Safest Places To Live in Chicago: 7 Neighborhoods and Suburbs To Consider

With more than 2.7 million residents, Chicago packs a lot into one city: Distinctive neighborhoods, lakefront parks, world-class cuisine and culture, and ideal walkability. But if you’re planning a move, you’re also likely wondering about the safest neighborhoods in Chicago or whether a suburb might be a better fit. To help with your search, we’ve rounded up seven of the safest places to live in Chicago and its surrounding ‘burbs, using current crime and safety data, plus home costs and local highlights.

Is Chicago a Good Place To Live?

The Windy City is an ideal destination for many people. It’s the third-largest city in the U.S., after New York and Los Angeles, and shares a lot of the vibrancy and bustle of those two hotspots. But Chicago is also well known for “Midwest Nice,” a certain friendliness you might not find in other large metros. Here are a few other ChiTown traits to consider on your quest for the safest neighborhoods in Chicago:

It’s Easy To Get Around in Chicago — Even Without a Car

Chicago has one of the largest public transportation networks in the nation. CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) rail lines and buses move more than 1 million people every weekday. It also has direct service to the city’s two international airports, O’Hare and Midway — a perk not many major systems offer.

Parks and Lakefront Are Abundant

A scenic pedestrian path and a dedicated bike path, each about 18 miles long, stretch along Lake Michigan. The Chicago Park District manages more than 600 other parks throughout the city, many located in and around the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

Chicago Crime Rates Have Dropped

Crime stats are important, but they tell only part of the story, particularly in Chicago’s safest neighborhoods. As it does in most densely populated cities, ChiTown crime varies by neighborhood. Violent crime dropped 88 percent in 2025 to the lowest in a decade and continues to fall this year. Remember, though, that personal awareness and due diligence are important when you’re looking for the safest places to live in Chicago — or any city.

While some parts of the city experience above-average crime rates, there are definitely safe neighborhoods in Chicago.

7 of the Safest Places To Live in Chicago

From quiet suburbs to in-town neighborhoods with strong community ties, the city has plenty of appealing places to put down roots. Here are seven of the safest places to live in Chicago and around the metro area.

1. Clarendon Hills, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $697,400
• Great for: Families, coffee shops, parks, public schools, community events
• Crime rate: 80% below national average

Named the No. 1 best place to live in Illinois by Niche, the village of Clarendon Hills is a terrific option for young professionals looking for tree-lined streets, a quaint downtown district, and an easy commute (30 minutes) from one of the safest places to live in the Chicago area. Among other accolades, it’s also No. 1 on the list of best suburbs in America to raise a family, with A+ rated schools and a full calendar of community celebrations. On weekends, the 23-acre Prospect Park is a hub for walking, sledding, baseball, tennis, and even a fishing pond. Don’t miss the burb’s first green craft brewery, Tierra Distilling Co.

2. Buffalo Grove, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $452,100
• Great for: Families, schools, jobs, shopping, restaurants
• Crime rate: 65% below national average

Just northwest of Chicago, this small metro offers great schools, lots of parks, and all the suburban amenities a family could need. The commute to downtown Chicago is about an hour, depending on the mode of transport you choose — but why leave one of the most charming, safest Chicago suburbs? There’s a small downtown district locals call The Clove, with restaurants, shops, and the Long Grove Confectionery. Stop by for some delicious treats and a behind-the-scenes chocolate factory tour.

3. Jefferson Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $504,400
• Great for: Families, diversity, nightlife, commuting, shopping
• Crime rate: 54% below national average

This northwest district, one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, offers a quiet, residential side of city living without feeling disconnected from ChiTown. Tree-lined streets, easy access to downtown via the L, and abundant character attract families to Jefferson Park. The neighborhood is home to the Copernicus Center, which hosts concerts, community events, and the Taste of Polonia Festival, one of the largest and longest-running Polish celebrations in the U.S. Schools overall have a B- rating, but there are A+ standouts throughout the area, including the top 3 public high schools in the state of Illinois. 

Naperville ranks as the second-safest Chicago suburb, making it one of the safest places to live in Chicago overall.

4. Naperville, IL

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
• Average home value: $629,500
• Great for: Families, public schools, jobs, downtown
• Crime rate: 54% below national average

So, is Chicago a good place to live for families? This suburb answers with a resounding “Yes.” Naperville has earned first place in a host of coveted Niche categories, including best place to buy a house, best city to raise a family, best public schools — and the big kahuna — best city to live in America. Naperville also ranks as the second-safest Chicago suburb, making it one of the safest places to live in Chicago overall. With a population of more than 153,000, it’s no tiny burb. The pedestrian-friendly downtown features more than 150 shops and restaurants, including Allegory, a chef-owned farm-to-table favorite. Lots of community events bring residents together throughout the year, including cultural celebrations and the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, an annual open-air fest in the park, which features a peaceful two-mile walking path along the DuPage River.

