May is National Moving Month! And if you’re planning a move to the Chicago suburbs, whether you want to leave the hustle and bustle of life in Chicago, or you’re relocating from another town for an exciting opportunity, we couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our home stomping grounds. With over 45 years in the business, Century Moving has moved thousands of households from the city to the suburbs, or from out of state. We are specialists in helping our customers find everything they need in to make them feel at home in the Chicago suburbs.
In 2019, the Chicago Metro area had 9.83 million people, contained within approximately 10 counties, stretching northward to the Wisconsin border and around the lake to Indiana. Choosing a Chicago suburb can be a daunting task, but know that Chicagoland (as we call the suburbs here) is a great place to start a career, start a family, or spend a lifetime!
We have rounded up a list of popular suburban locations in the Northern, Southern, and Western suburbs of Chicago. The below suburbs are among the safest and family friendly communities in Chicagoland with an overall Niche.com grade of an A. The suburbs below also include some of our favorites, where we have found our customers to move and find “just right” homes for themselves and their families!
Northern Suburbs
- Buffalo Grove: Buffalo Grove is in Lake County, 40 minutes from downtown Chicago. Moving to Buffalo Grove will give you a mix of urban and suburban, with great restaurants and plenty to do while maintaining the quintessential family friendly town. From top rated schools to endless job opportunities, moving to Buffalo Grove is a great choice for a growing family.
- Long Grove: Long Grove is in Lake County, 35 miles North of Downtown Chicago. If you’re interest in moving to rural Chicagoland, Long Grove is your place. With just 8,000 residents, Long Grove offers a little history, a little country, and some rather spacious million-dollar homes. Moving to Long Grove will give you excellent public schools, natural attractions, beautiful parks, and a well-preserved history.
Honorable Mentions…
- Evanston
- Northbrook
- Arlington Heights
Western Suburbs
- Naperville: One the safest and largest cities outside Chicago, Naperville consistently ranks among the best in education in the nation, and one of the largest towns in Illinois with a population of more than 140,000 people. Moving to Naperville will put you in DuPage County and 28 miles west of downtown Chicago, but on a robust Metra train route that includes daily express trains to the city. It boasts a lively downtown with many retail shops and endless restaurant options and is home to one of the largest hospitals in Illinois and numerous tech companies. There is something for everyone, whether you want to stroll along the Riverwalk, dip your toes in the sand at Centennial Beach or check out the numerous locally owned shops. Moving to Naperville is a popular choice.
- Wheaton: Just north of Naperville with a similar suburban charm but a slower-paced vibe, Wheaton is the county seat of DuPage County and a great choice for families or singles. Moving to Wheaton will give you plenty to do, including outdoor festivals, the French Market, concerts and theater, and a tight-knit community that loves welcoming new neighbors. Wheaton offers an impressive education system, including the highly ranked Wheaton College, making it perfect for families. Wheaton is also surrounded by numerous forests preserves and Herrick Lake, which make it easy to get lost in nature, just a few miles away. It is also home to the historic Cantigny Park and DuPage County Courthouse.
- Lombard: How can we not recommend our hometown, Lombard, Illinois, the home of Century Moving? Moving to Lombard is a way to experience a suburban and urban mix, with a wonderful selection of bars, restaurants and businesses, and easy access to the city as well. Our community is diverse, with a strong school system for the kids and plenty of places to catch a cup of coffee or meet up with friends at a restaurant or bar for the young adults. Shopping areas are plentiful, including the eclectic Yorktown Mall. We love it here and know you will too!
- Downers Grove: To the east of Naperville lies Downers Grove, a town that hosts a large residential population as well as many corporate headquarters and businesses, especially healthcare organizations and a medical school, Midwestern University. Moving to Downers Grove is a great choice for families or singles, with convenient access to major highways to the city, but also commuter rail service to get to Chicago quickly. Downers Grove has a historic downtown with lots of charm and welcoming neighbors as well.
- Elmhurst: Further east and approaching the city, Elmhurst is a wonderfully historic town founded in the 1800’s. In 2014, was hailed by Family Circle Magazine as one of the “Ten Best U.S. Towns for Families.” Families moving to Elmhurst will find the community an excellent place to settle, with an emphasis on fine education, including a liberal arts college, Elmhurst College, and a strong school system. With lots of historic homes and a dense residential population, some of the Century Moving staff proudly call this comfortable, traditional community their home.
Honorable Mentions….
- Clarendon Hills
- Aurora
- Batavia
- Addison
South Suburbs
- Flossmoor: Located in Cook County just south of Chicago, Flossmoor is an architecturally stunning, quiet community. If you are looking to retire, consider a move to Flossmoor. With just over 9,000 residents, Flossmoor is popular among retirees because of its sparse, suburban feel, but growing families also feel at home here. Flossmoor schools are highly rated, and the town has potential for economic growth with its hometown manufacturing industries.
- Park Forest: Located in both Cook and Will Counties, this hilly suburb is well named for its access to the great outdoors. If you are looking to go green, Park Forest is the place for you, with more than 2,000 acres of parks and recreational facilities. If nature is not your thing, Park Forest offers plenty of arts and culture, including the Freedom Hall Performing Arts Center. Moving to Park Forest will give you and your family fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Honorable Mentions….
- Chicago Heights
- Crete
- University Park
So many options, right? But if you are ready to give the Chicagoland suburbs a try, we are here to help. As natives, we are knowledgeable about the area and have the expertise to make your move as seamless as possible. Go to our website or call us today to get an estimate for your next move!
