As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, Chicago is a very desirable place to live. This midwest city offers amazing arts, top-tier athletic teams, endless food options, sprawling beaches, and SO much more.
But, what if you crave all of these attractions, without the hustle and bustle of urban living? Easy: pack up your bags and move to “the burbs” to enjoy all the city has to offer, in a quieter, more spacious, family-oriented setting. There’s no shortage of suburban options, and each offers a unique lifestyle.
As a proud Park Ridge native, there’s a special place in my heart for Chicago’s northwest suburbs. So hop on the UP-NW Metra, and check out what these amazing suburbs have to offer.
The Northwest Suburbs of Chicago include: Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Harwood Heights, Hoffman Estates, Long Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Norridge, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, and Wheeling.
Interested in buying or selling a home in any of these suburbs? Feel free to contact me anytime.
1. Arlington Heights
As you can see from the population, Arlington Heights is one of the largest suburbs of Chicago, coming in at one of the largest 15 municipalities in all of Illinois.
Founded in the 1800s, this town has a lot of historical character but remains a progressive community with award-winning schools, a convenient metra stop, and plenty of things to do.
Rather unique to this suburb, Arlington Heights is home to the Arlington Park Racetrack, offering the best of thoroughbred racing. Come for a race, and stay for the restaurants, magnificent library, and multi-generational community.
- Population: 75, 911
- Median Household Income: $87,790
- Median Property Value: $340,300
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 30-40 minutes
2. Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is loved by residents for its safe, family-friendly environment. Kids enjoy the many parks and highly-rated schools. Adults enjoy entertainment and restaurants. And everyone enjoys the community events.
There are two annual festivals that draw not only the majority of Buffalo Grove residents but many neighbors as well. First is the Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival, held in mid-July. Then in September, everyone gears up for the multi-day Buffalo Grove Days festival. People of all ages have a blast with carnival games, rides, arts and crafts, food, and live music.
Come visit, and be sure not to miss the opening parade and the Saturday night fireworks.
- Population: 41,551
- Median Household Income: $106,564
- Median Property Value: $314,500
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 35-45 minutes
3. Des Plaines
The proud residents of Des Plaines boast about their inclusive culture which values all opinions in order to progress, in good times and bad. The town is named for the Des Plaines River, which runs through the city, just east of the downtown area.
Speaking of the downtown area… it’s the highlight of this Northwest suburb. With a lot of new development, you’ll find beautiful condos, several grocery stores, a plethora of restaurants, and ample parking to enjoy all of these things or hop on the Metra.
- Population: 58,805
- Median Household Income: $67,415
- Median Property Value: $242,600
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 22-28 minutes
4. Elk Grove Village
Initially settled in 1834, this Northwest Suburb of Chicago was named after the native Elk that roamed the area. Elk Grove Village is unique in that it boasts two distinct communities: business and residential. The two meld nicely together, offering a vibrant, affordable, safe place to live.
Many people will move here to benefit from one of the lowest property tax rates in the area (thanks to a large income of sales and commercial property taxes). Also, my Grandma Dottie lives here… so it must be cool.
- Population: 33,180
- Median Household Income: $73,214
- Median Property Value: $258,900
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 26-35 minutes
5. Harwood Heights
While this area has been inhabited since the 1700s, Harwood Heights was officially chartered in 1948. When it comes to living in “Chicago” without technically living in the city, this is about as close as you can get. Together, Harwood Heights and Norridge form an enclave that is totally surrounded by Chicago.
While the population is small, the opportunities are not. In just a small pocket you’ll find industrial space, as well as over 20 restaurants, several shopping centers, and new condos, in addition to the many residential streets.
- Population: 8,604
- Median Household Income: $54,080
- Median Property Value: $248,000
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 16-22 minutes
6. Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates prides itself on creating a solid environment that offers the best quality of life for all residents. Not only do folks enjoy excellent restaurants and shopping, but many move here for a nature escape as well, as the village contains over 4,000 acres of Cook County forest preserve.
A little more space can make you feel further out from the big city, and yet, you’re just half an hour away. Best of both worlds?
- Population: 51,631
- Median Household Income: $87,608
- Median Property Value: $261,700
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 30-40 minutes
7. Long Grove
This tiny Northwest suburb of Chicago holds a place near and dear to my heart. Like many families in the area, our family had an annual trip to Long Grove at Christmas time. We enjoyed their quaint town, loaded with character, charm, and enough holiday items to satisfy anyone.
But Christmas is not the only time to check out Long Grove. The busy town hosts a number of festivals (Chocolate Fest anyone?), and boutiques offer a wide variety of items, from clothing to art, to pet supplies, and more.
Another plus; enjoy large lots, with homes set back from the road. If you don’t want to move here, you’ll at least need to visit!
- Population: 7,980
- Median Household Income: $187,212
- Median Property Value: $654,200
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 40-50 minutes
8. Mount Prospect
This gem has a great reputation as is evidenced by a number of “best places to live” type ratings in popular publications, like Money Magazine. Ask a resident, and they will have to agree.
