15 Best West Chicago Suburbs To Live In | Ralphie and Ryan Realty (2023)

It's no secret that we here at The Ralphie and Ryan Show love Chicago's western suburbs. We were born and raised here, it's where we and our families live back home, and it's where the vast majority of our real estate business takes place. We're not the only ones who appreciate the western suburbs either: ask any Napervillian, Northlaker or Wheatonite and they'll tell you the same thing: the west is best.

Since our blog started andYoutube Channel,We've visited so much of the Western Suburbs - that's why we've decided to put together this super list of all our favourites.

What counts as a western suburb? It's a loosely defined term, but for this blog we've looked at every suburb that:

• West of North and South Cicero Avenue
• East of the Fox River
• South of O'Hare and I-90
• North of (or along) the Des Plaines River

Let's head to Chicago's wild west suburbs to see which ones stand out.

The 15 Best Westerns in the Chicago Suburbs

15. Brookfield

Good for commuting to Chicago, public schools and shopping

Brookfield is a small suburb near Chicago. With a ride of just 37 minutes to Union Station, the suburb is popular with working families and young professionals. It has two good shopping malls on the west side and public schools are highly rated.

Residents say Brookfield is a quiet and down-to-earth place to live. It is suitable for anyone who wants to get out of the city and start a family, or who wants to make a living in Chicago but pay affordable rent in the suburbs.

14. Lombardisch

Good for families, outdoors and a sense of community

Lombard is a mid-sized suburb located 20 miles just west of Chicago. The village is bordered by many green spaces, including Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, Glen Oak Country Club, Churchill Woods, and Lilica Park.

Locals say they love living in Lombardy for its community atmosphere. There are many family events and the suburb has the reassuring charm of a neighborhood where people recognize you and care about you.

13. North Lake

Good foraffordableaccommodation and a relaxed atmosphere

As a resident of Northlake, I find this suburb one of the most underrated. Home prices and rents are insanely cheap compared to the Chicago average, while sitting just steps away from the popular suburb of Elmhurst.

Residents appreciate Northlake for being unassuming, quiet, friendly and offering a high cost of living. It's not idealplaceto explore Chicago by meters, but you can be there in less than 30 minutes by car.

12. The Barn

Good for commuting, families and schools

La Grange is a compact suburb within easy reach of Chicago, just a 25 minute train ride. Located between the popular neighborhoods of Brookfield and West Springs, the city is known for its local businesses, strong community spirit, and family atmosphere.

Locals love living in La Grange because it's a great place to raise a family, with low crime rates and a small town atmosphere. The area has several highly regarded public schools, including Arlington and Millbrook High.

11. Hinsdale

Good for luxury homes, schools and boutiques

Considered one of the most desirable areas of West Chicago, Hinsdale was once named afterChicago Tribuneas "the jewel in the ring of Dupage County." And with its pristine downtown, leafy residential streets and top-performing schools, it's a historic suburb that continues to shine.

Among the many charms Hinsdale has to offer, local residents highlight its elegant historic homes, beautiful open spaces such as Burlington Park, and excellent schools. Of particular note is Hinsdale Central, one of the best high schools in Illinois.

10. Citroen

Good for outdoors, schools and affordable

Lemont is a small suburb about 25 miles southwest of Chicago. A quaint and historic hilltop town near the Des Plaines River. The area is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces, such as the Black Partridge Woods, and its quality schools. Importantly, it's also one of the most affordable suburbs for renters, but with an average rent of $1,000 PCM and only 20% rental properties, you'll struggle to find a place.

Residents say they appreciate Lemont for its safe atmosphere and close-knit sense of community. They also praise its convenience: With easy access to I-55, it's only 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.

9. Oak Park

Good for commuting, culture and diversity

Located just 9 miles or a 15 minute drive from downtown Chicago, Oak Park is perfect for commuters and those looking for a diverse community. The medium-sized suburb of 55,000 is best known as the home of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose hugely influential designs, including the Unity Temple, are based here.

Residents love the city for its liberal culture, dazzling nightlife, and charming mix of suburban and urban. Anyone looking for a taste of the suburbs within walking distance of the Windy City should consider Oak Park.

8. Wheaton

Good for community worship, schools and things to do

Located 25 miles west of Chicago, Wheaton is a medium-sized suburb known for its large Christian population, with thriving church communities and institutions such as the famous evangelical Wheaton College. It is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a total of 47 parks.

Residents love the close-knit sense of community and say the area is a great place to raise a family. They also appreciate the proximity to downtown Chicago, and the large student population makes for a vibrant atmosphere. Those looking for close-knit community and natural beauty while staying connected to the city will not be disappointed in Wheaton.

7. Franklinpark

Good for affordability, commuting and community spirit

Franklin Park is a small town of 18,000 people located just 18 miles from downtown Chicago. This quiet community is one of the most affordable suburbs with an average rent of just $880.

Residents love Franklin Park for its inclusive community and safety. They also praise the outdoor activities available on your doorstep, with the lake in the local Schillerbos offering fishing and hiking trails. If you're looking for an affordable, homey city filled with friendly faces, Franklin Park might just be where you're going to find it.

6. Oak Brook

Good for shopping, luxury restaurants and luxury residences

Located just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, Oak Brook is a small luxury suburb. With a wide variety of upscale restaurants, upscale shops, and some of the most spectacular luxury homes in Illinois, the Village is ideal for those looking for the finer things in life.

It is no surprise that Oak Brook is popular with those enjoying their golden years as 40% of the population is over the age of 65. Therefore, the area is well stocked with all the amenities and luxury properties availableretireesmight desire.

5. Western sources

Good for families, luxury homes and outdoor spaces

Western Springs is a small suburb of 13,000 people located 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, only half an hour away by train. The village is blessed with plenty of outdoor space on its doorstep, including Bemis Woods with its biking and hiking trails.

With first-class schools and comfortable luxury homes, the picturesque suburb attracts many young families who love the friendly community feel and sense of security.

4. Glen Ellyn

Good for community spirit, schools and activities

Glen Ellyn is a small suburb 40 miles west of Chicago, just a 30 minute drive. Nicknamed the Volunteer Village, the area is known for its inclusive, community-oriented ethos and new faces are always warmly welcomed.

With fantastic cultural institutions like the McAninch Arts Center, great open spaces like Glen Ellyn Lake, and a wide variety of community groups and events, the suburb is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and raise a family.

3. Elmhurst

Good for cultural and historical sites, schools and families

Elmhurst is a 20 minute drive from downtown Chicago, but with a thriving community and business district, it has it all. There is plenty to do and see year-round, with cultural events such as Art in Wilder Park, famous institutions such as the Elmhurst Art Museum, and many shops and restaurants.

Those looking for a suburb with a little more energy will not be disappointed here. And with good schools and a good mix of housing, it's also a great place to raise a family.

2. Downers Grove

Good for things to do, schools and millennials

Downers Grove is a large suburban neighborhood conveniently located near Chicago, just a 30-minute train ride from Union Station. The area has an excellent reputation for nightlife, with a huge range of dining and entertainment options, including the historic Tivoli Theatre.

Residents love Downers Grove for its thriving social life and scenic outdoors with hiking trails. With its vibrant mix of urban and rural experiences, this suburb would be perfect for younger Chicago residents looking to settle down.

1. Naperville

Good for things to do, families and schools

A large suburb of about 150,000 people just a 40-minute train ride from Chicago, Naperville is a city with something for everyone. With a wide variety of things to do, great schools, beautiful scenery, and a wide variety of homes, it's no surprise that Naperville is often regarded as one of the best places to live and raise a family in America.

Among the many things locals love about this charming suburb are its brilliant schools, such as Naperville North High, known for its track and field teams. They also love the scenic beauty of the suburb, with the famous river walk being a favorite destination for many. If you're looking for a bustling city that has it all, you'll love Naperville.