Illinois has some ideal places to raise a family, according to a new ranking.
Public schools, proximity to outdoor spaces, crime and safety and the percentage of other households with children — all these factors contribute when shopping for a family home. Taking those, and related features, into account, Niche has compiled a list of the best places in America to raise a family. And seven Chicago suburbs made the cut.
Long Grove nearly topped the coveted list, coming in at No. 2. With a population of 8,279, the Lake County suburb offers a comparatively rural feel and, as the study notes, 96% of residents own their own homes. Long Grove received an A-plus rating when it came to public schools and an A-rating in the categories of housing, outdoor activities and health and fitness. However, the area has a B-minus-rating for both diversity and commute.
Long Grove was followed directly on the list by Clarendon Hills at No. 3, Kildeer at No. 4, Hinsdale at No. 6, Riverwoods at No. 12, Naperville at No. 13 and Western Springs at No. 14. All seven locations received an overall A-plus rating on being “good for families.”
Overall, Illinois dominated the top 20 spots. The full list includes:
1. Chesterbrook, Penn.
2. Long Grove, Ill.
3. Clarendon Hills, Ill.
4. Kildeer, Ill.
5. Devon, Penn.
6. Hinsdale, Ill.
7. Kensington, N.Y.
8. Mountain Lakes, N.J.
9. Mariemont, Ohio
10. Penn Wynne, Penn.
11. Carmel, Ind.
12. Riverwoods, Ill.
13. Naperville, Ill.
14. Western Springs, Ill.
15. Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.
16. Syosset, N.Y.
17. Scarsdale, N.Y.
18. Ardmore, Penn.
19. Haworth, N.J.
20. Harrington Park, N.J.
Why is diversity even a criteria? Let people live where they want to live without outside bias.