Naperville Named #1 Again

If you’re considering a move to the southwest suburbs of Chicago, choosing the right place to live can be a daunting task with so many wonderful neighborhoods and cities to choose from. But thanks to Niche.com, a platform that ranks areas based on factors like schools, safety, housing, and amenities, finding your ideal location has never been easier.

Niche recently released 2025 Best Places to Live in the Chicago Area, and three suburban gems in the southwest suburbs of Chicago have emerged as the best places to live: Naperville, Clarendon Hills, and Hinsdale. These areas have earned their place at the top thanks to their fantastic communities, top-ranked schools, and quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at why these three locations are making waves and why they may just be the perfect place for Overstreet Builders to help you call home.

1. Naperville: The Suburban Dream

Naperville consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the Chicago metro area, and 2025 is no exception. Located about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago, Naperville blends suburban charm with an active lifestyle, making it a top choice for families and young professionals.

Why Naperville?

Top-Ranked Schools: Naperville’s public schools – Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 - are among the best in the state, with Neuqua Valley, Naperville North, and Naperville Central High Schools regularly earning high ratings. Families flock to Naperville because of its excellent educational system, which is a major draw for those with children.

Thriving Downtown: The vibrant downtown area is one of Naperville’s standout features. Full of boutique shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, and a beautiful riverwalk, it’s the perfect place for a casual evening out or to spend a weekend shopping and dining.

Safety and Community: Naperville boasts a low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities in the region. The community feel is strong, with plenty of parks, festivals, and recreational programs to keep both kids and adults active.

Commuter-Friendly: With easy access to major highways and the Metra train system, Naperville provides quick access to downtown Chicago, making it a perfect option for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

Strong Real Estate Market and Home Values: Naperville’s real estate market is thriving, and it’s a great place to invest in property. The city has a diverse housing market, ranging from quaint historic homes to spacious new builds in master-planned communities. With its strong economy, great schools, and desirable amenities, property values in Naperville tend to hold steady and appreciate over time, making it an attractive investment for homeowners.

Ideal For: Families, young professionals, and anyone seeking suburban living with easy access to the city.

With two new luxury custom home communities, The Reserves at Saddle Creek and Lisson Woods, coming soon to Naperville, Overstreet Builders can make the dream of calling the #1 city to live in a reality.

2. Clarendon Hills: A Small-Town Charm with Big-City Access

Next on the list is Clarendon Hills, a small but vibrant village in DuPage County, located just 18 miles west of downtown Chicago. Known for its picturesque tree-lined streets and close-knit community, Clarendon Hills is one of the best-kept secrets in the Chicago suburbs.

Why Clarendon Hills?

Strong Community and Family Feel: Clarendon Hills is the epitome of small-town charm with a close-knit, welcoming community. The village is full of parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly events that make it an ideal place to raise children. Residents enjoy the convenience of a tight community where everyone knows their neighbors, yet it still offers easy access to the amenities of the city.

Top-Notch Schools: Clarendon Hills has an excellent school system in the Community Consolidated School District 181, including top-rated public schools that contribute to the village’s appeal for families. The schools are known for their strong academic programs and extracurricular offerings, ensuring children have a well-rounded education.

Convenient Location: Despite its small-town feel, Clarendon Hills is well-connected to Chicago. It’s just a short drive to major highways and has its own Metra station, making commuting to downtown Chicago quick and easy. Residents can enjoy suburban tranquility without being far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Walkable Downtown: The downtown area in Clarendon Hills is charming, with a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re out for a morning coffee or browsing boutiques, the walkability and quaint atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a slower pace of life while still enjoying urban amenities nearby.

Strong Real Estate Market and Home Values: Clarendon Hills, IL, boasts a strong real estate market with steady home value growth over time, making it an ideal location for homeowners to make a long-term investment. The market offers a variety of price points, appealing to both first-time buyers and those seeking luxury homes. Properties in the area, ranging from historic homes to new builds, continue to appreciate in value, and the community's reputation for quality living ensures ongoing market strength. Overall, Clarendon Hills remains a highly sought-after, stable, and growing real estate market. Let

Ideal For: Families seeking a close-knit community, professionals who commute to the city, and anyone who values small-town charm with big-city access.

With Overstreet Builder’s Build on Your Lot process, we make it easy to bring your dream home to life. Whether you already own land or need assistance finding the perfect lot in Clarendon Hills, we’re here to help every step of the way.

3. Hinsdale: A Suburban Haven of Luxury and Convenience

Ranked among the most prestigious places to live in the Chicago area, Hinsdale offers a luxurious suburban lifestyle with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and stunning historic homes. Located just 20 miles west of Chicago, Hinsdale is perfect for those seeking a higher-end lifestyle in a family-friendly environment.

Why Hinsdale?

Top-Tier Schools: Hinsdale’s public schools are consistently ranked among the best in Illinois, with Hinsdale Central High School, in the highly regarded Community Consolidated School District 181, being particularly notable. The area’s educational system is a huge draw for families, as it ensures students receive a world-class education while fostering an enriching environment for extracurricular activities.

Luxury Living: Hinsdale is known for its beautiful homes, with a mix of historic properties and modern estates. Tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and large properties are common, making it an attractive area for those seeking a more upscale, peaceful setting to raise a family.

Rich History and Beautiful Parks: The village boasts a variety of parks, including the expansive Katherine Legge Memorial Park, which provides a peaceful natural retreat for residents. Hinsdale’s historic charm and wealth of green spaces create a serene atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy urban environment.

Commuter Convenience: Hinsdale’s close proximity to downtown Chicago and its access to Metra trains make it a commuter’s dream. The village’s location offers the perfect blend of quiet suburban living with convenient access to the big city.

Upscale Amenities: Hinsdale is home to several high-end shopping and dining options, as well as private clubs and fitness centers. The town’s refined amenities contribute to its reputation as one of the area’s most desirable places to live.

Strong Real Estate Market and Home Values: Hinsdale boasts a strong and thriving real estate market, with home values continuing to show impressive growth. With a variety of architectural styles and a mix of historical and modern homes, the market offers something for every buyer. Hinsdale’s consistent appreciation in property values reflects its status as a coveted suburban enclave, making it a solid investment for those seeking long-term stability in their real estate ventures.

Ideal For: Families, those seeking luxury living, and anyone who values a high quality of life with easy access to the city.

Discover the possibilities of building your dream home with Overstreet Builders on your own lot in Hinsdale or help you find a lot. Our Build On Your Lot program offers personalized solutions tailored to your vision, needs, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a custom design or a seamless construction process, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion: The Best Suburbs for 2025

Whether you’re drawn to the suburban appeal of Naperville, the small-town charm of Clarendon Hills, or the luxurious lifestyle of Hinsdale, these top three places to live in the Chicago area for 2025 offer something for everyone. Each of these cities combines excellent schools, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of safety and convenience, making them ideal places to raise a family or settle down in the Chicago metro area.

When choosing a place to live, it’s essential to consider your priorities—whether that’s being close to top-rated schools, enjoying walkable neighborhoods, or having access to luxury living and green spaces. In 2025, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, and Hinsdale stand out as three of the best places to live in the region, each offering a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.

Are you dreaming about moving to any of these cities? Let Overstreet Builders help make that dream reality.