Naperville, Hinsdale, and Clarendon Hills- Best Suburbs to Live in with AAHChicago.com
Choosing the right Chicago suburb is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your family, your commute, and your quality of life. The good news? Three suburbs consistently rise to the top of every "best of" list: Naperville, Hinsdale, and Clarendon Hills. Each one delivers something a little different, and all three are absolutely worth your attention. These are some of the best suburbs to live in near Chicago.
Whether you're relocating for work, upgrading your lifestyle, or simply ready for a change, AAHChicago.com is the relocation resource that connects you with the right people to make your move seamless. Let's break down what makes each of these suburbs exceptional.
Naperville: The #1 City to Live in America
Naperville isn't just a great Chicago suburb. It's the best city to live in America, according to Niche's 2024 and 2025 rankings. That's not a fluke. It's the result of decades of thoughtful planning, strong community investment, and a relentless commitment to quality of life.
Top Reasons to Love Naperville
Top-ranked schools
Naperville 203 and Indian Prairie 204 are two of the best school districts in Illinois. All five local high schools rank in the top 100 nationally. If your kids' education is the priority, Naperville delivers.
The iconic Riverwalk
A 1.75-mile riverfront path lined with fountains, bridges, sculptures, and a 160-foot Millennium Carillon. It's the heart of the city and a beloved gathering spot for families, runners, and date nights alike.
300+ shops and restaurants downtown
From national brands to local favorites, downtown Naperville has it all. New additions in 2024 and 2025 include Alo Yoga, Barnes and Noble, and Abercrombie and Fitch.
Exceptional safety
With a violent crime rate of just 83.7 per 100,000 residents (compared to the national average of 359.1), Naperville earns an A+ safety grade year after year.
Competitive housing market
Median home prices range from $500,000 to $588,000, with strong demand across the $600K to $900K range. It's a real investment in a city that keeps appreciating.
Naperville is the full package: great schools, vibrant downtown, safe streets, and a strong housing market. It's easy to see why families keep choosing it.
Hinsdale: Boutique Village Charm Meets Big-City Luxury
If Naperville is the energetic city, Hinsdale is the refined village. Located just 20 miles west of Chicago, Hinsdale feels like a European hamlet with a world-class commuter connection. Its cobblestone sidewalks, historic architecture, and upscale dining scene give it a character that's genuinely hard to replicate.
Top Reasons to Love Hinsdale
Express commute to Chicago
The Metra BNSF line gets you from Hinsdale to Chicago's Union Station in roughly 22 minutes. For professionals commuting to the city, that's a genuine quality-of-life win.
Elite schools
Hinsdale Central High School ranks in the top 12 in Illinois, placing it in the top 5% statewide. Local elementary schools consistently outperform state achievement standards by wide margins.
A walkable, boutique downtown
Independent shops, fine dining at spots like Nabuki and Il Poggiolo, and beloved local landmarks like Fuller House (voted best bar in Chicago's western suburbs) make the downtown experience genuinely special.
Unmatched safety
A violent crime rate of just 46.3 per 100,000 residents makes Hinsdale safer than 84% of U.S. cities. It holds an A+ safety grade every year.
Premium real estate
With a median listing price around $1.4 million (up 11.9% year-over-year), Hinsdale is a top-tier market. Homes here are investments in one of the most desirable zip codes in the Midwest.
Hinsdale is for those who want village intimacy without sacrificing luxury or access to Chicago. It's a rare find, and it shows in the market.
Clarendon Hills: Illinois' #1 Best Place to Live
Don't let the small population of about 8,600 fool you. Clarendon Hills punches well above its weight. Niche has ranked it the #1 Best Place to Live in Illinois and the #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in Illinois for 2024 through 2026. That's a remarkable achievement for a village that feels like the best-kept secret in the Chicago suburbs.
Top Reasons to Love Clarendon Hills
Small-town feel, big-time results
Clarendon Hills has the warmth of a tight-knit community with annual events like Daisy Days, Dancin' in the Street summer concerts, and a weekly Farmers Market that bring neighbors together.
Outstanding schools
Served by Hinsdale Central Consolidated School District 181 and Hinsdale Central High School, over 95% of elementary students consistently exceed state achievement standards.
Metra access to Chicago
The BNSF Metra line puts Chicago Union Station about 30 minutes away. A new, modern station opened in 2022 with 335 commuter parking spaces.
Fast-moving real estate market
With a median sale price of around $800,000 to $860,000 and homes selling in as few as 7 days, the market reflects just how sought-after this village has become.
A downtown on the rise
A $1.9 million streetscape improvement project and new commercial additions like Sparrow Coffee signal a village that's actively investing in its own future.
Clarendon Hills offers what many suburbs promise but few deliver: a genuine community, excellent schools, fast Chicago access, and a housing market that rewards buyers who move early.
Which Suburb Is Right for You?
Here's a quick way to think about it:
You Want... | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
A big, vibrant city vibe in the suburbs | Naperville | 300+ downtown spots, Riverwalk, #1 in America |
Upscale village luxury and fast city access | Hinsdale | 22-min Metra ride, boutique downtown, elite schools |
Tight-knit community and top family rankings | Clarendon Hills | #1 in Illinois, strong schools, small-town warmth |
All three share the things that matter most: excellent schools, low crime, strong home values, and easy access to Chicago. The choice comes down to your lifestyle, your budget, and what kind of neighborhood energy you want to come home to every day.
Let AAHChicago.com Help You Make the Move
Relocating to the Chicago suburbs doesn't have to be overwhelming. AAHChicago.com is a trusted relocation resource that connects families, individuals, and corporate teams with vetted real estate professionals, temporary housing solutions, and local service providers across the Chicagoland area.
Whether you're moving to Naperville, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, or anywhere across the Chicago suburbs, AAHChicago.com gives you the connections and resources to land well. From short-term furnished housing to long-term real estate referrals, they've built the network so you don't have to.
Ready to find your suburb? Start your search at AAHChicago.com and take the guesswork out of one of the most important moves of your life.
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