10 Safest Suburbs & Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago in 2025

Undoubtedly, Chicago is one of the most popular cities to live in — whether you’re a young professional jumping off your career, you're looking for the perfect place to raise a family, or you’re simply wanting to live in a city that has it all. No matter why you’re moving to Chicago, you’ve made an excellent choice! And plenty of the other more than 2.7 million residents (and growing!) in the city would agree. But, yes, unfortunately Chicago does get a bad rap when it comes to crime. And although you’re excited about the upcoming move, you’re also probably wondering about the safest neighborhoods in Chicago or the best Chicago suburbs. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. 

What’s It Like To Live in Chicago (And Is Chicago Safe)?

Chicago is well known for its bustling city life, laid-back suburbs, and that unforgettable midwestern friendliness that you just don’t get in other large cities. When you live in the Chicago area, you have access to one of the largest public transportation networks in the nation, world-class cultural events, a thriving sports scene, and all the different kinds of food you could ever hope to try! The city is easily navigable, thanks to its grid system, and you’ll find that many of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago are also walkable. 

And even though you’re in a concrete city with some of the tallest skyscrapers around (Chicago invented these iconic buildings!), you’ll find that there is a surprising amount of green space as you get to know the ins and outs of the nation’s third-largest city. There certainly is a lot going for — and going on in — the Windy City.

One of the first things to consider when you’re relocating to a new place — in addition to the best way to move your stuff — is the safety of your new neighborhood. Chances are, you’ve seen news stories or read some of the statistics when it comes to crime levels in Chicago. But don’t be discouraged. Much of the Windy City’s crime is concentrated in certain areas. To ease your mind as you plan your move, we’ve come up with a list of the safest places to live in Chicago, so you can rest assured that you’re making the best decision for your situation.

Is Chicago safe? While the city’s violent crime statistics might make you think that Chicago isn’t safe, it’s actually safer than some other major cities.

How Safe Is Chicago?

While crime statistics are a crucial factor to consider when you’re moving, it’s also important to realize there are a lot of variables that contribute to a city’s crime rate. In Chicago, the stats have a lot to do with historical political corruption, policy decisions, and widespread poverty. And while the violent crime rates might seem alarming, the city is, in fact, experiencing a dramatic drop in crime: Homicides in February 2025 dropped 35 percent compared with February 2024, and almost half (49 percent) compared with February 2023. And shootings have decreased by 25 percent year-to-date compared with 2024. According to FBI data, Chicago doesn’t even make the top 25 most dangerous cities in 2024–2025. 

Regardless of stats, however, the chance of being a victim of random crime is sadly present in any U.S. city — and that includes Chicago. But the risk can increase or decrease depending on your circumstances and where you are in the city. Personal awareness and due diligence are always important when you’re traveling, visiting, or moving to a new city. 

Safest Chicago Suburbs

While the city of Chicago is divided up into 77 community areas, everything outside those designated zones is considered a suburb. There are plenty of safe Chicago suburbs going in all directions outside of the city, but we’re highlighting just a few here that are worth looking into. Here are our top five choices for the best suburbs of Chicago.

Clarendon Hills is considered one of the best places in the country to raise a family — and one of the safest Chicago suburbs.
(Source: atproperties via Facebook)

1. Clarendon Hills, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $632,600
• Great for: Families, coffee shops, parks, public schools, community events

Ranked as the No. 2 best place to live in Illinois by Niche, Clarendon Hills is a terrific option for young professionals and community-focused people. Among other accolades, it’s also No. 6 on the list of best suburbs in America to raise a family, which makes sense, considering its public schools have an A+ grade on Niche — and the suburb has an A+ rating overall. Clarendon Hills is also known for its fun community celebrations, including the annual Daisy Days in the summer and several Halloween-themed events.

Located about 20 miles west of the city, Clarendon Hills was incorporated in the 1920s and is home to about 8,700 people. It has a dense suburban vibe, and most residents (84 percent) own their homes, which don’t come at a low price — the average home value is almost $633,000. Locals say it’s worth it, though, for the excellent schools, family-friendly feeling, lovely parks including the 23-acre Prospect Park, and cute downtown. Don’t miss the area’s first green craft brewery: Tierra Distilling Co.