5. Archer Heights

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,225
• Average home value: $312,200
• Great for: Families, homeowners, schools, safety, commutes
• Crime rate: 64% below national average

Home costs in this southwest Chicago neighborhood are lower than in many of the city’s better-known areas, which makes its classic brick bungalows a good choice for young families looking for value. Archer Heights is also ranked among the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, with a crime rate well below the city average. Commuters and travelers have easy access to Midway International Airport, and kids will love the namesake Archer Park’s 14 acres of greenspace, sports fields, playgrounds, and rec facilities. Dining is diverse, with Mexican hotspots like Xocome Antojeria mixed with old-school spots like Illinois Bar & Grill still attracting locals.

6. Edison Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $483,800
• Great for: Restaurants, community, suburban feel, annual Edison Park Fest
• Crime rate: 56% below national average

Named after the inventor Thomas A. Edison, this neighborhood offers a friendly, suburban feel right in the northwest part of the city. Consistently recognized as one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, its quiet streets are lined with classic Chicago bungalows. Whether you want to stop at a local pizza place or grab a drink with friends, Edison Park is a great place to do it. Tony’s Italian Deli has been a neighborhood staple for 45 years, and the Edison Park Inn is a local fave for wood-fired pizza, pool, and a few rounds of bowling. The annual Edison Park Fest lights up the summer with a carnival, live music, food, and other treats. 

West Town is a good fit for anyone looking for energetic city life in one of the safest places to live in Chicago.

7. West Town

• Average rent (all sizes): $3,150
• Average home value: $632,300
• Great for: Restaurants, walkability, nightlife, historic homes
• Crime rate: 24% below national average

West Town is a good fit for anyone looking for energetic city life in one of the safest places to live in Chicago. Chicago Avenue is packed with restaurants, bars, galleries, and other indie businesses, and the neighborhood's mix of historic architecture and newer development adds to the eclectic vibe. Eastern European heritage is still an important part of the local culture, with places like the Ukrainian National Museum keeping history alive. Other standout spots include Filipino favorite Kasama, a James Beard Award winner and Michelin two-star destination, and the botanical brewery Forbidden Root. With a crime rate almost 25 percent below the national average, it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

Safest Places To Live in Chicago — FAQs

Q: What area of Chicago is the safest?
A: If you’re looking to visit or live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, Edison Park, Archer Heights, and West Town are good options.

Q: Which Chicago neighborhoods have safe parking?
A: There isn’t a citywide ranking specifically for safe parking, and a neighborhood’s crime rating doesn’t necessarily say much about car break-ins and thefts — even in the safest Chicago neighborhoods. When you’re comparing safe neighborhoods in Chicago, check recent vehicle data for the immediate area, and maybe visit the area after dark to get a sense of your comfort level.

Q: How can I tell if a Chicago neighborhood is safe?
A: Begin with recent crime data and trend lines instead of relying on reviews and reputation alone to find the safe neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s also useful to visit the neighborhood during the day and chat with residents. Trust your own judgement — what feels like one of the safest places to live in Chicago might not be the same for others.

Q: What is Chicago’s crime rate ranked?
A: Chicago’s crime rate is a troubling 89 percent higher than the national average, but violent crime is down significantly over the past two years. Also keep in mind that crime varies significantly by neighborhood and even by block in some of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

Q: What is the most desirable area to live in Chicago?
A: Naperville is the best place to live in America, according to Niche, along with many other “bests” and top rankings. Closer to the heart of Chicago, West Town earns an A+ overall grade and offers the best all-around city lifestyle. The pair are among the safest places to live in Chicago.

Q: What part of Chicago to stay away from?

A: It’s always good to be aware of your surroundings in Chicago, as it is in any big city. According to AreaVibes, it might be wise to avoid Roseland, West Garfield Park, and Chicago Lawn, although even in the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, crime can vary from block to block.

You can store the bulk of your things with PODS while you explore the safest places to live in Chicago, then have your container delivered once you’ve settled on your new home. 

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago With PODS

Make your move to Chicago flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Have a container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. When you’re ready, the container will be picked up and taken to your new home. Need more time to find your perfect spot in one of the safe neighborhoods in Chicago? No problem. One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. PODS City Service is also available in Chicago, simplifying big-city moves. And if you need help with the heavy lifting, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to lend a hand.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}