Best Places to Live in Illinois in 2025

If you're thinking of moving to Illinois, and you have a little flexibility in where you'll be located, then here's your chance to learn about the Prairie State's most vibrant cities, charming historic towns, wetlands, rolling hills and forests alongside its plentiful farmland. With so many unique areas to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed as you begin apartment hunting.

We're here to help you figure out your ideal city, right down to your dream neighborhood. Begin your Illinois apartment search with this guide to living in Illinois!

Best Places in Illinois

1. Chicago

• Population: 2,664,452
• Median Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,758
• Median Household Income: $71,673
• Walk Score: 100
• Transit Score: 100
• Bike Score: 81

Chicago is among the biggest cities in Illinois and the most populated city in the state. Despite its nickname, the Windy City is about as windy as any average state. Chicago is popular for a reason: it's home to some of the best music, museums and art scenes, food, shopping, sports, and nightlife in the U.S. If you're looking to call Chicago your new home, you may need some help narrowing down which area you want to make yours, whether you're by the lakefront and Navy Pier or tucked into the older neighborhoods with that classic Art Deco architecture.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago include Bucktown, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park. If you're looking to commute into the city to save money, there are plenty of cities near Chicago that offer convenience and affordability. Before you become a die-hard cubs fan, though, you'll want to read up on things to know before moving to Chicago, including the cost of living in Chicago and the average rent and rent price trends in Chicago. Once you have a better idea of the region, you can explore the thousands of apartments available for rent.

2. Aurora

• Population: 177,563
• Median Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,884
• Median Household Income: $85,943
• Walk Score: 85
• Transit Score: 40
• Bike Score: 82

Located in Will, Kendall, Kane, and DuPage counties, Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois and is divided into three main regions: the Far East Side/Fox Valley, the East Side, and the West Side. Nicknamed the "City of Lights," Aurora was originally a midsize manufacturing city in Kane County and has undergone significant expansion since the 1960s.

Aurora's historic district on Stolp Island features the notable Paramount Theatre and the Hollywood Casino, the latter of which offers gaming facilities and three restaurants in 53,000 square feet along the Fox River. Families may like to settle in Aurora, in part due to its six school districts within its city limits.

3. Naperville

• Population: 150,245
• Median Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,057
• Median Household Income: $143,754
• Walk Score: 58
• Transit Score: 24
• Bike Score: 58

Naperville, which was once a small town known for its mill, is now a desirable suburb often recognized as one of the safest places to live in Illinois. It's also recognized for its nationally-ranked public library system and its award-winning schools. If you're wanting to surround yourself with arts, culture, and a community dedicated to education, this is the town for you.

The suburb serves as a commuter hotspot and houses more than 30 Fortune 500 companies, including Nokia, Nicor Gas, and Edward Hospital. With the highest median rent for a two-bedroom apartment, Naperville showcases its well-established status with notable neighborhoods like Ashbury, spanning 514 acres with 1,000 homes, and Acorn Hill Estates, which was developed in the 1980s and 1990s.

4. Joliet

• Population: 150,489
• Starting Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,375
• Median Household Income: $84,971
• Walk Score: 86
• Transit Score: 46
• Bike Score: 65

Located fewer than 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet, also known as J-Town, is a rapidly growing city filled with 1920s Beaux-Arts and Art Deco architecture. Joliet offers a range of attractions for residents and visitors alike, such as the Rialto Square Theatre, Chicagoland Speedway, and the Old Joliet Prison, which was featured in the iconic film, "The Blues Brothers." You can also visit the original Dairy Queen on North Chicago Street for a tasty twist on history.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy four golf courses, two miniature golf courses, and several miles of bike trails throughout the city. The Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal State Trail, which stretches 60 miles up to Peru, Illinois, provides an extended adventure for cyclists.

5. Rockford

• Population: 146,120
• Starting Two-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $895
• Median Household Income: $50,744
• Walk Score: 45
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 57

Situated along the Rock River, the manufacturing city of Rockford boasts the highest population among cities in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. The largest employers in Rockford include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the Rockford Public School District, and Mercyhealth.

Rockford also boasts numerous historically and culturally significant venues, including the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, which houses the well-preserved fossil of Jane the juvenile T-Rex.

6. Springfield

• Population: 112,544
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $800
• Median Household Income: $62,419
• Walk Score: 64
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 57

Springfield, the state capital of Illinois and former home of Abraham Lincoln, is the second-largest city outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. The city's capitol buildings, including the Old State Capitol and the Illinois State Capitol, offer glimpses into its political history, as Abraham Lincoln himself tried cases in the latter.

For outdoor exploration, Washington Park provides 150 acres of natural landscapes, featuring attractions like the botanical gardens and the Angel of Hope memorial. Springfield is also ranked as one of the top 10 cities with the lowest cost of living, which is all the more impressive considering it's a state capital. Folks move here for the affordability combined with the night life, arts and culture, and good public schools.

