Americans love Illinois—and why wouldn’t you? Situated in the heart of the Midwest, it combines natural beauty, calming suburbs, and bustling cities. With the 5th largest GDP and a median home price of $282,000, Illinois attracts people from all walks of life.
It offers an excellent quality of life, scoring 80/100, and ranks as the 4th best place to live in the U.S. In 2024, 68,000 people moved here, drawn by an affordable lifestyle, superior healthcare, and close-knit communities.
Whether it’s Chicago’s cultural charm, Peoria’s tranquility, or promising career opportunities, the Prairie State has something for everyone. Here’s our selection of the best places to live in Illinois:
Top 5 Cities to Live in Illinois
Here are the 5 best places to live in Illinois, where each offers unique advantages for families, professionals, and retirees alike:
1. Chicago
| Median Home Value | Median Rent | Cost of Living |
| $347,200 | $1,395 | 14% higher corresponded to the national level. |
Chicago is renowned for its towering skyline, arts community, and chilly winters. Trade and transport, government services, and healthcare are key local industries. Combined, they have helped keep unemployment at a moderate 6.3%.
Home to the Northern University, University of Chicago and several others, this city is ideal if you intend to pursue academia. You could also visit the Navy Pier for live music, theater, and dance. The Millennium Park is another popular civic center located by Lake Michigan.
2. Naperville
| Median Home Value | Median Rent | Cost of Living |
| $485,249 | $2020 | 35% higher compared to the national average. |
One of the safest municipalities in Illinois, Naperville is 83% safer than other US cities. Residents also earn a median $150,937 annually, which is almost double the US average. Coupled with quiet neighborhoods, Naperville offers a high quality of life.
Naperville’s District 203 also ranks among the top 50 US school districts, which makes it ideal for families. For recreation, you could visit downtown for a quick wine and dine or watch a dramatic sunset on the Riverwalk.
3. Springfield
| Median Home Value | Median rent | Cost of living |
| $155,527 | $981 | 9% lower compared to the national average |
Springfield, the capital of Illinois, is highly active in the arts and culture scene. The popular Route 66 Film Festival is held annually and exhibits all the films based on the historic Route 66. Besides, Lincoln’s Tomb on Monument Avenue is another popular attraction for residents and visitors alike.
It also has a robust healthcare system, which makes it a great place for retirees and seniors. Reputed local hospitals include the Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s. Additionally, the State is the largest local employer followed by the Memorial Health System.
4. Evanston
| Median Home Value | Median rent | Cost of living |
| $474,742 | $1686 | 33% higher than the national average |
Located north of Chicago, Evanston is home to the prestigious Northwestern University. This has made it a hub for innovation, research, and education. The university is also a key local employer, alongside the NorthShore University HealthSystem.
An 11.5% drop in the median home price over the past year makes it an attractive location for young professionals and academics alike. Besides, its location by Lake Michigan and proximity to Chicago makes it one of the best places to live in Illinois. Evanston also has several lakefront homes that you can explore on real estate websites like Houzeo.
5. Elgin
| Median Home Value | Median rent | Cost of living |
| $247,178 | $1388 | 1% lower than the national average |
Elgin is located just outside Chicago and offers cheap housing alongside urban recreation like golf courses, outdoor pools and an aquatic park. It has an attractive real estate market as home prices have remained much lower than the US median, even after a 7% hike YoY.
Additionally, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing are the mainstays of the local economy. With a moderate 5% unemployment rate, jobs are also not difficult to come by. These factors combined make it an excellent choice for families seeking affordable homes for sale in Elgin, IL.
How Do I Choose a Place to Live in Illinois?
Consider factors like housing costs, cost of living, job opportunities, and the quality of life in each city when looking for the best places to live in Illinois. Springfield offers cheap housing, while cities like Naperville come with expensive homes but a higher median income.
Research each area’s amenities, safety, and employment rates to find what fits you best. Also, factor in the local climate, healthcare, and education systems. Plan your long-term goals, and choose a city accordingly. You’ll be all set!