Mount Prospect folks enjoy a high quality of life, due to the beautiful, tree-lined streets, easy access to public transportation, and outstanding municipal services.
Stop by to meet your neighbors at a Summer concert or block party. This wonderful suburb offers small-town charm, with retail and professional businesses galore. It just might check all the boxes.
- Population: 54,493
- Median Household Income: $71,925
- Median Property Value: $306,800
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 28-35 minutes
9. Niles
I heard that really cool people live in Niles… (cough, cough) I live in Niles! People choose Niles for the low taxes, multicultural community, and convenient location — directly sharing a border with Chicago. You will find a good mix of old and new business, keeping residents of all ages happy.
Unique to this village is the Niles Free Bus, which runs 7 days a week and stops at major shopping centers, public facilities, and a short distance from every residence. Not bad, right?
- Population: 29,823
- Median Household Income: $58,293
- Median Property Value: $265,900
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 18-24 minutes
10. Norridge
Now, this one is special because it’s the childhood home of your Sweet Home Park Ridge realtor, Keith Reboletti. Yep, it all started here. Norridge is an urban “suburb”, as it, along with Harwood Heights, is surrounded by Chicago. You may even hear it referred to as an “Island Within a City”.
A favorite spot for Norridge residents and others is the Harlem Irving Plaza, which offers almost 200 storefronts, including clothing shops, restaurants, a gym, and several department stores.
One of my bigger accomplishments in life? Working for a Summer at a cookie shop in the Plaza!
- Population: 15,083
- Median Household Income: $63,378
- Median Property Value: $275,000
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 18-24 minutes
11. Palatine
The population makes Palatine one of the largest communities in Illinois. So why are so many people choosing to move to Palatine? Residents love the reasonable home prices, a large number of retailers, business growth, and maybe most of all, the family-friendly atmosphere.
Children receive a top-notch education at local schools, and all family members enjoy the countless opportunities offered by the Park District.
Palatine learns from the past but stays open-minded to create a prosperous future.
- Population: 69,099
- Median Household Income: $76,633
- Median Property Value: $270,000
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 30-40 minutes
12. Park Ridge
Ok, we all know that I’m a little partial to this one. And if you didn’t know, you should, because you’re on a website called Sweet Home Park Ridge! Directly bordering Chicago, with an “L” station, a metra station, and a 10-minute drive to O’Hare, it doesn’t get much easier to commute than this.
Better than commute times is everything that Park Ridge offers within its town limits. You’ll find a charming downtown area, with urban-like condos, great restaurants and bars, and more family-friendly activities than you could hope for.
Stroll through one of the many neighborhoods and enjoy the views of tree-lined streets and the perfect mix of old homes and new. Your tour of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago will never be complete without a good, long stop in Park Ridge.
- Population: 37,810
- Median Household Income: $98,219
- Median Property Value: $407,100
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 20-26 minutes
13. Prospect Heights
One of our smaller Northwest suburbs of Chicago, residents of Prospect Heights enjoy the smaller town feel but remain close to the city, as well as larger suburbs. Many of the residents enjoy the large lots, with reasonably-priced homes paired with enough space to justify a ride-on lawnmower.
As one of the newer communities on our list, a lot of growth is still going on. The town is proud to offer newer, multi-family homes as well as a growing number of business opportunities.
- Population: 16,345
- Median Household Income: $60,929
- Median Property Value: $266,300
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 30-40 minutes
14. Schaumburg
The first thing I think of when I hear “Schaumburg” is Woodfield Mall. It’s one of the largest malls in the country, and if you like to shop, it will not disappoint. Woodfield is just one of many big businesses in Schaumburg, and this is one reason that both residents and non-residents love it.
If you’re looking for a community feel in addition to business opportunities, fear not, you’ll find that as well. Aside from shopping, jobs, restaurants, and entertainment, there’s a Farmers Market, and other “small-town” features to fit every need.
- Population: 74,427
- Median Household Income: $74,022
- Median Property Value: $241,100
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 30-40 minutes
15. Wheeling
Last on our list (but only because of its place in the alphabet) is Wheeling. Many people think of Wheeling as a foodie destination, as its “Restaurant Row” is known regionally and even nationally for its many outstanding restaurants, including Bob Chinn’s, Cooper’s Hawk Winery, and Lana’s Dazzling Desserts.
In addition to yummy food options, you’ll find a variety of cultural learning experiences, good schools, and business opportunities.
- Population: 38,264
- Median Household Income: $62,478
- Median Property Value: $181,800
- Drive-Time to Downtown: typically 35-40 minutes
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Well, that’s it, folks. When it comes to places to live in the Greater Chicago area, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. But in my humble opinion, no need to look any further!
The Northwest suburbs of Chicago offer beautiful, unique homes, plenty of entertainment, too much good food, award-winning schools, and easy access to Chicago. Use this list as a starting point, and get touring!
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