Chicago is a vibrant, sprawling city, but you don’t have to live within the city limits to work there and enjoy Chicagoland’s urban vibes. Check out these five suburbs that are perfect for anyone looking to live near the Windy City. 

Berwyn

Berwyn Metra Station to Chicago / Photo by David Wilson / CC BY

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Berwyn is less than 10 miles outside of the Loop, making it easy to get to the heart of the city. The town has its own Metra station and easy access to the 290 expressway. The city also has a refreshing variety of home styles. You can find Victorian, Art Deco, modern, Prairie School, and others in Berwyn. The median price of home is $179,600, according to Sperling’s Best Places, making it a more affordable option than Chicago. 

Plus, Berwyn doesn’t fit the sleepy suburban stereotype. The city has plenty of places to eat and a variety of things to do. Grab Italian ice at Gina’s, or stop by Mission House Café for a sweet or savory breakfast. You can also have a few drinks and catch live music (anything from jazz to country) at FitzGerald’s Nightclub. 

Evanston

Aerial of Evanston, IL / Shutterstock

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Evanston is just about as close to Chicago you can get without actually being in the city. The northern suburb is just 12 miles outside the city center. You can take the CTA’s Purple Line for your commute, or you can hop on 1-94 if you’re driving. In Evanston, you’ll find a balanced blend of quiet, tree-lined streets and busier urban areas. The median home price in this suburb varies depending on the neighborhood. You’ll find a median sale price of $280,500 in the Sienna neighborhood, and a median sale price of $445,000 at Sherman Plaza. 

During the summer, you can hit any of the five beaches in Evanston. Sun yourself on the sand, swim in the water, or try out kayaking. The city also has an impressive arts and culture scene, largely thanks to Northwestern University. Check out the Evanston Arts Center, gaze through the telescope at Dearborn Observatory, or visit the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art. 

Forest Park

Madison Street in Forest Park / Photo by Dennisyerger84 / CC BY-SA

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Forest Park is west of the city. Commuters can take the CTA Blue Line directly into the city, or drive in on 290 East. Forest Park has plenty of reasonably priced, residential spots to call home. For example, the Residences at the Grove community has a median sale price of $292,500. Also, according to Sperling’s Best Places, the suburb’s median home price is $185,800. 

Madison Street is the main thoroughfare in Forest Park, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find plenty of places to shop and eat along this central street. Forest Park gems include The Old School Records, which just goes to show you don’t need to be in Chicago to find great vinyl, and Blue Max Coffee, which beats a Starbucks on every corner any day. 

Skokie

Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie / Photo by Eddau / CC0

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Many of the same streets that run through Chicago run through Skokie, which make this suburb seem like a natural extension of the city. The village is also served by the CTA’s Yellow, Red, and Purple lines. For car owners, easy access to 1-94 makes your commute a cinch. The median home price in Skokie is $259,200, according to Sperling’s Best Places, but with over 50 neighborhoods in this suburb, you’ll find a range of prices. For example, the median sale price in Lincoln Ridge is $251,000, while the median sale price in Fairview is $354,000. Plus, the village scores pretty high on walkability, so you can stroll around town without worrying about the hassle of parking. 

Quite a lot of new development is taking place in Skokie’s downtown. You can expect to see new townhomes and a lot of retail space coming soon. Plus, the village approved plans for a new video gaming lounge and new sports fields. Other attractions include the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and Emily Oaks Nature Center. 

Wilmette

Aerial of Wilmette and Bahai House of Worship / Shutterstock

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The Metra railway in Wilmette will take you directly to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the Loop within about half an hour. The drive might take you longer with traffic, but easy access to Lake Shore Drive and 1-94 offer a direct route into the city. Wilmette is an affluent northern suburb of Chicago with a median household income of $138,651, according to Data USA, and the village just landed on a list of top 10 places to live in Illinois.

Wilmette scores some extra points for the unique nature of its attractions. Visit the Bahá’í House of Worship, a beautiful white temple complete with gardens. And if you want to spend time outdoors, you’ll be a regular at Gillson Park with its 60 acres of lakefront land. The park has a beach (one for people and one for dogs), sailboat rentals, tennis courts, an ice rink, picnic areas, and more for you to explore.

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