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Transparent & data-driven

How We Ranked the Best Cities

Each city is scored against the state average on five weighted factors, normalized to control for regional cost differences and market size. Home prices, rents, and inventory come straight from Houzeo's live MLS feed; everything else is sourced from verified government datasets.

Scoring weights

  • Affordability30%

    Median home price, price per sq ft & rent relative to local incomes vs. the state average.

  • Safety & crime25%

    Violent and property crime rates per capita from FBI reporting vs. the state average.

  • Jobs & income20%

    Median household income, employment levels & job stability vs. the state average.

  • Housing & inventory15%

    Active listings, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.

  • Lifestyle & amenities10%

    Schools, walkability, commute times & access to everyday amenities — the tiebreaker.

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Chicago

Best Areas to Stay in Chicago for Retirees

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Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for Families

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Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

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Frequently Asked Questions

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This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by Midwest Real Estate Data, LLC through Oct 17, 2026, 6:15 PM. Midwest Real Estate Data, LLC does not guarantee nor is it in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of Oct 17, 2026, 6:15 PM. All data is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. This website may not include listings or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. Information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal non-commercial use. It may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS GRID, MRED or Houzeo. The use of the MLS GRID Data may be subject to an end user license agreement. Properties displayed may be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS,

Listings courtesy of MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. ©2026 Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. All Rights Reserved

Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.