The best places to live in Illinois in 2026 include Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Aurora, Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, Bloomington, Joliet, and Geneva.
Chicago is our best overall choice for jobs, transportation, culture, and housing variety. Naperville is better suited to buyers looking for a premium suburban lifestyle, while Peoria and Springfield offer significantly lower home prices. For people who need access to the Chicago job market without paying Naperville or Geneva prices, Aurora and Joliet are worth considering.
Housing costs vary dramatically across Illinois. Current median listing prices range from about $137,400 in Peoria to more than $650,000 in Naperville.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago is our best overall place to live in Illinois for jobs, transit, entertainment, and urban amenities.
- Naperville is a strong suburban choice, but its median listing price is now above $650,000.
- Peoria and Springfield offer the lowest typical asking prices among our top 10.
- Aurora and Joliet provide more attainable alternatives for buyers who still want access to the Chicago metro.
- Illinois is close to the national average overall for cost of living, but costs vary substantially by region.
- Property taxes are an important expense for Illinois homeowners and should be included when comparing affordability.
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Best Places to Live in IL
- Key Takeaways
- Why Illinois Is One of the Best States to Live In
- Key Factors to Consider Before Moving to Illinois
- 10 Best Places to Live in Illinois
- 1. Chicago: Best Overall
- 2. Naperville: Best for Suburban Living
- 3. Evanston: Best for Lakefront and University Living
- 4. Aurora: Best Chicago-Area Value
- 5. Springfield: Best for Affordable Capital-City Living
- 6. Champaign: Best College Town
- 7. Peoria: Best for Affordability
- 8. Bloomington: Best for Balanced Mid-Sized City Living
- 9. Joliet: Best for Commuters on a Budget
- 10. Geneva: Best for Small-City Charm Near Chicago
- Cost of Living in Illinois: What to Expect
- Best Places to Live in Illinois by Lifestyle
- Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
- How to Choose the Best Place to Live in Illinois
- Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live in Illinois
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Illinois Is One of the Best States to Live In
Illinois offers a wider range of lifestyles than its Chicago-centered reputation suggests.
Chicago provides one of the country’s largest employment markets, extensive public transportation, major universities, healthcare systems, restaurants, professional sports, entertainment, and Lake Michigan access.
Outside the city, established suburbs such as Naperville, Evanston, Aurora, Joliet, and Geneva provide varying combinations of Chicago access and suburban living.
Central Illinois offers a very different cost structure. Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Bloomington have substantially lower home prices than premium Chicago suburbs while maintaining their own employment bases.
Illinois also has a diverse economy. Major industries include finance, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, professional services, technology, education, insurance, and government.
Transportation is another advantage. O’Hare is one of the country’s largest airports, while Midway, Amtrak, Metra, major interstate highways, freight rail, and public transit connect communities throughout the state and region.
The main tradeoffs are property taxes, winter weather, and the large economic differences between regions.
Key Factors to Consider Before Moving to Illinois
Housing Costs
Illinois has a statewide median listing price of approximately $327,000, according to the current Illinois housing market.
That figure doesn’t tell the full story.
Naperville’s median listing price is approximately $653,125, while Geneva is around $650,000. Chicago is approximately $383,375.
Move farther from premium Chicago-area markets and prices can fall dramatically. Springfield’s median listing price is approximately $179,900, while Peoria is around $137,400.
Buyers should also account for transaction expenses. Our guide to closing costs in Illinois explains the fees commonly involved when buying or selling a property.
Property Taxes
Property taxes deserve particular attention in Illinois.
Current Illinois tax data from Tax Foundation reports an effective property-tax rate of approximately 1.88% on owner-occupied housing value.
Illinois also has a 4.95% individual income-tax rate and a 6.25% state sales-tax rate.
Actual property-tax bills vary by municipality, assessed value, exemptions, and local taxing districts, so compare specific properties rather than relying only on statewide averages.
Job Market
Illinois’ statewide unemployment rate was 4.9% in July 2026, according to current Illinois employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job opportunities differ considerably by region.
Chicago has the state’s broadest employment base. Springfield is particularly important for government and healthcare. Champaign benefits from the University of Illinois and its research ecosystem, while Bloomington-Normal has insurance, education, manufacturing, and business services.
Peoria remains an important healthcare and manufacturing center.
Transportation and Commuting
Transportation is particularly important if you’re considering the Chicago metropolitan area.
Evanston has CTA and Metra access, while Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, and Geneva have commuter-rail connections.
However, living near a station doesn’t automatically mean an easy commute. Compare actual travel times, station parking, fares, tolls, and the distance from your home to work.
10 Best Places to Live in Illinois
| City | Best For | Median Listing Price | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Best overall | $383,375 | Costs vary widely by neighborhood |
| Naperville | Suburban living | $653,125 | High housing costs |
| Evanston | Lakefront + university lifestyle | $468,625 | Expensive compared with downstate Illinois |
| Aurora | Chicago-area value | $422,000 | Prices have increased |
| Springfield | Affordable capital-city living | $179,900 | Smaller employment market |
| Champaign | College-town living | $317,450 | University shapes much of the economy |
| Peoria | Affordability | $137,400 | Smaller job market |
| Bloomington | Balanced mid-sized living | $329,925 | Fewer big-city amenities |
| Joliet | Commuter value | $320,000 | Longer Chicago commute |
| Geneva | Small-city charm near Chicago | $650,000 | Premium housing prices |
Prices are approximate 2026 median listing prices. Listing prices represent asking prices rather than completed sale prices and change over time.
1. Chicago: Best Overall
Best for: Careers, young professionals, transit, culture, and entertainment
Chicago is our best overall choice because no other Illinois city matches its combination of employment, transportation, culture, healthcare, universities, restaurants, entertainment, and housing variety.
The city’s economy includes finance, technology, healthcare, transportation and logistics, education, professional services, manufacturing, hospitality, and many other industries.
Residents also have access to CTA rail and buses, Metra, Lake Michigan beaches and trails, museums, professional sports, restaurants, and extensive neighborhood amenities.
The citywide median listing price is approximately $383,375.
However, Chicago should not be treated as one housing market. Prices, property taxes, parking costs, commute times, and housing types can vary dramatically between neighborhoods.
Chicago is best for people who value employment and urban amenities more than a traditional suburban environment.
2. Naperville: Best for Suburban Living
Best for: Buyers seeking a premium Chicago suburb
Naperville combines suburban neighborhoods with a substantial downtown, parks, restaurants, shopping, Metra access, and proximity to the broader Chicago employment market.
Its combination of suburban housing and urban-style amenities has also earned national recognition. Naperville currently appears prominently in iBuyer’s guide to the best places to live in the US.
Housing is the main drawback.
The current median listing price is approximately $653,125, making Naperville the most expensive location on this list by a narrow margin.
Property taxes can add substantially to ownership costs as well.
Naperville makes the most sense for households with larger budgets that specifically want suburban living while retaining Chicago-area access.
3. Evanston: Best for Lakefront and University Living
Best for: Academics, professionals, and people wanting Chicago access
Evanston offers a distinctive combination of university-town amenities, Lake Michigan access, and proximity to Chicago.
Northwestern University is a major economic and cultural presence, while the city has restaurants, shops, beaches, parks, and walkable commercial areas.
CTA and Metra service make Evanston particularly attractive to people who need regular Chicago access but prefer a smaller city environment.
The median listing price is approximately $468,625.
That’s considerably more than Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington, or Joliet, but below current Naperville and Geneva medians.
Evanston works best for buyers who value lakefront access, transit, university amenities, and proximity to Chicago.
4. Aurora: Best Chicago-Area Value
Best for: Buyers wanting Chicago metro access without Naperville prices
Aurora provides a more attainable alternative to several premium western Chicago suburbs.
The current median listing price is approximately $422,000, roughly $230,000 below Naperville’s current median.
Aurora has Metra service, access to major highways, shopping, parks, employment, and a broad selection of neighborhoods and housing types.
Its location also provides access to employment throughout the western suburbs.
The tradeoff is that Aurora itself is no longer an inexpensive housing market. Current prices have moved beyond the older $280,000 to $400,000 range often associated with the city.
Aurora should therefore be viewed as relative Chicago-area value, not low-cost Illinois housing.
5. Springfield: Best for Affordable Capital-City Living
Best for: Government employees, healthcare professionals, and budget-conscious buyers
Springfield combines one of the lowest housing costs on this list with the employment stability associated with being the state capital.
State government is a major employer, while healthcare and regional services contribute substantially to the local economy.
Springfield also has significant historical attractions associated with Abraham Lincoln and offers the amenities of a regional center without Chicago-area housing prices.
The current median listing price is approximately $179,900.
That’s less than half Chicago’s current median and dramatically below Naperville or Geneva.
The main tradeoff is scale. Springfield has fewer major employers, entertainment options, and transportation choices than Chicago.
For buyers who don’t need Chicago access, however, Springfield provides a compelling affordability option.
6. Champaign: Best College Town
Best for: University employees, researchers, students, and young professionals
Champaign is closely connected with neighboring Urbana and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The university supports education, research, technology, healthcare, and related employment, while the area’s restaurants, entertainment, and cultural activities create a classic college-town environment.
The current median listing price is approximately $317,450, slightly below the statewide median.
That makes Champaign considerably more attainable than premium Chicago suburbs while still providing a substantial employment and amenity base.
The tradeoff is economic specialization. The university and related industries play an unusually large role in the regional economy.
For academics, researchers, students, and professionals whose careers fit the local economy, Champaign can offer an attractive combination of affordability and amenities.
7. Peoria: Best for Affordability
Best for: Budget-conscious homebuyers
Peoria has the lowest current median listing price among our top 10.
At approximately $137,400, its typical asking price is less than a quarter of Naperville’s.
Peoria remains an important regional center for healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and other industries. Residents also have access to Illinois River recreation, parks, restaurants, and cultural amenities.
The lower purchase price can make homeownership more attainable, although buyers should still account for Illinois property taxes and the condition of individual properties.
The main drawback is employment scale.
Peoria doesn’t offer the job diversity of Chicago, and people in highly specialized industries should investigate local opportunities before moving.
For buyers prioritizing purchase price, Peoria is one of the strongest options in Illinois.
8. Bloomington: Best for Balanced Mid-Sized City Living
Best for: Insurance professionals and people seeking a mid-sized city
Bloomington and neighboring Normal function as a connected economic region.
The area has strong ties to insurance, education, healthcare, business services, and manufacturing. Illinois State University is located in Normal, while Bloomington has major corporate and regional employers.
The current Bloomington median listing price is approximately $329,925.
That puts housing close to the statewide median while remaining well below Naperville, Geneva, and Evanston.
Bloomington’s appeal is balance. It has enough employment and amenities to function as a regional center without the scale, traffic, or housing costs associated with Chicago.
The tradeoff is fewer major-city entertainment, transit, and career options.
9. Joliet: Best for Commuters on a Budget
Best for: Buyers seeking more attainable Chicago-area housing
Joliet combines a current median listing price of approximately $320,000 with access to the broader Chicago employment region.
Transportation is one of its biggest advantages. Residents have Metra service plus access to I-55 and I-80.
The local and regional economy also includes logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and other services.
Compared with Naperville, Geneva, Evanston, and Aurora, Joliet offers a lower typical asking price.
The tradeoff is commuting distance.
People traveling regularly to downtown Chicago or northern suburbs should calculate the actual commute before choosing Joliet based solely on housing cost.
10. Geneva: Best for Small-City Charm Near Chicago
Best for: Buyers wanting a walkable suburban center and Chicago access
Geneva combines a smaller-city environment with access to the Chicago metropolitan economy.
Its downtown has restaurants, shops, historic architecture, and access to the Fox River. Metra service provides another connection to Chicago.
This lifestyle comes at a premium.
The current median listing price is approximately $650,000, almost identical to Naperville’s current median.
That means Geneva should not be positioned as an affordable Chicago suburb.
Instead, it works best for buyers with larger budgets who specifically value its downtown, Fox River setting, smaller-city character, and commuter access.
Cost of Living in Illinois: What to Expect
Illinois is close to the national average overall for cost of living, but regional differences are substantial.
Housing demonstrates that most clearly:
| City | Approx. Median Listing Price |
|---|---|
| Naperville | $653,125 |
| Geneva | $650,000 |
| Evanston | $468,625 |
| Aurora | $422,000 |
| Chicago | $383,375 |
| Bloomington | $329,925 |
| Joliet | $320,000 |
| Champaign | $317,450 |
| Springfield | $179,900 |
| Peoria | $137,400 |
The statewide median listing price is approximately $327,000.
Property taxes can significantly change the affordability calculation. Illinois’ effective property-tax rate on owner-occupied housing value is approximately 1.88%, although actual bills vary locally.
Transportation expenses also depend on where you live.
Chicago residents may pay for transit, parking, or car ownership. Suburban commuters may need to budget for Metra, station parking, tolls, and fuel. Downstate households generally rely more heavily on cars.
Homebuyers should also budget for due diligence. A typical home inspection in Illinois costs roughly $300 to $600, depending on the property and inspection scope.
Financed buyers will generally need a valuation as well. Current home appraisal costs in Illinois are typically several hundred dollars, with larger or more complex properties costing more.
The important point is to compare total monthly ownership costs, not just listing prices.
Best Places to Live in Illinois by Lifestyle
| Priority | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Chicago |
| Suburban lifestyle | Naperville, Geneva |
| Chicago access at lower prices | Aurora, Joliet |
| More affordable homeownership | Peoria, Springfield |
| College-town lifestyle | Champaign |
| University + lakefront | Evanston |
| Young professionals | Chicago, Champaign, Evanston |
| Government careers | Springfield |
| Balanced mid-sized living | Bloomington |
| Premium suburban living | Naperville, Geneva |
The biggest decision is often whether you need regular access to Chicago.
If you do, Evanston, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, and Geneva offer different combinations of price, commute, and suburban lifestyle.
If Chicago access isn’t important, Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Bloomington generally provide more housing for the money.
Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
Pros
- Large and diverse employment base
- Major universities and healthcare systems
- Extensive transportation infrastructure
- Chicago’s international connectivity
- Public transportation in the Chicago area
- Wide range of housing prices
- Affordable mid-sized cities
- Lake Michigan and extensive park access
Cons
- Relatively high property taxes
- Cold winters
- Hot and humid summers
- Chicago-area traffic and commuting costs
- Premium suburbs can be expensive
- Economic conditions vary considerably by region
- State unemployment is currently above the national rate
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in Illinois
Start with your housing budget.
Buyers with larger budgets can consider Naperville, Geneva, and Evanston. Chicago and Aurora sit in the middle of this top-10 comparison, while Springfield and Peoria provide much lower typical purchase prices.
Next, decide how important Chicago is.
Evanston offers the closest integration with the city. Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, and Geneva provide suburban alternatives with commuter-rail access.
If Chicago isn’t important to your work or lifestyle, downstate cities can offer significantly better housing value.
Career also matters.
Chicago has the state’s broadest employment base. Springfield stands out for government and healthcare. Champaign has education, research, and technology. Bloomington-Normal is important for insurance and education, while Peoria has healthcare and manufacturing.
Finally, calculate the complete housing cost.
Include your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, HOA fees, transportation, parking, tolls, and maintenance.
Illinois’ relatively high property-tax burden means a lower purchase price doesn’t always translate directly into a low monthly payment.
If you currently own a home and are relocating, the best time to sell a house in Illinois can also affect your timing. Sellers should account for transaction expenses such as realtor fees in Illinois and other seller costs when estimating net proceeds.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live in Illinois
The best place to live in Illinois depends heavily on your housing budget, career, commute, and preferred lifestyle.
Chicago provides the strongest overall combination of employment, transportation, and amenities. Naperville is better suited to buyers seeking a premium suburban environment, while Evanston combines university and lakefront living with direct Chicago access.
For buyers seeking more attainable Chicago-area housing, Aurora and Joliet deserve consideration. Those who don’t need regular Chicago access can find dramatically lower home prices in Springfield and Peoria.
Champaign stands out for university and research opportunities, Bloomington provides a balanced mid-sized environment, and Geneva offers smaller-city character with Chicago-area access.
Illinois isn’t one housing market. Compare the complete cost of owning a home, including purchase price, property taxes, insurance, transportation, and maintenance, before deciding where to move.
Homeowners planning to relocate can also compare cash home buyers in Illinois when evaluating their selling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago is our best overall choice because it offers Illinois’ largest employment market, extensive public transportation, healthcare, universities, restaurants, entertainment, and a wide variety of neighborhoods and housing options.
Peoria is the most affordable of our top 10 based on current median asking prices. Its median listing price is approximately $137,400, followed by Springfield at approximately $179,900.
Chicago is a strong choice for people who prioritize employment, public transportation, restaurants, culture, healthcare, universities, and urban amenities. Housing costs and lifestyles vary considerably between neighborhoods.
Naperville is a strong option for buyers seeking a premium suburban lifestyle with a walkable downtown, parks, restaurants, Metra access, and proximity to Chicago-area employment. Its current median listing price is approximately $653,125.
Naperville, Evanston, Aurora, Joliet, and Geneva are worth considering depending on budget and commute. Naperville and Geneva offer premium suburban environments, while Aurora and Joliet generally provide lower median listing prices.
Naperville, Geneva, Aurora, and several Chicago-area communities are worth considering for households seeking suburban living. The right choice depends on housing budget, commute, amenities, and the specific schools and services important to the household.
Chicago is the strongest overall choice for young professionals because of its large employment market, transit, restaurants, entertainment, and housing variety. Champaign and Evanston can also appeal to professionals connected to universities, research, healthcare, or technology.
Springfield, Peoria, and Bloomington can appeal to retirees seeking lower housing prices and mid-sized city amenities. Healthcare access, property taxes, winter weather, and proximity to family should also factor into the decision.
Illinois is close to the national average overall for cost of living, but expenses vary sharply by region. Premium Chicago suburbs can be expensive, while Peoria and Springfield offer much lower typical home prices.
Illinois has a relatively high property-tax burden. Tax Foundation reports an effective property-tax rate of approximately 1.88% on owner-occupied housing value, although actual bills vary by municipality, property value, exemptions, and local taxing districts.
It can be if Illinois’ employment opportunities, universities, healthcare, transportation, housing choices, and lifestyle fit your priorities. Compare housing costs, property taxes, employment, commuting, and climate before choosing a location.
Reilly Dzurick is a licensed real estate agent with over six years of experience and a member of the iBuyer.com Market Insights Team, covering national trends in home selling and the evolving iBuyer landscape. Her firsthand experience working with buyers and sellers gives her a practical perspective on how these platforms impact real homeowners. She holds a degree in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