2. Buffalo Grove, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,100
• Average home value: $435,000
• Great for: Families, schools, jobs, shopping, restaurants

If you have kids and are considering a move to a Chicago suburb, you should check out Buffalo Grove. Niche ranks it No. 5 among places with the best public schools in Illinois. And because of the great schools, athletic opportunities, and high number of employment options, this suburb is very popular. 

Although most residents own their own homes, there is still a good amount of apartment rental space, even in the small downtown district, nicknamed The Clove. For a fun family day, check out the Long Grove Confectionery for some delicious treats and a behind-the-scenes chocolate factory tour. The commute to downtown Chicago is about an hour, depending on the mode of transport you choose. 

3. La Grange Park, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $457,700
• Great for: Schools, bike trails, green space, local events, commutes

If you’re looking for an affordable place to live outside of the city, consider the village of La Grange Park. A 30-minute commute via Metra rail makes this a great spot for downtown workers and families headed to the city for theater, dining, or maybe a baseball game. La Grange is also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago (and its environs), with a crime rating of 40 from NeighborhoodScout. 

Most residents own their own homes in this suburb and love to support the variety of local businesses that have set up shop in the area. Don’t miss LaGrange Park Antique Mall, where you’ll find 30+ dealers selling everything from antique jewelry and cookware to collectibles and books, all under one roof. Another plus? Music Under the Stars, La Grange Park’s weekly summer concert series.

Naperville isn’t just a great place to live, it’s been dubbed the best city to live in America.
(Source: City of Naperville, Illinois, Government via Facebook)

4. Naperville, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: $599,200
• Great for: Families, public schools, jobs, downtown

When people ask, “Is Chicago a good place to live?,” this Chicago suburb is a great answer. Naperville takes first place in a whole host of coveted Niche categories, including best place to buy a house, best place to raise a family, best public schools — and the big kahuna — best city to live in America. Naperville also ranks No. 1 as the safest Chicago suburb. With a population of just over 152,000, it’s no tiny burb. The pedestrian-friendly downtown hub features more than 150 shops and restaurants, including Allegory, a chef-owned farm-to-table favorite. Lots of community events bring residents together throughout the year, including many cultural celebrations and the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, an annual open-air fest in the park.

Most Naperville residents own their homes (74 percent), and home prices aren’t cheap, at nearly $600,000. Residents think it’s worth it, though, touting its family-friendliness, bustling downtown in a suburban enclave, and the Riverwalk, a gorgeous two-mile path of fountains, bridges, and peaceful event spaces alongside the DuPage River. And with just a 30-mile commute to downtown Chicago, Naperville families can enjoy all the benefits of the city, too. 

5. Hinsdale, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,925
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Families, homeowners, schools, safety, commutes

With a population of about 17,000, Hinsdale definitely offers more of a “sparse suburban” vibe than some of the other best suburbs of Chicago, such as Naperville. But whenever you want to go into the city for a museum visit, a ball game, or a Michelin-starred restaurant meal (20 honorees in 2025 alone!), it’s only about a 30-minute ride on the train. Staying local, though, isn’t an unpleasant prospect. Area dining destinations include Fuller House, a tavern-style neighborhood hotspot for cocktails and hearty Midwestern fare. And shoppers enjoy the Village of Hinsdale’s historic downtown, home to charming boutiques and restaurants — try Cafe La Fortuna for outstanding coffee and paninis.

Hinsdale is known for its excellent school system (an A+ rating per Niche), walkability, and easy commuting, and it ranks as one of the best Chicago suburbs to raise a family, according to Niche. However, some residents flag the Chicago suburb’s lack of socioeconomic diversity, which can make it feel less welcoming for some. Nearly 90 percent of people that live there own their homes, and it only takes one glance at the average home value of over $1 million to see that, while it may be one of the safest places to live in Chicago, it may not be for everyone.

Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago

Okay, the suburbs sound great, but is Chicago, Illinois, safe? There are absolutely plenty of great places to live in the Windy City itself. Let’s take a look at some of the safest Chicago neighborhoods. 

