Chicago is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country and a popular place to live. This Midwest city has amazing arts, top sports teams, endless food choices, beautiful beaches and much more.
But what if you want to enjoy all these attractions without the busy city lifestyle? You can move to “the burbs” and stay close to everything Chicago offers while enjoying a quieter, more spacious and family-friendly environment. There are many suburban areas to choose from and each one offers a different lifestyle.
Park Ridge is one of the well-known northwest suburbs of Chicago and the whole area has plenty to offer. Hop on the UP-NW Metra and explore these amazing suburbs along the way.
If you’re planning to move to Chicago’s northwest suburbs, the UP-NW Metra makes it easy to explore the area and see what each suburb has to offer.
Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs include Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Harwood Heights, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Niles, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Schaumburg.
If you’re relocating to one of these communities, working with an experienced Chicago moving company can make the process easier, especially when moving valuable furniture, artwork, or other delicate items.
Arlington Heights
As the population shows, Arlington Heights is one of Chicago’s larger suburbs and ranks among the 15 largest municipalities in Illinois.
Founded in the 1800s, the town has plenty of historic character while still maintaining a progressive community with award-winning schools, a convenient Metra stop and many things to do.
One feature that makes this suburb unique is the Arlington Park Racetrack, known for thoroughbred racing. Come for a race and stay for the restaurants, impressive library and multi-generational community.
- Population: 76,216
- Median Household Income: $116,723
- Median Property Value: $414,500
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 30–40 minutes
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is a popular choice for families, with a safe and family-friendly environment. Kids can enjoy the many parks and highly rated schools, while adults have plenty of restaurants and entertainment options. Community events also bring residents together throughout the year.
Two annual festivals are especially popular in Buffalo Grove. The Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival takes place in mid-July, followed by the multi-day Buffalo Grove Days festival in September. People of all ages can enjoy carnival games, rides, arts and crafts, food, and live music.
If you visit, don’t miss the opening parade and Saturday night fireworks.
- Population: 43,072
- Median Household Income: $129,395
- Median Property Value: $412,300
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 35-45 minutes
Des Plaines
Residents of Des Plaines take pride in the city’s inclusive culture, where different opinions are valued as the community continues to move forward through both good times and challenges. The city is named after the Des Plaines River which runs through the area just east of downtown.
Speaking of downtown area, it is one of the highlights of this Northwest suburb. With plenty of new development, the area offers beautiful condos, several grocery stores, many restaurants and ample parking, whether you want to enjoy downtown or hop on the Metra.
- Population: 58,772
- Median Household Income: $97,875
- Median Property Value: $335,600
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 22-28 minutes
Elk Grove Village
First settled in 1834, this Northwest suburb of Chicago was named after the native elk that once roamed the area. Elk Grove Village is unique because it has two distinct communities: business and residential. The two blend well together, creating a vibrant, affordable and safe place to live.
Many people choose to move here because of one of the lowest property tax rates in the area, supported by strong sales and commercial property tax revenue.
- Population: 31,885
- Median Household Income: $94,175
- Median Property Value: $347,100
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 26–35 minutes
Harwood Heights
Although this area has been inhabited since the 1700s, Harwood Heights was officially chartered in 1948. If you want to live in “Chicago” without technically living within the city, this is about as close as you can get. Together, Harwood Heights and Norridge form an enclave completely surrounded by Chicago.
While the population is small, the opportunities are not. Within this compact area, you’ll find industrial space, more than 20 restaurants, several shopping centers, new condos and plenty of residential streets.
- Population: 8,755
- Median Household Income: $81,086
- Median Property Value: $321,900
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 16–22 minutes
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates takes pride in creating a strong community that offers a high quality of life for its residents. Along with excellent restaurants and shopping, many people also move here for a closer connection to nature, as the village includes more than 4,000 acres of Cook County forest preserve.
Having a little more space can make the area feel farther from the big city, even though downtown is only about half an hour away. It offers the best of both worlds.
- Population: 50,858
- Median Household Income: $106,806
- Median Property Value: $351,900
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 30-40 minutes
Mount Prospect
This suburb has built a strong reputation, earning recognition in several “best places to live” rankings from popular publications such as Money Magazine. Ask a resident, and they will likely agree.
People in Mount Prospect enjoy a high quality of life, thanks to beautiful tree-lined streets, easy access to public transportation and excellent municipal services.
Stop by for a summer concert or block party and get to know the community. This welcoming suburb combines small-town charm with plenty of retail and professional businesses. It just might check all the boxes.
- Population: 55,395
- Median Household Income: $101,720
- Median Property Value: $397,400
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 28-35 minutes
Niles
I’ve heard that some really cool people live in Niles! People choose Niles for its low taxes, multicultural community and convenient location right along the Chicago border. The village also offers a good mix of older and newer businesses, giving residents of all ages plenty to enjoy.
One unique feature of the village is the Niles Free Bus, which runs seven days a week and stops at major shopping centers, public facilities and locations within a short distance of every residence. Not bad, right?
- Population: 30,443
- Median Household Income: $75,274
- Median Property Value: $358,700
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 18-24 minutes
Palatine
The population makes Palatine one of the larger communities in Illinois. So why do so many people choose to move to Palatine? Residents appreciate the reasonable home prices, wide range of retailers, growing businesses and perhaps most of all, the family-friendly atmosphere.
Children receive a high-quality education at local schools, while the whole family can enjoy the many opportunities offered by the Park District.
Palatine values its past while staying open-minded and focused on building a prosperous future.
- Population: 65,842
- Median Household Income: $97,819
- Median Property Value: $355,600
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 30-40 minutes
Prospect Heights
As one of Chicago’s smaller Northwest suburbs, Prospect Heights offers a small-town feel while still keeping residents close to the city and nearby larger suburbs. Many people enjoy the spacious lots, reasonably priced homes and plenty of outdoor space.
As one of the newer communities on this list, Prospect Heights continues to grow. The town offers newer multi-family homes along with a growing number of business opportunities.
- Population: 15,552
- Median Household Income: $85,008
- Median Property Value: $346,500
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 30-40 minutes
Schaumburg
The first thing that comes to mind when people hear “Schaumburg” is often Woodfield Mall. It is one of the largest malls in the country and if you enjoy shopping, it has plenty to offer. Woodfield is just one of many major businesses in Schaumburg which is one reason both residents and visitors enjoy the area.
If you’re looking for a strong community feel along with business opportunities, Schaumburg offers that too. Beyond shopping, jobs, restaurants and entertainment, you’ll also find a Farmers Market and other small-town features that add to the community.
- Population: 77,249
- Median Household Income: $97,514
- Median Property Value: $330,400
- Drive-Time to Downtown: Typically 30-40 minutes
That’s a wrap. When it comes to living in the Greater Chicago area, there are many more places to explore but these Northwest suburbs are a great place to start.
Chicago’s Northwest suburbs offer attractive homes, plenty of entertainment, great food, quality schools and easy access to the city. Use this list as a starting point and explore the areas that feel right for you.
Planning a Move to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs?
STI Moving & Storage is here to make your move easier from start to finish. As a Chicago-based moving company, we know the area and understand what it takes to plan a smooth relocation.
Ready to get moving? Call us today at 847-675-1223 or request a free quote online.
