Americans love Illinois! And why wouldn’t you? From unmatchable natural beauty to having the 5th largest GDP in the U.S., the Prairie State has it all.
Illinois offers its residents an excellent quality of life, as it stands as the 4th best place to live in America. The state scores 80/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Chicago and Peoria are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Let’s explore the best places to live in Illinois.
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3 Reasons to Live in Illinois 🏢
- Excellent Job Opportunities: Illinois has the 5th largest GDP in the country. The state is also home to 34 Fortune 500 companies. Some of the fastest growing sectors include biotechnology, sports, agriculture, and education.
- Quality Education: Illinois has 192 higher education institutions. This includes the University of Illinois, which is ranked among the top 10 global universities.
- Affordable Housing: A median home in Illinois costs 33.9% less than the national average.
Best Places to Live in Illinois in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chicago | 2,665,039 | $335,000 | $7,741 | 5.1% | 71/100 |
| 2. | Springfield | 113,273 | $402,000 | $7,073 | 5.1% | 64/100 |
| 3. | Naperville | 149,936 | $530,000 | $8,612 | 4.7% | 68/100 |
| 4. | Clarendon Hills | 8,571 | $560,000 | $8,612 | 5.4% | 68/100 |
| 5. | Rockford | 146,713 | $155,000 | $6,633 | 6.9% | 54/100 |
| 6. | Schaumburg | 76,225 | $355,000 | $7,432 | 3.9% | 71/100 |
| 7. | Peoria | 111,021 | $140,000 | $7,162 | 5.4% | 56/100 |
1. Chicago: Best City to Live for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.4% |
| Median Income | $65,781 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,741 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 71/100 |
Chicago, or Second City, is Illinois’ largest city with a population of over 2.5 million. It’s one of the top cities to live in Illinois due to its architecture, food, and lively nightlife. The Second City is home to the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago.
Although it’s the most famous city in Illinois, the home prices are fairly affordable. The median home price in Chicago is $335K, 18.6% below the national average of $411,868. However, the cost of living is steeper, 19% more than the national average.
» Homes For Sale in Chicago, IL: Find your home in the Second City now.
2. Springfield: Best City in Illinois for All Sorts of Weather
| Home Value | ⬆️ 5.1% |
| Median Income | $57,596 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,073 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 64/100 |
Springfield experiences all types of weather, from heavy rainfall to chilly winters. Moreover, the residents can go camping with their families and loved ones.
The city offers decent housing prices, with a median home price of around $402K, 7% below the national average. The cost of living in Springfield is 8% lower than the national average in comparison to other places in Illinois.
» Homes For Sale in Springfield, IL: View thousands of property listings in this all-weather city.
3. Naperville: Best Place to Live in Illinois for a Luxurious Lifestyle
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.9% |
| Median Income | $135,772 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,612 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 68/100 |
Naperville is the city for you to enjoy an expensive lifestyle. The city houses various tech giants, such as AT&T, that create multiple employment opportunities. The city also offers around 130 parks and sports complexes.
You may have to spend a huge amount to own or rent a house in Naperville. The median home price is around $530,000, 28.7% more than the national average of $411,868. The cost of living is 8.6% above the national average.
» Homes For Sale in Naperville, IL: Browse thousands of homes in this lavish city.
4. Clarendon Hills: Best Place for Upper-Middle-Class Families
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.3% |
| Median Income | $107,375 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,612 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.4% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 68/100 |
Clarendon Hills is famous for its excellent school ecosystem. The town is among the safest places in Illinois. It has a violent crime rate of 8.6%, significantly below the national average of 22.7%.
The median home price in Clarendon Hills is steeper, at around $560,000, 40% above the national average. The job market is expecting growth of 27.6% in the future.
» Homes For Sale in Clarendon Hills, IL: Live in one of the best neighborhoods in Illinois.
5. Rockford: Best Place to Live in Illinois on a Budget
| Home Value | ⬆️ 13.7% |
| Median Income | $47,002 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,633 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 54/100 |
Being one of the major cities in Illinois, Rockford offers a booming job market for freshmen and experienced professionals. Manufacturing and aerospace are major contributors to the city’s economy.
Home prices in Rockford are affordable, being 15% below the national average. The cost of living is 13% more affordable than the national average. Rockford is one of the nicest places to live in Illinois if you’re on a budget.
» Homes For Sale in Rockford, IL: Choose a budget home from thousands of listings.
6. Schaumburg: Best Suburb in Illinois for Education
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.4% |
| Median Income | $85,147 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,432 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 71/100 |
With a rating of 9/10 and an A+, the city is ideal for education. Schaumburg is in the northwest suburb of Chicago and reflects a middle-class vibe. Moreover, the city has multiple childcare spots and a tight-knit community of friendly folks.
The home prices in Schaumburg are decent, at $355,000. However, the cost of living is 10.8% higher than the national average. Schaumburg is easily one of the best places to live in Illinois.
» Homes For Sale in Schaumburg, IL: Make yourself a part of this college town.
7. Peoria: Best Place to Live in Illinois for First-Time Homebuyers
| Home Value | ⬆️ 9.5% |
| Median Income | $53,568 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,162 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.4%% |
| Community Well-Being Score | 56/100 |
Home to various business headquarters, the vibe of Peoria is a blend of an archaic and a modern city. On average, Peoria experiences 194 sunny days throughout the calendar. The average home price in Peoria is $140,000.
The cost of living in Peoria is 11% more affordable than the national average. This makes it an ideal place for first-time homebuyers to live. The city offers a scenic view of Peoria Lake and the Illinois River. The job market in Peoria is expecting growth of 17.40%.
» Homes For Sale in Peoria, IL: View thousands of listings in this vintage yet modern town.
Bottom Line
Illinois is one of the best places to live in the US due to its strong economy and large job market. Other factors that contribute are cultural significance and great food.
The Prairie State offers a low cost of living of 8% below the national average. Moreover, housing prices are 20% more affordable than the national average. Home prices are irregular across the state.
In some cities, home prices are as low as $140K ,and in others, they are around $560K. So, before you move to Illinois, it’s better to do some research. You can search for houses online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to live in Illinois?
Naperville and Clarendon Hills are among the top places to live in Illinois.
What is the richest part of Illinois?
The DuPage County, which includes Clarendon Hills and Naperville, is among the richest parts of Illinois.
What city in Illinois has the highest cost of living?
Chicago has the highest cost of living across all citites in Illinois, 19% above the national average.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Illinois?
With a cost of living 18% below the national average, Belleville is the cheapest place to live in Illinois.
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