In no particular order, these areas are some of the safest places to live in Chicago. 

Edison Park offers a friendly, suburban feel right in the northwest part of the city.
(Source: Edison Park via Facebook)

1. Edison Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $454,900
• Great for: Restaurants, community, suburban feel, annual Edison Park Fest

Named after the inventor Thomas A. Edison, Edison Park offers a friendly, suburban feel right in the northwest part of the city. Consistently recognized as one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, the area draws many residents because of everything that’s within walking distance. Residents tout how family-friendly the neighborhood feels. 

Whether you want to stop at a local pizza place, grab a drink with friends, or just enjoy walking the dog, Edison Park is a great place to do it. Fill up on an Italian sub at Tony’s Italian Deli, a neighborhood staple for 45 years, or head to Edison Park Inn, where you can shoot some pool, roll a gutter ball in bowling, and then grab some beers and chicken fingers as a consolation prize. If bowling’s not your thing, the annual Edison Park Fest welcomes some big names in music every summer. 

2. Forest Glen

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $507,500
• Great for: Families, walkability, small-town feel, green space

Another one of the safe neighborhoods in Chicago, Forest Glen is situated on the northwest side of the metro and offers all the convenience of the big city but with that small-town feel. And just because this is a smaller community doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty to offer. Locals love Coletti’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 75 years, serving up traditional Italian favorites with classic Chicago flair. 

If you’re looking to purchase a home that comes with a lawn and some space between your neighbors, this is the place for you. The vast majority (90 percent) of Forest Glen residents own their homes, rather than rent, and the average home value sits around $507,500 — up more than 5 percent from last year. Residents here enjoy having access to amenities but without the feeling of being cramped or overcrowded. Plus, it’s currently considered No. 3 on the safest neighborhood in Chicago list, according to NeighborhoodScout’s rankings. 

In addition to being one of the safest Chicago neighborhoods, Lincoln Park is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach.

3. Lincoln Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,250
• Average home value: $610,600
• Great for: Families, restaurants, commutes, farmers markets, green space

Another safe area for homeowners and renters alike is Lincoln Park, named after Abraham Lincoln, who lived the majority of his life in Illinois. Perhaps you’ve already heard about the Lincoln Park Zoo (which has no entrance fee), but residents also love walking along the South Pond and taking in the views of the city. To kick off summer, the annual MayFest is a great way to explore this trendy, vibrant neighborhood — and a visit to North Avenue Beach isn’t a bad idea either!

One of the best things about living in Lincoln Park is its prime location. The neighborhood is close to amazing attractions such as the Chicago History Museum and The Second City, the legendary improv comedy theater and training center that launched the careers of greats like Gilda Radner, Stephen Colbert, and Eugene Levy. As for dining, sidewalk cafes are a mainstay of this walkable neighborhood. For a special occasion, book in advance at Alinea, a three-star Michelin honoree that’s also been named the best restaurant in the world by Elite Traveler, and the Best in the U.S. by Business Insider and Gourmet. 

4. Lakeview

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
• Average home value: $403,000
• Great for: Walkability, proximity to Lake Michigan, restaurants, ball games

If the name didn’t clue you in, this neighborhood is situated right on Lake Michigan, just north of Lincoln Park — but with notably lower housing prices. As Chicago’s most populous neighborhood with more than 100,000 residents, Lakeview is actually made up of a handful of small communities, including Southport corridor, Lakeview East, West Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and Northalsted (also one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods). 

One of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, Lakeview is delightfully walkable and boasts landmarks such as Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) and The Laugh Factory, where you can catch some of the hilarious live comedy Chicago is known for.

5. Norwood Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $411,300
• Great for: Families, nightlife, green space, getting to the airport

Norwood Park is one of the safest Chicago neighborhoods, according to NeighborhoodScout. And though it has a more suburban feel than some of Chicago’s other neighborhoods, being farther from downtown comes with plenty of perks. For instance, it’s just a few miles from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, meaning you’ll never have to worry about calling in a favor for a drive to the airport again. If you travel a lot for work, this location is key. 

And when you’re home, don’t miss out on the 16-acre Norwood Park, where you’ll find everything from an outdoor swimming pool (with a water slide) and tennis courts to music classes and outdoor movie nights. Locals love the annual Memorial Day Parade and the Fall Fest, which feature live music, food, and local vendors. 

If you’re looking for the safest places to live in Chicago, check out Edison Park, Lincoln Park, Forest Glen, Lakeview, and Norwood Park (pictured).
(Source: Northwest Real Estate Group via Facebook)

Safest Places To Live in Chicago — FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the safest areas in Chicago.

Q: What Area of Chicago is the Safest? 
A: If you’re looking to stay in one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, you can’t go wrong living in Edison Park, Lincoln Park, Forest Glen, Lakeview, or Norwood Park.

Chicago is a safe place for tourists and residents alike, as long as you’re aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal possessions — just like in any big city. Tourist areas like Navy Pier, outdoor parks, and museums are all great areas to check out — just be aware that pickpocketing can occur, so make sure to keep your valuables safe.

Q: What Is Chicago’s Crime Rate Ranked?
A: Wondering, “Is Chicago a safe place to live?” Overall, Chicago has a crime index of 5, according to NeighborhoodScout, meaning it’s considered safer than 5 percent of other U.S. cities based on crime rates. That said, there are still many safe Chicago neighborhoods — which is what this guide is here to help you navigate. 

Q: What Areas Around Chicago Are Safe?
A: If a suburb is more your style, you’re in luck, because Chicago has some great options, such as Clarendon Hills, Buffalo Grove, La Grange Park, Naperville, and Hinsdale — all among some of the safest places to live in Chicago. They’re far enough away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to enjoy all the big city offers.

Q: What Is the Most Desirable Area to Live in Chicago?
A: According to Niche, Naperville is the best city to live in America. Not only that, but it ranks as the safest Chicago suburb, the best Chicago suburb to live in, the best city to raise a family in America, and the city with the best public schools in America. It’s tough to find a city with more first-place accolades than Naperville! 

Q: Which Side of Chicago Is the Safest?
A: How safe is Chicago? That may change depending on which side of the city you’re on. Generally speaking, you’ll find that the most dangerous areas in Chicago are found in the South Side, while most areas considered the safest neighborhoods in Chicago (and the wealthiest) are clustered in the North Side. Don’t let that stop you from exploring the vibrant and diverse communities all around the city, though, or taking precautions to stay safe no matter where you are in the city. 

Q: Where Is It Safe To Stay in Chicago?
A: It is safe to stay in certain parts of the city and many suburbs of Chicago. Depending on your needs, you can find an area close to all the big-city action, such as Lincoln Park or Logan Square, that is safe to live in. If you’d like an area a little further away from the city, there are suburbs in all directions, such as La Grange Park, Tinley Park, Schaumburg, or Naperville, that would be great areas to call home — and some of the safest places to live in Chicago. 

Q: What is the #1 Safest Town in Illinois?
A: According to Safewise, FBI data shows Campton Hills has the lowest crime rates in the state of Illinois. How safe is it? With a population of almost 11,000, the village registered one crime in the past year. One. 

Q: What Part of Chicago to Stay Away From?
A: In a city with such a rich, vibrant past, it’s a given that pretty much every Chicago neighborhood has cultural or historic value. That said, it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings — especially at night — as it is in any big city. According to FBI data, the area with the most crime in 2025 is mainly on the west side. In particular, West Garfield Park has the highest rate, with more than 11,000 incidents per 100,000 people. Taking second place is North Lawndale, with more than 8,000 incidents. 

If you’re not quite sure where in Chicago you want to put down roots, you can give yourself time to get to know the city by renting a place short-term — and keeping your boxes in a PODS container until you’re ready to settle down.

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago With PODS

Make your move to Chicago a flexible one with PODS portable moving and storage containers. PODS will deliver a container right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. When you’re ready, the container will be picked up and transported to your new home in one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. Need more time to find your perfect spot? No problem! You can keep your container in a secure PODS storage center until you’re ready for it to be delivered.