Study Says These Are The Best Places To Live In Illinois In 2026
You’ve probably heard before that people are leaving Illinois. They have been for quite a while now, and while the exodus has slowed down, it's still going on.
Whether it’s taxes, weather, or job opportunities, there’s no shortage of headlines about residents packing up and heading elsewhere. But a new national ranking suggests there’s another side to that story.
Because while some are leaving, plenty of Illinoisans are perfectly happy staying right where they are.
According to a new report from Niche.com, several Illinois communities rank among the best places to live, not just in the state, but in the entire country.
It's Nice To See That The City That's Ranked Best To Live In Illinois Is Also Ranked Number-One In The Entire Country
Thanks to its strong public schools, low crime rates, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to Chicago, Naperville, Illinois was ranked the #1 best city to live in America, along with being the best place to live in Illinois.
And Naperville is not alone.
Many of the highest-ranked places in Illinois are suburbs of Chicago, including communities like Clarendon Hills, Riverside, Buffalo Grove, and Kildeer, all of which received top “A-Plus” grades from Niche for overall livability.
Nearby suburbs like Western Springs, Long Grove, La Grange, and Hinsdale also scored highly, with residents praising their strong sense of community, walkable downtowns, and excellent schools.
What makes these places stand out isn’t just one factor, it’s a combination of things. Niche rankings are based on data from sources like the US Census, FBI, and CDC, along with reviews from actual residents, factoring in things like cost of living, job opportunities, safety, and local amenities.
When You Look At The National Picture, The Trend Continues
Suburban communities dominate many of the top spots across the country, with places that offer a balance of affordability, strong schools, and access to big-city opportunities consistently rising to the top. Naperville itself has now held the #1 spot multiple years in a row, reinforcing its reputation as one of America’s most desirable places to call home.
So yes, some people are leaving Illinois.
But this new ranking is a reminder that for many others, the right neighborhood, the right schools, and the right sense of community are already right here.