — College-town energy with Lake Michigan access
- Northbrook — Prestigious, safe, excellent Glenbrook schools
- Oak Park — Historic, diverse, and 20 minutes from downtown
- Buffalo Grove — Affordable top schools and family-friendly parks
Whether you’re moving to Naperville from across the country or relocating from downtown Chicago to Evanston, Ace Relocation’s Chicago team makes the transition seamless. As the largest hauler of household goods for Atlas Van Lines, we have the resources, trucks, and local expertise to move your family anywhere in the Chicagoland area. Contact Ace Relocation today for a free estimate.