If you are looking for some best places to live in Illinois, here is a list of ten places with affordable living costs. You will probably end your search for places to live in Illinois, also known as the Prairie State. These places have a great, safe neighborhood, and most facilities are within walking distance. The residents in these places are also friendly and have given good reviews of their area. They are well-connected places with a prosperous economies.

Best Places To Live In Illinois

Here is a list of ten amazing places to live in Illinois. These places have easy access to public schools, the rent prices are also affordable, and they have plenty of green spaces. These are some of the best cities in Illinois where your whole family can plan on living safely. These cities have a strong economy and provide ample job opportunities. You can end your search for a great place to live after going through these ten best places in Illinois.

1. Aurora

Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois in the Chicago metropolitan area. As of 2020, it was estimated that the population of Aurora is approximately 180,542. Aurora is one of the best places to live in Illinois as it is safe and has a very low crime rate. The average median home cost of living is 214,700 dollars. Public transportation can be accessed easily, and it has excellent schools. In 2018, WalletHub ranked Aurora as the 13th safest place to live.

1.1 Reasons To Reside In Aurora

This place has great food great and diverse neighbourhood, and you can plan to live here for the long term. It is also known as the city of lights as it was one of the first places to execute a lightning system on streets. If you are a fan of architecture, then this is definitely the place for you. The temperature conditions of the place are also favourable all year.

2. Naperville

Naperville is one of the best places to live in Illinois for history buffs. This city has many historic places with a rich heritage and culture. The city is home to the DuPage children’s museum, which is a centre for young children where they can play and learn. This western suburb in Chicago has a population of approximately 1.48 lakhs. The Downtown area of this city has amenities in every direction. Residents can shop, eat, or treat themselves to a spa day. It has also been ranked as one of the best cities to raise a family in the State of Illinois.

2.1 Reasons To Live In Naperville

The headquarters of Nicor gas is in Naperville, Illinois. Naperville is also located near the DuPage river, and residents can take recreational walks on the river’s shore and enjoy serene views. It has the best public library system and diverse worshipping options. There are also several places where one can visit Naperville, like Centennial beach.

3. Springfield

The state capital of Illinois State, Springfield, which is part of Central Illinois, is one of the best places to live in Illinois as it has a suburban feel. Most residents own their homes in this place, and life is comfortable here. You can live with your family in Springfield as it is safe. The Illinois State Capitol building is also located in Springfield. The median home value is 257,628 dollars. The capital state is located only a few hours away from Chicago. It also has Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This museum documents the history of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the Country of America.

4. Schaumburg

Schaumburg is a northwestern Chicago suburb with an unemployment rate of 3.3%. The approximate annual median household income is 169,212 dollars. In 2018, Money Magazine ranked this town as one of the best places to live in Illinois. It is also one of the most desirable places to migrate to for the people of Illinois. This is because it has steady economic growth. The Woodfield mall is the main attraction in this village. Schaumburg makes a great neighborhood.

5. Zion

Zion is a small city in Illinois, Lake County. John Alexander Dowie founded it. The neighborhood residents, as well as local business owners in Zion, are really friendly. According to the census of 2020, the approximate population of this city is 24,655. It is the closest municipality to South beach within Illinois Beach State Park. It has good transport facilities too as it is served by Zion railway station, which connects the city to Chicago. It is also a great area for people who like history.

5.1 More Villages To Live In Illinois

Buffalo Grove is one of the gorgeous Chicago suburbs with an approximate population of 43,212 and an unemployment rate of 2.7%. It is the safest suburb in Chicago and thus one of the best places to live in Illinois. It also has the best public school system. Buffalo Grove has an ample number of amenities. These include parks, golf facilities, and an amazing farmer’s market. The residents in this Buffalo Grove are extremely diverse, and the median value of homes is not too expensive.

6. Chicago

Chicago, also known as the “windy city’ is the most populated city in Illinois. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is the third most populated city in the United States of America. The median home value in Chicago is comparatively higher than other places in Illinois as it is a big city. However, the standard of life in Chicago is amazing. It is mainly known for its architecture and food. There are also abundant options for transportation. However, the rent prices, as well as parking fees, are high in Chicago.

6.1 Median Household Income Of Chicago

In 2019 the median household income of over one million households was 61,811 dollars which were comparatively more than the median household income as calculated in 2018. Chicago also has the headquarters of the Chicago Transit Authority and is thus well connected to most other places. As the largest city in Illinois, it manages communication with other parts of the State.

7. Park Ridge

Park Ridge in Cook County is one of the best places to live in Illinois, as this city’s residents are extremely liberal. According to the 2020 census, the population of Park Ridge is approximately 39,656, and in March 2022, it was calculated that the unemployment rate was 3.0%. There are various parks and restaurants in Park Ridge, along with other amenities. Life with family can enjoy at a low cost in this city.

7.1 Reasons To Live In Park Ridge

This place is near the O’Hare airport, main expressways, and railways. Therefore, the communication services in this place are amazing. If you like to travel, then residing here is a great idea as it is well connected with all means of transportation. It is also a politically affluent area with dependable leaders. One of the problems that people may face is that it has higher tax rates than average tax rates in the United States of America.

7.2 Other Great Places In Cook County

Western Springs is a village in Illinois and is one of the best places to reside in Illinois as it has plenty of amenities like restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Most residents in this village own their places. According to the 2020 census, the population of this place was 13,629. The cost of living in Western Springs is higher than in other places in Illinois. The median home value is estimated to be approximately 681,278 dollars.

8. Oak Park

Oak Park is a village in Cook County and has been ranked as a great town in Chicago by Chicago magazine. It is also widely known as the largest village in the world. In the 2020 census, the population of Oak Park was 54,583. It is one of the best places to live in Illinois as it offers a lot of things to do for kids. Some activities include visiting a public library or an ice cream parlour. This urban-suburban area is a relaxing place to live in.

8.1 Median Home Value In Oak Park

The typical value of homes in this city is approximately 485,106 dollars. Over half of the residents own their own homes in this city. This place has an extremely rich heritage and remarkable legacies of Wright and Hemingway. There are also several schools. Even private schools are as good as public schools.

9. Evanston

This town in Illinois, located in Cook County, is one of the best places to live in Illinois. It is also known as a college suburb, as Northwestern University is located there. It is an amazing Northern Suburb situated on the North Shore of Lake Michigan. According to the report for 2020, the population of this town was approximately 78,110, and the unemployment rate was 3.1%, as calculated in 2022. Evanston offers an airy and urban feel.

9.1 Other Places Near Lake Michigan

Wilmette is a village in Illinois located on the coast of the lake. It has a lot of parks, coffee shops, and malls. The village is mainly known for its gorgeous views of the lakefront and brick streets. It is also one of the most attractive destinations visited by people. The people who reside in this village have a liberal mindset.

Other Prominent Places In Illinois

Illinois is a great state to live in as all of its 102 counties have a minimum of one property listed in the National Register of historic places in Illinois. If you are still searching for some of the best places in Illinois that border the Mississippi river in the west, then here is a list of some more areas. These cities and towns have major employers in the country of America.

1. Fox River Grove

Fox River Grove is a village in McHenry County with an average median household income of 129,090 dollars. The cost of living is more as compared to the national average cost of living in other places in Illinois. In the 2020 census, it was calculated that the population of this village is 4,702. It is one of the best places to live in Illinois as it has a low poverty rate. The residents of Fox River Grove are also very diverse and friendly.

1.1 Other Places Near Fox River

Elgin is a city in Illinois with an approximate population of 114,797 in 2020. It is the seventh largest city in Illinois and the 31st safest city in the nation. It is an extremely diverse place ethnically. It is an exciting place to reside in as it has gorgeous views and offers plenty of activities to do.

2. Clarendon Hills

If you are a person who enjoys the lifestyle in a village as compared to the lifestyle in a city, then Clarendon Hills in DuPage County is a great fit for you. This village in the country of America, founded by Downers Grover, has low crime rates. You can end your search for a great place once you explore this village. A website has ranked it as the number one suburb to live in. However, real estate in this area has been ranked as the most expensive in the United States of America.

2.1 Economy As Compared With National Average

The median household income in this place, incorporated in 1924, is 103,486 dollars. The percentage of owner-occupation in Clarendon Hills is higher than the national average. The poverty rate of this village is 8.61%. It is a great place to live for people searching for a white-collar job. It is well connected by railways and bus transportation to major cities.

3. Rolling Meadows

Rolling meadows, also known as Rolling hills, is a city in Illinois and one of the greatest places to reside. This city in Cook County was incorporated in 1955. In the 2020 census, it was estimated that the population of this city is approximately 24,200. There are many restaurants, parks, and excellent schools in this place.

4. Galena

It is a small town in northwest Illinois with a population of 3,308 in 2020. This peaceful place was established in 1826 and has been named after a rare mineral. It is one of the most magnificent places to live for people who love culture and history. This place has rich roots and well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. The overall cost of living is lesser compared to the national average.

4.1 Reasons To Reside In Galena

There are a lot of good reasons why one should live in Galena. One of them is that it offers plenty of activities that people can do. You can explore the Mississippi river and participate in events or attend them. The place also has highly rated schools and colleges. There are also good hospitals and shopping outlets in this place.

5. Moline

Moline is a city in Rock Island County. It is the largest city in that county and had a population of approximately 42,985 in 2020. Even though comparatively speaking, it is a small and extremely rich town. One of the best features of this place is that it is a quad city. The cost of everything in this place may be a little more than in other places, but the standard of living is also great.

6. Waukegan

This industrial suburban area in Illinois, located in Lake County, had a population of approximately 87,157 in 2020. In March 2022, it was calculated that the unemployment rate in this place was 8.5%. It is also a safe area to live in. Waukegan has gained fame mainly because it was a hub for several business activities, and most of the establishments were set up here during the 19th century.

6.1 Reasons To Live In Waukegan

There are a lot of reasons to live in Waukegan. It was founded in 1829 and got incorporated in 1849. It got incorporated into a city in 1859. It has pleasant weather all year round. It also has several famous destinations for tourists, like Bowen park. If you like boating or other water activities, that is another reason to live here.

These are some of the best places to live in Illinois, as the average home cost and cost of living in these places are not too high. The residents in these areas are also sophisticated, and most own their homes. These cities in Illinois and the United States of America have almost all the facilities. They have great schools for children as well as well-paying jobs for adults. There are a lot of recreational places in these cities as well.