A Chicago suburb, Clarendon Hills, has been named the best suburb to raise a family in the U.S. in Niche.com's 2026 ranking, according to a report from nbcchicago.com.
Four Chicago-area suburbs rank among the nation's top ten for family-friendly living, according to a data-driven report. This national recognition highlights the region as a hub for communities excelling in areas crucial for family life, offering a guide for residents and those considering relocation.
What We Know So Far
- Clarendon Hills was named the No. 1 "Best Suburb to Raise a Family in America" by Niche.com in its 2026 report.
- Three other Chicago suburbs were ranked in the top 10: Kildeer (No. 7), Western Springs (No. 9), and Kenilworth (No. 10).
- The rankings reportedly considered key factors such as local school quality, safety, affordability, and access to family amenities.
- In a separate ranking from Niche.com, the Chicago suburb of Naperville was named the "Best City to Live in America" for the third consecutive year.
- Clarendon Hills is a village located approximately 23 miles southwest of Chicago, with a population under 15,000.
Which Chicago Suburb is Best for Families?
Clarendon Hills, located in DuPage County, holds the top national spot for families in the 2026 Niche.com rankings. This community stands out among thousands of suburbs analyzed across the country, highlighting its appeal as a smaller, connected community with major metropolitan benefits.
The report noted a specific trend. "This year’s top-ranked places are smaller, walkable communities within major metro areas, giving residents access to jobs, amenities, and transit while maintaining connected neighborhoods," nbcchicago.com reported. This balance of convenience and community is a defining feature of many highly-rated suburbs. The report also stated, "Many have populations under 15,000, as demand grows for places that balance urban convenience with neighborhood livability."
Beyond Clarendon Hills, the Chicago area features other top-tier standouts. Kildeer, a Lake County village, ranked No. 7. Western Springs, located near Clarendon Hills, came in at No. 9. Kenilworth, a North Shore suburb, secured the No. 10 position. This strong showing provides families with multiple top-tier options throughout Chicagoland.
Understanding Suburb Family-Friendliness Rankings
Niche.com's ranking methodology blends data and user input to capture the overall family living experience. The analysis reportedly incorporates data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and Department of Education, alongside millions of resident reviews.
High-quality public schools are a primary factor in the "Best Suburbs to Raise a Family" list. The ranking heavily weighs school ratings, test scores, and academic performance, reflecting their importance as a top priority for families choosing a home.
Safety is another critical component; the report evaluates crime rates, including statistics for violent and property crimes, to assess neighborhood security. Affordability also plays a significant role, with analysis covering housing costs, property taxes, and the general cost of living.
Finally, the ranking considers community resources and family-friendly amenities. This includes the availability of parks, playgrounds, libraries, and community events that enrich family life. Access to outdoor activities and spaces for children to play is a major draw. These elements, combined with factors like walkability and a short commute, create the well-rounded, livable communities that topped this year's list.