7. Bannockburn

• Population: 1,065
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,275
• Median Household Income: $161,875
• Walk Score: 31
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 38

Known for its Scottish heritage, the fittingly namedBannockburn is a tranquil Chicago suburb conveniently located beside Interstate 94 and the Milwaukee District North Metra line for commuters. You'll find a range of renting options, including apartments, townhouses, and quaint Victorian or Tudor-style single-family properties nestled into lush greenery.

Bannockburn also enjoys a reputation as one of the safest Chicago suburbs, where kids and adults alike can enjoy parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. This Illinois town is just a five-minute drive from Deerfield, a great place for shopping, restaurants, and weekend entertainment, giving renters the quiet they want with access to urban amenities.

8. Buffalo Grove

• Population: 42,482
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $2,200
• Median Household Income: $127,553
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 52

Situated in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Buffalo Grove provides quick and easy access to the city with major highways nearby. But you don't have to go too far to take advantage of shopping at the Buffalo Grove Town Center and the nearby Arboretum of South Barrington.

Beyond shopping, dining, and easy access to Chicago, Buffalo Grove also hosts a lot of regular events in a family-friendly atmosphere, from summer concerts and movies in the park to bustling art fairs. Outdoor enthusiasts will recognize that Buffalo Grove lives up to its "grove" name, since the area is rich in green parks and sporting facilities.

9. Wheaton

• Population: 52,938
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800
• Median Household Income: $113,523
• Walk Score: 94
• Transit Score: 39
• Bike Score: 83

Wheaton is a convenient alternative to Chicago with access to I-355 and the Union Pacific West Metra line. The town’s charming downtown offers boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment in a walkable community with a small-town feel.

College students flock to attend Wheaton College, and they'll find plenty of options for studying at cafes or hitting the bars on weekends. The annual Summer Wine Walk, summer concerts, and holiday festivities keep locals busy in a city filled with well-preserved historic buildings and neighborhoods.

10. Long Grove

• Population: 8,263
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,499
• Median Household Income: $236,172
• Walk Score: 3
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 33

The village of Long Grove features historic buildings along tree-lined streets and a cozy downtown with quaint restaurants and shops. Like many Illinois suburbs, you'll find scenic parks and woodlands here, but Long Grove is known for its equestrian community.

Long Grove hosts many horse-friendly trails and year-round events. The city is also the love fest of Illinois -- you'll find the Long Grove Strawberry Fest, Chocolate Fest, and Apple Fest all in your neighborhood. Long Grove is close to major transportation routes to Chicago for those who work there or want a night out in the city.

11. Crystal Lake

• Population: 40,861
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,095
• Median Household Income: $103,018
• Walk Score: 80
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 72

Crystal Lake is named after its local lake, where residents love to boat and fish or hike in Lippold Park. Locally-owned shops and restaurants line its downtown streets, along with the Raue Center for the Arts, which hosts many concerts and cultural events.

Crystal Lake is also family-friendly, with top-rated schools and year-round parades and celebrations. You can shop and dine at Crystal Lake Plaza and Crystal Point Mall or get to the city with a direct commuter rail link to the Loop.

12. Glenview

• Population: 46,904
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,795
• Median Household Income: $134,910
• Walk Score: 34
• Transit Score: 26
• Bike Score: 34

Glenview, Illinois, is quickly becoming the go-to city for families. Situated just 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, Glenview has quick access via the Metra commuter line and major highways, making it perfect for commuting to the city for school or work. Glenview has great schools, so families looking for convenience and a quiet place to raise kids will love the area.

When you're not at work, you can shop at the Glen Town Center, which is an outdoor shopping and dining district with national retailers, restaurants, and entertainment. If you’re looking for local culture, you can find it at the Summer Art Fair, the Glenview Farmers Market, and annual festivals. Living in Glenview, you might also spot local TV crews filming a new episode of "The Bear," if you're lucky.

13. Clarendon Hills

• Population: 8,562
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,636
• Median Household Income: $115,923
• Walk Score: 66
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 47

Clarendon Hills is a tight-knit community located about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. You can catch a quick commute to the city via the BNSF Metra line. You still have shopping and dining options readily available in Clarendon Hills, with upscale eateries and family-friendly restaurants.

Locals can enjoy the Daisy Days Festival, the Fourth of July fireworks, and the annual Holiday Walk or embrace outdoor fun at Prospect Park. Clarendon Hills ranks among the top in Illinois for schools, safety, and quality of life. Young professionals looking to start a family or create new ties in a small community will love renting a small house or well-kept apartment in Clarendon Hills.

