The Best Western Suburbs of Chicago to Raise a Family In

If you're a growing family thinking about trading the hustle of downtown Chicago for more space, stronger schools, and a community-focused lifestyle, you're not alone. The western suburbs have become a magnet for parents looking for a healthy blend of safety, convenience, and opportunity. Here are four standout suburbs—Elmhurst, Naperville, Downers Grove, and Wheaton—that consistently rank among the best places to raise a family in Chicagoland.

1. Elmhurst: Small-Town Charm with Big-City Access

Top Schools:
Elmhurst is part of District 205, which includes highly rated schools like York Community High School and Hawthorne Elementary. The district consistently earns strong marks for academic achievement and teacher quality.

Parks & Recreation:
Families love Eldridge Park and Berens Park, both offering playgrounds, trails, sports fields, and seasonal splash pads. The Elmhurst Park District also hosts numerous family events year-round.

Crime & Safety:
Elmhurst boasts one of the lower crime rates in DuPage County. According to recent stats, both violent and property crime remain well below national averages.

Walkability & Amenities:
Downtown Elmhurst is extremely walkable and packed with local boutiques, family-friendly restaurants, and coffee shops. The Metra station makes commuting into the city a breeze.

Bonus Perk:
The Elmhurst Public Library is award-winning and offers stellar programs for kids, teens, and parents alike.

2. Naperville: The Gold Standard for Suburban Living

Top Schools:
Ranked among the top school systems in Illinois, Naperville CUSD 203 and Indian Prairie 204 serve this area. Schools like Naperville Central and Neuqua Valley are perennial top performers.

Parks & Recreation:
Naperville is home to over 130 parks, including the scenic Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, and Knoch Knolls Nature Center. The Naperville Park District provides robust youth sports, camps, and community classes.

Crime & Safety:
Naperville consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the U.S. for its size. It's a model of well-resourced community policing and low crime rates.

Walkability & Amenities:
While sprawling, Naperville’s downtown is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Families love the mix of independent toy stores, ice cream shops, and outdoor patios. Plus, it's stroller-friendly.

Bonus Perk:
Naperville's library system is often ranked #1 in the country for its size, and it's a hit with families.

3. Downers Grove: A Hidden Gem with Heart

Top Schools:
Downers Grove is part of District 58 and Community High School District 99. Downers Grove North and South High Schools are both highly rated, with strong extracurriculars and college prep programs.

Parks & Recreation:
The town features over 600 acres of parkland, with favorites like McCollum Park and Lyman Woods. The Downers Grove Park District also offers affordable, high-quality programming for kids of all ages.

Crime & Safety:
This suburb has a solid reputation for safety, with crime rates well below national and state averages.

Walkability & Amenities:
Downtown Downers Grove is quaint and walkable, with a great farmers market, family-owned businesses, and a historic movie theater. Plus, the Metra station connects easily to downtown Chicago.

Bonus Perk:
The Tivoli Theatre is a local icon—catch a $5 kids’ movie and enjoy an old-school experience with popcorn and charm.

4. Wheaton: A Tight-Knit Community with Strong Values

Top Schools:
District 200 serves Wheaton and includes Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South High Schools—both known for academic rigor and outstanding music, arts, and athletic programs.

Parks & Recreation:
Wheaton Park District manages over 50 parks, including Cantigny Park, which features museums, gardens, and tanks kids can climb on. Don’t miss Northside Park with its pool, lake, and trails.

Crime & Safety:
Wheaton remains a safe, low-crime suburb, particularly attractive for its quiet residential neighborhoods and active neighborhood watch programs.

Walkability & Amenities:
Downtown Wheaton is friendly and easy to navigate. The area is home to local bakeries, bookstores, and one of the best French cafés in the region (Suzette's Crêperie).

Bonus Perk:
Wheaton has a strong faith-based and civic community, making it a supportive environment for families looking for connection and involvement.

Final Thoughts

Each of these suburbs offers something slightly different—whether it's Naperville's national prestige, Elmhurst's blend of tradition and modernity, Downers Grove's cozy downtown, or Wheaton’s community-centered vibe. But what they all have in common is a commitment to family life, excellent schools, and a safe, welcoming environment.

📍 Thinking of moving? These communities are more than just commuter towns—they're places where families grow roots and kids thrive.