Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Big-shouldered Chicago up top, then affordable Midwest cities and standout suburbs.
1. Chicago: Best overall
2. Naperville: Best for families
3. Springfield: Best value
4. Aurora: Best suburban value
5. Champaign-Urbana: Best college town
6. Peoria: Best riverfront value
7. Rockford: Best for affordability
8. Evanston: Best lakeside suburb
9. Schaumburg: Best for commuters
Illinois leads with Chicago, one of the great American cities, then opens into affordable college towns and famously well-run suburbs. Property taxes run high, so smart movers weigh them against lower home prices. Here are the 9 best places to live in Illinois, ranked.