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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—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Illinois using data from Niche. 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.
#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: 394 Ramsay Rd, Deerfield ($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: 394 Ramsay Rd, Deerfield ($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: 104 S Waiola Ave, La Grange ($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: 104 S Waiola Ave, La Grange ($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: 45 Lakeview Ln, Barrington Hills ($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: 45 Lakeview Ln, Barrington Hills ($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: 3310 Sunset Trl, Northbrook ($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: 3310 Sunset Trl, Northbrook ($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: 25 Meadowood Ln, Northfield ($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: 25 Meadowood Ln, Northfield ($4.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#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: 33030 N River Rd, Libertyville ($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: 33030 N River Rd, Libertyville ($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: 35 Riderwood Rd, North Barrington ($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: 35 Riderwood Rd, North Barrington ($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: 1741 Lake Charles Dr, Vernon Hills ($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: 1741 Lake Charles Dr, Vernon Hills ($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: 14945 Creekside Path, Libertyville ($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: 14945 Creekside Path, Libertyville ($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: 187 Hazel Ave, Glencoe ($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: 187 Hazel Ave, Glencoe ($4.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#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: 3059 Deerfield Rd, Riverwoods ($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: 3059 Deerfield Rd, Riverwoods ($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: 1717 Appleby Rd, Inverness ($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: 1717 Appleby Rd, Inverness ($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: 1047 Plank Rd, Naperville ($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: 1047 Plank Rd, Naperville ($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: 302 Briarwood Ln, Lincolnshire ($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: 302 Briarwood Ln, Lincolnshire ($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: 115 DE Windt Rd, Winnetka ($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: 115 DE Windt Rd, Winnetka ($6.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#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: 1944 Meadow Ln, Bannockburn ($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: 1944 Meadow Ln, Bannockburn ($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: 1101 Chestnut Ave, Wilmette ($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: 1101 Chestnut Ave, Wilmette ($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: 827 S Oak St, Hinsdale ($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: 827 S Oak St, Hinsdale ($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: 24798 N Indian Grass Ct, Barrington ($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: 24798 N Indian Grass Ct, Barrington ($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: 4151 Woodland Ave, Western Springs ($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: 4151 Woodland Ave, Western Springs ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#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: 1109 Old Barn Rd, Buffalo Grove ($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: 1109 Old Barn Rd, Buffalo Grove ($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: 315 Cumnor Rd, Kenilworth ($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: 315 Cumnor Rd, Kenilworth ($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: 20742 W High Ridge Dr, Kildeer ($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: 20742 W High Ridge Dr, Kildeer ($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: 234 S Prospect Ave, Clarendon Hills ($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: 234 S Prospect Ave, Clarendon Hills ($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: 3125 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove ($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: 3125 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove ($2.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
