When you’ve called the city “home” for a while, it’s hard to give it up even if the Chicago suburbs are calling. The good news? The Chicago suburbs are diverse in the best possible way. Whether you’re craving small town living, a beach escape or an urban-meets-suburban lifestyle, there’s a town for you. And if you’re not quite ready to be a full-fledged suburbanite? These city-esque suburbs are a great go-to…
#1. Evanston
Forward-thinking, diverse and home to one of the best universities in the world, Evanston could easily go toe-to-toe with any bustling metropolis and, bonus, it’s right here in the Chicago suburbs.
Consistently ranked one of the best places to the live in the U.S.—and consistently lauded for its quick commute, incredible walkability, A+ schools, businesses and an amazing downtown—there’s nothing you won’t find in Evanston that you’d find in the city. And—bonus—you get all of the perks of being in suburbia.
#2. Oak Park
Oak Park is, in many ways, one of the Chicago suburbs in-transition—and that’s been a major draw to the millennials families who now call this community “home.” With a decidedly urban vibe, younger skew and tons of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and parks, Oak Park feels like the perfect suburban city—and with top-rated schools, an easy commute and a true sense of community, residents get the best of both world.
#3. Forest Park
From the bustling bars to the top-rated restaurants to the millennials who have flooded this popular ‘burb, Forest Park has fast become a haven for people who crave suburban living but don’t want to ditch their urban roots. There’s a reason Niche calls this the #1 Chicago suburb for millennials—a quick swing through the town will no doubt shine some light on this accolade. Expect everything from summer festivals to a busy downtown to tons of local activities, all in a close-knit suburban community.
There are hundreds of towns to choose from. How do you figure it all out? You simply don’t, without getting a Suburban Jungle Strategist to help you through it all. Schedule here for your strategy session with our innovative suburbs strategy team. All services are completely free.