If you’re thinking about moving close to Chicago, you have a lot of great options. From busy suburbs to charming small towns, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 cities near Chicago to consider calling home in 2024.
The best cities near Chicago
1. Oak Park
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 8.8 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 34 minutes
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 18 minutes
- Median household income: $103,264
- Median rent: $2,120 (up 9% vs national average, as of July 2024)
- Best for: Families, architecture enthusiasts
- Attractions: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum, Oak Park Conservatory
Why Oak Park is a great place to live
Oak Park is famous for its stunning architecture, including many homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The village also has excellent schools, a thriving arts scene, and a diverse community. Oak Park offers the best of both worlds—a quiet suburban lifestyle with all the amenities of the big city just minutes away, thanks to the CTA Green and Blue lines, which easily connect residents to downtown Chicago.
2. Berwyn
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 9.1 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 33 minutes
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 22 minutes
- Median household income (2022): $71,300
- Median rent: $1,195, which is 39% lower than the national average, as of July 2024
- Best for: Young professionals, foodies
- Attractions: Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits, Berwyn Route 66 Museum, Berwyn’s Toys & Trains
Why Berwyn is a great place to live
Berwyn is a hidden gem just west of Chicago, offering affordable living and a vibrant downtown area. The city is known for its diverse dining scene, from classic Italian restaurants to trendy gastropubs. Berwyn also hosts several popular festivals, including the Berwyn Route 66 Car Show and the Berwyn Brew Fest.
3. Evanston
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 12.1 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 49 minutes
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 30 minutes
- Median household income: $157,169
- Median rent: $2,250, +15% higher than the national average, according to our July 2024 data
- Best for: Students, beach lovers
- Attractions: Northwestern University, Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston Farmers Market
Why Evanston is a great place to live
Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is a vibrant college town with a beautiful lakefront setting. The city has many cultural attractions, including the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art and the Evanston History Center. It also offers a thriving downtown area and easy access to Chicago via the CTA Purple Line, making Evanston a great place for both students and young professionals.
4. Aurora
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 37.1 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 18 min
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 58 min
- Median household income: $86,086
- Median rent: $2,200 (+13% higher than national average, according to our July 2024 data)
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs
- Attractions: Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Fox Valley Mall
Why Aurora is a great place to live
Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois and offers its residents both urban amenities and natural beauty. The city has several historic landmarks, including the Paramount Theatre and the Farnsworth House. Aurora also boasts an extensive park system, with over 100 parks and trails for hiking, biking, and fishing.
5. Naperville
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 28.4 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 11 min
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 43 min
- Median household income: $143,754 (2024)
- Median rent: $2,500, +28% higher than national average according to July rent research
- Best for: Families, shoppers
- Attractions: Riverwalk, Naper Settlement, DuPage Children’s Museum
Why Naperville is a great place to live
Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, Naperville offers a high quality of life and excellent schools. The city’s downtown area has various shops, dining options, and entertainment venues, including the popular Riverwalk. Naperville also hosts several festivals, such as Ribfest and the Last Fling.
6. Joliet
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 45.0 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 3 min
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 1 hr 16 min
- Median household income: $86,928
- Median rent: $2,095, 7% higher than the national average according to July rent research
- Best for: NASCAR fans, history enthusiasts
- Attractions: Chicagoland Speedway, Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Area Historical Museum
Why Joliet is a great place to live
Joliet is a city steeped in history, with several notable landmarks, including the Joliet Prison and the Rialto Square Theatre. The city is also home to the Chicagoland Speedway, which hosts several NASCAR races yearly. With affordable housing and easy access to Chicago via Metra, Joliet is a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to the city.
7. Bolingbrook
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 29.3 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hour 1 minute
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Median household income: $87,286
- Median rent: $2,406, +23% higher than the national average, as of July
- Best for: Golf enthusiasts, nature lovers
- Attractions: Bolingbrook Golf Club, Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park
Why Bolingbrook is a great place to live
Bolingbrook is a suburb of Chicago known for its excellent golf courses and outdoor recreation opportunities. The village is home to the Bolingbrook Golf Club, which has hosted several professional tournaments. Bolingbrook also offers several parks and nature preserves, including the Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm and the Bolingbrook Park District.
8. Des Plaines
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 17.0 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 3 min
- Commute time to Chicago via public transit: 28 min
- Median household income: $85,882
- Median rent: $1,819, -7% lower than the national average (July 2024)
- Best for: Aviation enthusiasts, shoppers
- Attractions: Mikerphone Brewing, Lake Park, Rivers Casino
Why Des Plaines is a great place to live
Des Plaines is a suburb of Chicago known for its proximity to O’Hare International Airport and excellent shopping options. It’s also where you can find Rivers Casino, which offers gaming options and live entertainment. Des Plaines also boasts several parks and trails, including Lake Park and the Des Plaines River Trail.
9. Chesterton
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 46.3 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 2 min
- Median household income: $91,278 (2022)
- Median rent: $1,174, -40% lower than the national average according to July rent research
- Best for: Beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton European Market, Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve
Why Chesterton is a great place to live
Chesterton is a charming small town located just across the Indiana border from Chicago. The town is known for its proximity to the Indiana Dunes National Park, which offers miles of sandy beaches and hiking trails. Chesterton also hosts a popular European market on Saturdays from May to October, featuring local vendors and live music.
10. Dundee
- Driving distance from downtown Chicago: 53.5 miles
- Commute time to Chicago via car: 1 hr 24 min
- Median household income: $98,380
- Median rent: $2,005, +3% higher than the national average as of the July 2024 rent report for West Dundee
- Best for: Antique lovers, foodies
- Attractions: Randall Oaks Park & Zoo, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, Anvil Club
Why Dundee is a great place to live
Dundee is a picturesque village along the Fox River, known for its historic downtown area, which is full of shops and restaurants. Among the town’s shops, you’ll find several cute antique stores and boutiques, as well as popular eateries like the Anvil Club. Dundee also offers several parks and recreation opportunities, including the Randall Oaks Park & Zoo and Santa’s Village Azoosment Park.
Whether you’re drawn to vibrant college towns, family-friendly suburbs, or charming small towns, there are plenty of towns and cities near Chicago that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences for you to explore and find your next home.
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