The 11 Best Places to Live in Illinois in 2023

Illinois, known as the Prairie State, is a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes that have contributed to its rich cultural heritage. The state is home to bustling cities like Chicago and Springfield, as well as picturesque rural communities that offer a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle. Illinois is also known for its thriving agricultural industry, with vast farmlands producing various crops. With such a diverse range of living options, choosing the right place to settle down can be challenging.

Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquility of rural living, Illinois has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the best rural areas to live in and the best urban communities in Illinois. From the rolling hills of Galena to the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, we’ll be your guide to the top 10 places to live in the state in 2023.

1. Chicago, Cook County

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers residents an exceptional quality of life. Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is a cultural hub that boasts world-renowned museums, art galleries, music venues, and restaurants. The city’s iconic skyline features some of the tallest buildings in the United States, including the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, providing breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan.

Despite its size, Chicago has a tight-knit sense of community, evident in its numerous neighborhood festivals, farmers’ markets, and community events. The city is also home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, offering residents access to top-notch education and research opportunities. With excellent public transportation, top-notch healthcare facilities, and a thriving job market, Chicago has something to offer everyone, making it a great place to live in Illinois.

2. Springfield, Sangamon County

Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is a vibrant and historic community that offers residents a high quality of life. The city is best known as the home of Abraham Lincoln, and visitors can explore several attractions dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. Springfield also boasts diverse cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city’s downtown area features several parks, shops, and restaurants, making it an attractive destination for residents and tourists.

Aside from its rich history and cultural offerings, Springfield also has a low cost of living and a strong job market. The city is home to several government agencies and healthcare institutions, providing residents with various career opportunities. Springfield is also known for its excellent public schools, making it an ideal place for families with children. With its combination of historical charm, cultural richness, and modern amenities, Springfield is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Illinois.

3. Naperville, DuPage County

Naperville, located in the western suburbs of Chicago, is consistently ranked as among the top places to live in Illinois. The city boasts a strong economy, low crime rates, and excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. The charming downtown area offers many shops, restaurants, and cafes. At the same time, the Riverwalk, a pedestrian-friendly path along the DuPage River, provides residents with a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In addition to its numerous amenities, Naperville has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives. The city has implemented several green initiatives, including a comprehensive recycling program and a bike-sharing program, making it easy for residents to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. With its family-friendly community, excellent schools, and strong economy, it’s no surprise that Naperville has consistently been a highly-favored city in Illinois.

Related article

7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Chicago, Illinois

Before you consider a move to Chicago, you should consider 7 key factors that will increase your appreciation for the city and guide you to the right neighborhoods and activities for you…

4. Galena, Jo Daviess County

Galena, a historic town in northwest Illinois, is known for its charming community and scenic beauty. The rural town features several historic buildings and attractions, including the Ulysses S. Grant Home and the Galena History Museum. The downtown area features several shops, restaurants, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. Residents of the town can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, as the area is situated in close proximity to several recreation spots, such as the Galena River Trail and Chestnut Mountain Resort.

In addition to its cultural offerings and scenic beauty, Galena has a low living cost and a strong sense of community. The town has a small-town feel, with friendly neighbors and a tight-knit community. The city is also home to several excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. With its exceptional quality of life, historic charm, and natural beauty, Galena continues to be a largely boasted small town in Illinois.

Related article

10 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a friendly and casual place to enjoy all four seasons. Best known for its dairy farms and pro sports, it is also home to tech companies and a world-class research university. We assign a HOMEiA Score for each city, which provides an overall assessment of its safety and appeal as a place to call home…

5. Woodstock, McHenry County

Woodstock, a historic town in McHenry County, is known for its charming community, cultural offerings, and rural beauty. The small town features several historic buildings and attractions, including the Woodstock Opera House and the Old McHenry County Courthouse. The downtown area features several shops, restaurants, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The town is also located near several outdoor recreation areas, including the Moraine Hills State Park and the Kishwaukee River, giving residents lots of opportunities for outdoor activities.

In addition to its cultural offerings and scenic beauty, Woodstock also has a strong job market and excellent schools. The town is home to several large companies, including Siemens and Dean Foods, and is conveniently located near several major highways and public transportation. Woodstock has a diverse population and a strong sense of community, with several community events and programs throughout the year. Woodstock’s reputation as one of the top small towns in Illinois is justified by its remarkable standard of living, diverse cultural scene, and ample employment prospects.

Related article

10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Iowa

We started with the top 30 towns in Iowa by population—those with at least 15,000 residents. Then we ruled out those whose populations had fallen over the last 10 years, using population growth as a proxy measure for desirability. Finally, we chose those with the lowest median list price for homes…

6. Peoria, Peoria County

Peoria, located in central Illinois, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history and a strong economy. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and theaters, including the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitors Center. The downtown area features a lively arts and entertainment scene, with several restaurants, bars, and music venues. The city is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, providing residents with plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Peoria has a strong economy, with several large corporations located within the city, including Caterpillar Inc. and OSF Healthcare. The city is also home to several excellent schools and universities, including Bradley University and Illinois Central College. With its low cost of living, strong job market, and exceptional quality of life, Peoria is undoubtedly a great place for professionals to live in Illinois.

Related article

10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Tennessee

Travel aficionados who are looking to fill up their bucket list with various visits to fun U.S. states should most definitely pencil in Tennessee as one of their destinations. The people in the so-called Volunteer State (Go Vols!) are genuinely friendly folks who never fail to provide visitors with…

7. Glenview, Cook County

Glenview is a suburban community located just 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. The village is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The downtown area features a wide variety of shops and restaurants and several community events throughout the year. The village is also home to several parks and nature preserves, providing residents ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

In addition to its many amenities, Glenview also has a strong job market, with several large companies located within the village, including the headquarters of Illinois Tool Works. The town is also conveniently located near several major highways and public transportation, making it easy to commute to downtown Chicago or other areas in the Chicagoland region. Glenview has been acknowledged as one of the finest cities in Illinois, owing to its remarkable standard of living, outstanding schools, and close proximity to Chicago.

