Clarendon Hills Tops National Ranking

A Chicago suburb has earned the distinction of being the best place to raise a family in the U.S., according to a new report. Niche.com’s 2024 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family list placed Clarendon Hills, Illinois, at the very top.

Key Factors in the Ranking

Clarendon Hills, located approximately 23 miles southwest of Chicago, secured the number one spot based on several “key factors that are meaningful for families.” These included the quality of local schools, safety ratings, affordability, and access to amenities geared towards families.

Chicago Suburbs Dominate Top 10

The ranking highlighted the strength of the Chicago area, with several other suburbs earning high marks. Kildeer ranked at No. 7, Western Springs at No. 9, and Kenilworth at No. 10, all within the top ten nationwide.

Trend Towards Walkable Communities

Niche.com noted a trend in this year’s rankings. “This year’s top-ranked places are smaller, walkable communities within major metro areas,” the report stated, “giving residents access to jobs, amenities, and transit while maintaining connected neighborhoods.”

The report also observed growing demand for locations that balance urban convenience with a strong sense of community. Many of the top-ranked suburbs have populations under 15,000.

Clarendon Hills Also Ranked Among Best Places to Live

In addition to being named the best suburb for families, Clarendon Hills also topped Niche’s list of “best places” to live overall. Niche defines “Cities” as municipal areas with populations of 100,000 or more, differentiating them from suburbs.

Other Top-Ranked Suburbs

Other suburbs recognized on the “best suburbs to raise a family” list included Devon, Pennsylvania; Kensington, New York; and Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania.