For renters who want the best of both worlds—suburban comfort with easy access to city conveniences—Chicago’s outskirts offer a range of safe, affordable, and well-maintained neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Chicago suburbs for renting, giving you a glimpse of what awaits when you venture beyond the bustling city center.
The best Chicago suburbs for renting are:
Evanston
Evanston, located just north of Chicago, marks the beginning of the North Shore suburbs. While Northwestern University is its major claim to fame, this popular suburb has more to offer than just collegiate charm.
Evanston is known as one of Chicago’s best commuter towns. With shared access to public transportation, PACE bus routes for suburban commuters, multiple CTA L stations, Metra rail stops, and easy access to the Edens Expressway (I-94), you can pretty much get anywhere from Evanston. Not to mention, it’s also pedestrian-friendly, boasting an impressive WalkScore® of 84 and BikeScore ® of 90.
Renters will find a variety of rental types throughout Evanston. East of Ridge Ave, you’ll find large mansions, while west of it, there are dozens of more modest, single-family properties. If you’re looking for a multi-unit building, check out Downtown Evanston. There, you’ll find various condo and apartment options, all scattered throughout the area’s historic, bustling streets.
Along with various rental properties, Downtown Evanston also houses small businesses, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to several acclaimed entertainment venues, such as Northwestern University’s acclaimed theater program, the Piven Theatre, a large multiplex cinema, and distinctive venues like the Actors Gymnasium.
Naperville
Naperville is a commuter’s paradise. Thanks to its strategic location and access to a major train station, this once-quiet suburb is now a bustling area for Chicago commuters. Whether you work in the city or just visit for fun, Naperville is great for suburban living with easy city access. It’s right off I-88 and is 33 miles from Chicago’s downtown.
While many Naperville residents visit the city in their free time, others stay put to enjoy local offerings. Downtown Naperville features a mix of regionally renowned restaurants, charming local eateries, and upscale shops. The DuPage River runs through the heart of the city, where a picturesque riverwalk, developed in the 1980s, continues to be an attention-grabbing centerpiece for the community.
As far as rental properties go in Naperville, you’ll find a little bit of everything. The Downtown area offers a mix of newer and older buildings, ranging from American Foursquare homes to bungalows. And throughout its suburbs, you’ll similarly find many older homes built between the 1980s and 90s.
Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove is a quintessential bedroom community, meaning it’s mainly populated by Chicago commuters. That said, it’s widely known for its connectivity. The area has two Metra UP train stations and is conveniently located along Routes 22 and 83. Buffalo Grove is also only 15 miles north of the O’Hare International Airport.
Once farmland, Buffalo Grove’s streets are now composed of residential subdivisions. These neighborhoods boast homes that date back to the 1980s and 90s, with some later infill development in subsequent decades. Homes are predominantly spacious single-family residences, though there are also townhomes available, catering to a variety of lifestyles.
As far as local attractions go, Buffalo Grove is mainly known for its recreation. The area is home to its namesake golf course, as well as several parks like Willow Stream Park and the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve. But fear not if you’re not necessarily a nature lover, this suburb also boasts a handful of shopping attractions like the Buffalo Grove Town Center and The Clove.
Schaumburg
Schaumburg often gets dismissed as just another bland Midwestern suburb, but that unfairly overlooks its strong quality of life. The town boasts excellent transit options, proximity to major expressways, and a thriving retail scene anchored by a regional mall that caters to nearly every consumer need. It’s also part of the Golden Corridor, a stretch of towns characterized by strong economic growth and diverse industries.
The housing landscape in Schaumburg is dominated by single-family homes, with roots dating back to the 1960s when the first subdivisions were developed. Over the decades, waves of construction transformed former farmland into full-scale neighborhoods. Today, you’ll find everything from charming Mid-Century ranch homes to modern properties packed with upscale amenities.
A cornerstone of the community since 1971, Woodfield Mall remains a key attraction. This sprawling, regional shopping hub has grown over the years, adding major anchors and stores while maintaining an impressive occupancy rate. Adjacent to it is Busse Woods, a 3,500+ acre natural preserve with nearly 13 miles of paved trail, expansive fishing and boating waters, and more. Whether you’re a shopaholic, a nature lover, or a little bit of both, you’ll enjoy renting a home in Schaumburg.
Morton Grove
Morton Grove, an inner-ring suburb with roots in post-WWII development, offers a quiet, convenient lifestyle. Located just west of the Edens Expressway, this popular area provides easy access to major employment hubs and features a Metra Milwaukee District North line train stop for city commuters.
Morton Grove real estate primarily consists of post-war slab ranch homes, originally built to accommodate returning GIs and their families. However, in recent years, new construction has replaced some older properties, introducing greater variety and modern upgrades to the local housing landscape.
Though it may be small, Morton Grove offers no shortage of attractions and opportunities. The area is known for its amazing scenery, particularly Miami Woods, a 113-acre park known for its recreational offerings. There’s also Linne Woods, Harrer Park, and Oketo Park, if you’d like to take your explorations even further. Or, if you prefer indoor activities, check out the shops along Waukegan Road or the Golf Mill Shopping Center.
Oak Park
Oak Park, located just west of Chicago, is one of several suburban towns born from the expansion of the railway system. Sitting less than nine miles from the bustling Loop, this area is everything a renter could ever ask for: a suburban paradise just a stone’s throw away from city attractions.
While commended for its accessibility, Oak Park is most notably recognized for its history. The area is the former home of two iconic figures: Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway. While Hemingway left the area early in life, Wright made his mark by building his home and studio on Chicago Avenue. His influence is evident throughout Oak Park, which features numerous homes designed by Wright himself, as well as by architects inspired by his style. This legacy gives the town a unique charm, with organic, human-scale streetscapes that add to the area’s welcoming aura.
The historic downtown area is a treasure trove of vintage architecture, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple standing as a centerpiece. Surrounding it are Oak Park’s unique novelties, including specialty shops, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, and more. Oak Park’s thriving art scene is unmistakable, with murals, galleries, and creative groups woven into the fabric of the community. The annual Sculpture Walk, a signature event, embodies the town’s artistic spirit, bringing abstract creativity to life on every corner.
Vernon Hills
About 35 miles from Downtown Chicago, Vernon Hills offers a suburban escape for Windy City goers. Full of thick forests, winding lanes, and sprawling lakes, this area is a stark contrast to a concrete jungle. However, its convenient access to Route 60, Milwaukee Avenue, and I-94—just 10 minutes to the east—ensures easy connectivity to Chicago’s urban heart and other neighboring areas.
Housing in Vernon Hills predominantly consists of single-family homes, complemented by a selection of townhomes and low-rise multi-family residences built over the years. The community, developed largely on former farmland, features homes dating from the post-World War II era through the 1990s, offering a variety of architectural styles to suit different tastes.
The two things that define Vernon Hills are its parks and shopping destinations. Hawthorn Mall, constructed in the 1970s, is a famous shopping hub that attracts visitors from all over. Then, there are recreational attractions like Century Park, which sits in the heart of Vernon Hills and boasts fishing lakes, playgrounds, basketball courts, walking trails, and more.
Wilmette
Sitting along the North Shore suburbs, Wilmette is a charming town that hugs the coastline of Lake Michigan. Just 16 miles north of Downtown Chicago, this attractive lakefront community is a great place to settle down away from the city. However, given its convenient location, residents can easily travel back and forth between Wilmette and Chicago’s urban heart. Whether you’re traveling by car, bus, bike, or even boat, the commute is simple and stress-free.
Historically, Wilmette was once called Gross Point, with part of its land remaining unincorporated for a time, as neither Kenilworth nor the incorporated part of Wilmette wanted to claim it. The community was formally incorporated as the Village of Wilmette in 1982 and has been growing ever since. However, it still maintains odes to its historical roots, boasting tree-lined cobblestone streets, antique lighting systems, and stunning turn-of-the-century Victorian-style homes.
Wilmette offers plenty to see and do. From live performances at the Wilmette Theatre to shopping strips along 4th and Linden, there’s no shortage of entertainment. There are also plenty of recreational opportunities for residents, as Wilmette boasts 18 beautifully landscaped public parks to explore. Not to mention, you’ll enjoy stunning lakefront views from just about anywhere you go in Wilmette.
Explore Chicago Rentals on ForRent.com
The suburbs of northeastern Illinois all have unique characteristics and flavors that make them interesting places to live. During the decision-making process, consider the conveniences that each destination has to offer, its overall feeling, ease of access to employment options, entertainment, and recreation. These criteria will help find a place to live that easily meets the needs of daily life.If you need a bit more insight to make a sound decision, check out the resources here on ForRent.com. Our blog offers several informative articles to help you navigate the Chicago rental market. Plus, our user-friendly search tools make it easier to find a Chicago rental that fits your needs to a tee. Get started today on ForRent.com and find your perfect home in the Chicago suburbs.