14. Schaumburg

• Population: 75,750
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,695
• Median Household Income: $92,818
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 66

Life in Schaumburg brings employment and entertainment within reach. It's a major business and employment hub in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and home to the Motorola headquarters and the Schaumburg campus of Harper College. Schaumburg is known for its shopping and entertainment at stops like Woodfield Mall and Streets of Woodfield.

With over 1,000 acres of open space, residents enjoy the outdoors at Busse Woods and the Spring Valley Nature Center. You can soak up the culture at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts and the Trickster Cultural Center. Annual community events include Septemberfest and the Prairie Arts Festival. You're also close to water parks and Legoland, making Schaumburg a go-to destination on weekends for families and friends looking for some fun.

15. Park Ridge

• Population: 37,897
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,850
• Median Household Income: $137,964
• Walk Score: 84
• Transit Score: 43
• Bike Score: 60

Park Ridge is 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago with access to Metra train service. This charming, family-friendly suburb hosts the Park Ridge Farmers Market and the annual Taste of Park Ridge food celebration. You can head uptown along Main Street to find boutiques, shops, and restaurants that offer a mix of cuisines.

Hodges Park and Centennial Park provide beautiful wooded walking paths, picnic areas, and sports fields to unwind on weekends. Local pools and play parks are also around the corner, making Park Ridge a home where everyone, no matter their age, has something to do.

16. Inverness

• Population: 7,302
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,660
• Median Household Income: $207,623
• Walk Score: 15
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 21

Named after the city in the Scottish Highlands that's home to Loch Ness, Inverness, Illinois offers an equally woodsy setting - without the mythical sea monsters. Unique to the greater Chicago area, Inverness offers oversized lots and estates for more space to grow a family or a business.

This Chicago suburb attracts families for its top-rated schools and upscale properties. Residents enjoy proximity to the Inverness Golf Club and Palatine Plaza and are a short drive to the Village Green Shopping Center. While Inverness is not known for its nightlife, Chicago is a reasonable 30 miles for when you're itching to get away.

17. Galena

• Population: 2,992
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800
• Median Household Income: $52,734
• Walk Score: 78
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 41

Galena is known for historic charm, which you'll see in its beautifully restored 19th-century buildings and Victorian homes. You're never far from a brick storefront or a cozy bed and breakfast. The town's rolling hills attract thinkers and artists, and the Galena River is a favorite for fishers and boaters.

Residents also enjoy live music performances and cultural festivals featuring local artists. You'll find everything from antique shops to jewelry stores among upscale restaurants and quaint cafes.

18. Oak Park

• Population: 52,055
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,485
• Median Household Income: $103,264
• Walk Score: 81
• Transit Score: 60
• Bike Score: 65

Situated west of Chicago, Oak Park is a suburb known for its architectural history, which includes buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This walkable community is also rich in diversity and inclusion. The area offers its own dining and shopping options, including a beloved Farmer's Market that brings the freshest seasonal produce and locally-made goods right to your door.

For all the community has to offer in both history and recreation, you'll need to commute into Chicago on the Green line to get a taste of any real nightlife. But there is a strong artistic scene in Oak Park, which is home to the Oak Park Festival Theatre and the Oak Park Art League for art exhibitions, classes, and workshops.

19. Hinsdale

• Population: 17,297
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $1,636
• Median Household Income: $200,000
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: 21
• Bike Score: 41

Hinsdale is filled with well-preserved historic homes and tree-lined streets. You'll find some apartments and single-family properties for rent that sit about 20 miles west of downtown Chicago. You can stay put in Hinsdale to enjoy upscale restaurants, shops, and foodie-loving eateries.

Hinsdale is also the place to pick if you're looking for a high quality of life, low crime rates, and a top-voted Illinois community. For hiking and biking, spend the afternoon at the Salt Creek Woods or play a round of golf at the Meadowlark Golf Club. Hinsdale prides itself on its community events and organization, so if you like to get involved locally, Hinsdale is the place to be.

20. Peoria

• Population: 110,460
• Starting Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment: $500
• Median Household Income: $58,068
• Walk Score: 81
• Transit Score: 52
• Bike Score: 52

Considered one of the best cities in Illinois, Peoria offers a very reasonable cost of living compared to similarly-sized cities in the state. Cultural attractions are clustered around the Peoria Civic Center, which hosts year-round concerts, Broadway shows, and sporting events. Outdoor enthusiasts hike the trails to the waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park and head over to the Quad Cities area for more dining and entertainment options.

Peoria is also a college town where students attend Bradley University and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. You'll also find multiple museums, a local zoo, and even casinos around Peoria, making it a great place to live for day to night entertainment.

Looking for an Apartment in Illinois?

Your perfect neighborhood is waiting in Illinois, whether it's nestled in the green suburbs of Aurora or among the hustle and bustle of the Chicago Loop. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Illinois still have reasonable rents and affordable costs of living compared to similar metropolitan areas.

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