6 Chicago suburbs for 20-somethings
Well-connected to the big city while offering suburban perks, these are the places young professionals are calling home in the Chicago area.
6. Lombard, IL
Nicknamed “The Lilac Village”, Lombard is known for this purple flower. Every May since 1930 the town hosts Lilac Time in Lombard, a festival featuring concerts, beer tastings, a parade, and of course, lilac-themed activities.
Want to immerse yourself in nature year-round though? Lilacia Park is an 8.5 acre garden with hundreds of varieties of lilacs and tulips that’s open to the public daily. Seeing the wonderful colors in this park is well worth the visit.
Young professionals also enjoy Lombard’s connectedness with Chicago. In central Lombard, you’re only 20 miles away from the big city by train and on the southern side of town, I-88 connects you directly to downtown Chicago.
See if Lombard is right for you…
5. Des Plaines, IL
Next to O’Hare International Airport is Des Plaines, a vibrant and diverse community. Downtown offers high-rise condos with a more urban appeal, while the surrounding neighborhoods make up a suburban setting.
Residents here also have the option to take courses at Oakton Community College. This is a popular option amongst young adults to either earn credits to use at a four-year university or get the skills necessary for higher-paying jobs.
For entertainment options, Des Plaines is in a great location too. Rivers Casino is one of just a few casinos in Chicagoland and the nearby Allstate Arena provides the area with professional sports, major concerts, and other events. Additionally, just minutes away is Rosemont Theatre which offers live performances throughout the year.
See if Des Plaines is right for you…
4. Skokie, IL
Skokie is one of the fastest growing suburbs in the country and it’s in part due to this city’s popular amenities. Skokie Park District, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, and Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park all contribute to the active and expressive culture.
It’s also easy to get to Chicago. If you prefer to drive, I-94 connects the west side of Skokie with Chicago. But if public transit is more your thing, CTA and Pace both offer service to downtown via several routes.
Recently, Skokie has also encouraged downtown development, bringing jobs closer to the residents. Not far from the city center is Illinois Science + Technology Park. This 23-acre research park is a North Shore hub for emerging technologies.
See if Skokie is right for you…
3. Oak Lawn, IL
South of Midway International Airport, Oak Lawn maintains a large park district. Centennial Park is 38 acres of walking paths, baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, swimming pools, and roller hockey rinks. The park district also has an ice arena and two fitness centers.
If you love golf, you’ll definitely want to spend time at Stony Creek Golf Course. This 18-hole course has a par of 65 and has additional activities like PGA instruction, a driving range, mini-golf, and bocce.
Downtown Oak Lawn has undergone redevelopment in the past two decades and these efforts have produced a few mid-rise condo buildings as well as new stores and restaurants. The expanded Metra train station also makes it easier to get to Chicago without a car.
See if Oak Lawn is right for you…
2. Berwyn, IL
Berwyn is a diverse town situated between the urban feel of Chicago’s closest suburbs and the forests that line the Des Plaines River. Berwyn’s neighborhoods range from starter homes on the north side to bigger houses on the south side.
If you’re looking to maintain an active lifestyle, Berwyn has plenty of nearby options. Many of the recreational facilities in the area host organized leagues and programming for young adults. Plus, tennis courts and baseball fields are available as well.
When you want to relax, Proksa Park is a 15-acre park in the heart of Berwyn with beautiful flower beds and several different species of trees and plants. Plus, the nationally-acclaimed Brookfield Zoo is only a few minutes west.
See if Berwyn is right for you…
1. Evanston, IL
Home to Northwestern University and just 12 miles north of Chicago is Evanston. This city benefits from both its suburban appeal and urban amenities. The university also gives Evanston a college-town vibe, especially on game days.
Off campus, downtown is very walkable with tons of shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Additionally, the city center is just a few blocks from Lake Michigan which is a nice getaway for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Overall, there are plenty of options in this city for both daytime and nighttime fun.
Evanston’s commitment to the arts also provide some great activities. You’ll definitely want to take a walking tour of all the public art pieces you’ll find throughout the city. Indoors, there are several art galleries and live theater programs to experience. These perks are why so many young adults love to call Evanston home.
Which of these Chicago suburbs is best for you? MapTitan helps you find the places you’ll love to live based on what’s important to you.
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