Richest Chicago Suburbs – NestApple guide (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageChicago is renowned for its rich history, diverse culinary scene, and iconic architecture. Surrounding the city are some of the most luxurious suburbs in Illinois. This list highlights the ten
wealthiest suburbs around Chicago, showcasing some of the most exclusive communities, many of which are among the richest in the state.
1. Winnetka: the Richest Chicago Suburb
Winnetka is the richest suburb in Chicago and the wealthiest city in Illinois. It ranks among the most affluent cities in the United States based on resident income and local housing prices.
Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Winnetka is approximately 22 miles from downtown Chicago. The community is home to over 12,000 residents who enjoy its tree-lined streets, local beaches, beautiful parks, and excellent school systems.
Winnetka’s central location and wide range of amenities make it a popular choice for families and commuters who want to be near Chicago while avoiding the crowded urban environment.
With the highest per capita income and average home prices among all Chicago suburbs, Winnetka is an impressive choice for those seeking an upscale neighborhood.
2. Glencoe
Glencoe is the second-richest suburb of Chicago. