Clarendon Hills Named Best Suburb to Raise a Family

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The western Chicago suburb of Clarendon Hills has been named the best suburb to raise a family in the United States for the third consecutive year, according to a new national report. The small community of just over 8,600 residents offers top-rated schools, low crime rates, and a welcoming, tight-knit atmosphere, all within an easy commute to Chicago.

Why it matters

While some parts of Illinois have seen population decline, Clarendon Hills and other Chicago-area suburbs are thriving, building communities where families want to put down roots. This contrast highlights how certain pockets of the state continue to offer an appealing quality of life, even as the state grapples with broader outbound migration trends.

The details

Niche.com's annual rankings evaluate communities based on factors that matter most to families, including public schools, safety, affordability, and access to amenities. In Clarendon Hills, these boxes are not just checked, but highlighted. The suburb's schools earn top marks, crime rates are low, and the community has a reputation for being both welcoming and tight-knit. With a population of just over 8,600, Clarendon Hills manages to strike a balance between a small-town feel and big-city access, located about 23 miles from Chicago.

• Clarendon Hills has been named the best suburb to raise a family for the third consecutive year in 2026.