Clarendon Hills, a Chicago suburb, earned the #1 spot as the best suburb to live in the U.S. for 2026 from Forbes. Not to be outdone, nearby Naperville was also named the #1 best city to live in America for 2026 by Forbes. While national 'best places to live' lists typically showcase diverse locations, Chicago's suburbs consistently dominate top spots. This unique blend of urban proximity and high-quality suburban living clearly resonates with 2026 ranking criteria. These sustained high rankings will likely reinforce the Chicago metropolitan area's reputation, attracting further growth and solidifying these communities' standing.
Naperville's National Acclaim
Naperville also landed at No. 4 on Livability.com's 'Top 100 Best Places to Live' list. This contrasts with its #1 Forbes ranking, showing how varied criteria lead to different outcomes; no single "best" truly exists. The city's median home value, $497,672, meets Livability.com's criteria, according to the Chicago Tribune. This places it just under the $500,000 home value cap. Communities balancing high quality with upper-end affordability often excel in these national rankings.
How Do Ranking Sites Determine 'Best'?
Livability uses about 100 data points across eight categories, including economy, housing, and education, for a holistic community assessment. However, strict filters apply: cities must have populations between 75,000 and 500,000 and a median home value of $500,000 or less. These criteria inherently favor communities like Naperville, biasing results towards a specific suburban ideal rather than a universally diverse one. This focus on traditional family stability might overlook vibrant urban cores or more affordable rural options, despite Chicago suburbs' consistent presence on these lists.
Beyond Chicago: Other Top Places to Live
While Chicago suburbs shine, other locations also earn top honors. Forbes named Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia, the #1 best 'place' to live for 2026. This means Forbes uses distinct categories, creating a complex picture with Naperville's #1 'city' and Clarendon Hills' #1 'suburb' titles. Such varied top spots suggest no single "best" overall, yet Chicago suburbs consistently prove their distinct national appeal.
What are the implications for Chicago suburbs?
Forbes' simultaneous top rankings for Naperville and Clarendon Hills highlight regional excellence. The Chicago metropolitan area has clearly mastered creating highly-rated suburban environments, setting a benchmark for others. This sustained national recognition will likely attract more residents and businesses, boosting the economic and social vitality of Naperville and Clarendon Hills, with benefits becoming evident by Q4 2026.
