Despite its global renown, Chicago shockingly ranked 21st among Illinois' best places to live, far behind suburbs like Arlington Heights and Naperville in U.S. News & World Report's latest assessment. A growing preference for practical living factors over metropolitan allure is highlighted by this unexpected placement, reported by Fox32Chicago. While Illinois' largest city is often seen as the prime place to live, these U.S. News rankings show it lagging due to factors like affordability and commute time. This suggests a reevaluation of what truly constitutes a 'best place' to settle, with quality of life metrics increasingly valued over urban amenities, potentially shifting population preferences towards well-resourced suburban communities. Ten Illinois cities made the 2025-2026 Best Places to Live in the U.S. list, with U.S. News evaluating 22 places in the state for 2026, according to NBC Chicago.
Key Illinois City Rankings for 2026
- 21st — Chicago's ranking among Illinois' best places to live, due to factors like longer commute times and affordability challenges, according to Fox32Chicago.
- 6.4 out of 10 — The overall score achieved by Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove, tying them for the top spot in Illinois, as reported by Fox32Chicago.
- #2 — Naperville's specific ranking in Best Places to Live in Illinois, according to RealEstate.
- No. 56 — Arlington Heights' national ranking on the U.S. Best Places to Live list, making it the highest-ranked Illinois city nationally, according to NBC Chicago.
Illinois Cities Shine on the National Stage: 2026 Rankings
1. Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, ranked No. 56 nationally and tied for Illinois' top spot with a 6.4/10 score (Fox32Chicago), is best for families and professionals seeking suburban comfort with strong amenities. This suburb offers a balanced lifestyle and clear quality of life, making it a prime choice, though it may lack the intense urban density some prefer.
