Choosing where to raise your family is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. As parents, we’re not just looking for good schools—we want safe neighborhoods, outdoor space, great healthcare, and a supportive community. That’s why the latest 2025-2026 Best Places to Live in the U.S. report from U.S. News & World Report caught our attention.
And guess what? Ten cities in Illinois made the list—including some truly family-friendly gems!
đź‘Ş Why This Matters to Parents
This report didn’t just pull numbers. It evaluated cities based on five key categories that parents care about:
Quality of Life: Schools, hospitals, clean air, and infrastructure
Value: Cost of living vs. income
Desirability: Safety, weather, things to do
Job Market: Stability and growth
Migration: Are people actually moving in?
Here are the top Illinois cities that made the cut—and why they’re worth considering if you’re planning a move or even just curious about how your current town ranks.
🏡 Illinois Cities That Made the Top 250 (U.S. Rankings)
City U.S. Rank
Arlington Heights #56
Buffalo Grove #63
Naperville #76
Palatine #80
Elgin #122
Schaumburg #141
Bloomington #168
Bolingbrook #210
Skokie #230
Des Plaines #240
🌳 What It’s Like Raising Kids in These Cities
Arlington Heights (#56)
Tree-lined streets, excellent public schools, and a strong sense of community make this suburb a win for families. Think weekend farmers’ markets and tons of park space.
Buffalo Grove (#63)
Low crime, high-quality schools, and family events throughout the year. Bonus: it’s quieter than some of the busier Chicago suburbs.
Naperville (#76)
A popular pick for a reason! The Riverwalk, library system, and downtown charm keep families happy and busy. Yes, it’s pricier—but you get a lot in return.
Palatine (#80)
Affordable housing and solid public school options. Plus, it has great Metra access for commuting parents.
Elgin (#122)
A growing city with diversity and green spaces. It’s becoming more popular for young families who want space without breaking the bank.
Schaumburg (#141)
You’ve probably shopped at Woodfield Mall—but Schaumburg is more than shopping. It’s loaded with kid-friendly attractions and parks.
Bloomington (#168)
Downstate families love Bloomington for its calm pace and affordability, especially if you’re working remotely or in-state.
Bolingbrook (#210)
This southwest suburb balances city access with family life. It has tons of playgrounds and community events.
Skokie (#230)
Near the city but still suburban. Skokie is known for its cultural diversity and strong public schools.
Des Plaines (#240)
Great for frequent flyers (hello, O’Hare!) and offers a tight-knit feel with a lower price tag than some neighbors.
đź› Pro Tip for Parents Moving Soon
If you’re planning to move to one of these cities, make a checklist:
School district rankings
Access to parks and libraries
Commute times (especially if you’re heading into Chicago)
Walkability and safety
Nearby activities and family services
We also recommend tools like Niche.com or GreatSchools.org to compare neighborhoods.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating for work, or just dreaming of a quieter lifestyle—Illinois has plenty of family-friendly options. These cities didn’t just make the list—they earned it. And as parents, that peace of mind matters.
Let me know in the comments—Did your town make the list? Would you consider moving to any of these spots?
🧡 Don’t forget to like this post & subscribe for more honest parenting tips, family-friendly guides, and budget-friendly living hacks.
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