Related article

The 9 Best Places to Live in Indiana in 2024

When young professionals are looking for a place to settle down, Indiana is often overlooked. The “Hoosier State” can sometimes take a back seat to places like Texas, New York, and California. But with a diverse economy, friendly citizens, good education, and a multitude of lovely cities and towns, Indiana has a lot to offer…

8. Clarendon Hills, DuPage County

Clarendon Hills, a rural town in DuPage County, is known for its charming community and excellent quality of life. The city is home to several parks and nature preserves, providing residents with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The downtown area features several shops, restaurants, and community events throughout the year. The village is also known for its excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families.

In addition to its many amenities, Clarendon Hills has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. The village has a small-town feel, with friendly neighbors and a tight-knit community. The town is conveniently located near several major highways and public transportation, making it easy to commute to other areas in the Chicagoland region. It is not surprising that Clarendon Hills has been acknowledged as one of the top cities in Illinois, given its outstanding quality of life, exceptional schools, and welcoming community.

Related article

21 Top-Rated Fun Things to do in Lafayette, Indiana

Lafayette is considered a great place to live, located within an easy drive of the larger cities of Chicago and Indianapolis and offering some terrific things to do for its citizens. Purdue University calls Lafayette home and, like many college towns, has plenty of fun options for students and permanent residents alike…

9. Buffalo Grove, Cook and Lake County

Buffalo Grove, a suburban community in Lake and Cook Counties, is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The village is home to several parks and nature preserves, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The downtown area features a wide variety of shops and restaurants and several community events throughout the year. The village is also conveniently located near several major highways and public transportation, making it easy to commute to downtown Chicago or other areas in the Chicagoland region.

In addition to its many amenities, Buffalo Grove has a strong job market, with several large companies located within the town, including Siemens and Discover Financial Services. The village is also home to several excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. Buffalo Grove has a diverse population and a strong sense of community, with several community events and programs throughout the year. Given its remarkable standard of living, exceptional schools, and convenient location near Chicago, it is no surprise that Buffalo Grove has been acknowledged as one of the finest cities to reside in Illinois.

Related article

The 16 Best Things to Do in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is the second most populous city in Indiana and is considered the cultural center of the state. Museums, restaurants, nightlife and a thriving tourism industry help to keep it on the map…

10. Frankfort, Will County

Frankfort, located in Will County, is a charming and growing village with a strong sense of community. The downtown area is home to several unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Old Plank Road Trail and the Frankfort Country Market. The village is also known for its excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. Furthermore, the town’s proximity to various outdoor recreation sites, such as the Hickory Creek Preserve and the Monee Reservoir, offers residents abundant options for engaging in outdoor activities.

In addition to its many amenities, Frankfort has a low crime rate, a growing job market, and a high quality of life. The village has experienced significant growth in recent years, with several new developments and businesses opening in the area. Despite this growth, Frankfort has maintained its small-town feel, with friendly neighbors and a strong sense of community. Frankfort’s recognition as one of the finest cities in Illinois is no surprise, given its exceptional standard of living, delightful downtown district, and strategic location.

Related article

The 10 Best Places to Live in Missouri in 2024

Location, decent wages, a low cost of living, a strong job market, and good schools make Missouri a great place to settle down. A closer look reveals that it is much more than a flyover state. If you’re looking to relocate to the “Show Me State,” consider one of these ten communities and see for yourself…

11. Greenville, Bond County

Greenville, a small city located in Bond County, is known for its rich history and low cost of living. The city is home to several historic buildings and attractions, including the DeMoulin Museum and the Greenville College campus. The downtown area features several shops, restaurants, and community events throughout the year. The city is also located near several outdoor recreation areas, including the Governor Bond Lake State Park and the Carlyle Lake Wildlife Management Area, providing residents with great opportunities for outdoor activities.

In addition to its many amenities, Greenville has a small-town feel, with friendly neighbors and a tight-knit community. The city is also home to several excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. Given its outstanding standard of living and fascinating history, it is not surprising that Greenville has been acknowledged as one of the top cities to reside in Illinois.

Related article

24 Exciting Things to Do in Joplin, Missouri

Joplin has lots of fun and exciting things to do if you know where to look. The region’s natural splendor, historical stops, monuments, and recreational activities abound here. These are our picks for the 24 most exciting things to do in Joplin, Missouri…

Conclusion

Illinois has a diverse range of communities, offering something for everyone. From the bustling city of Chicago to the charming towns of Woodstock and Galena, numerous options exist for those looking to settle down in Illinois. The state’s rural areas offer a slower pace of life, with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities and close-knit communities. Meanwhile, the urban areas provide job opportunities, cultural offerings, and a lively atmosphere.

Illinois has a strong economy, excellent schools, and a welcoming community. Illinois has it all, whether you’re looking for a small-town feel or the excitement of city life. With so many exceptional communities to choose from, it’s no wonder that so many people have chosen to call Illinois home. So, whether you’re a lifelong resident or considering a move to the state, be sure to explore the best rural and urban communities Illinois offers.

Related article

What to Know About Parking in Chicago, Illinois

Drivers need to know which options are available, what the rules and regulations say about parking, and where to go when traveling with a car. Knowing these things will mitigate any potential issues that arise. Luckily, Chicago has many options for people who know where to look…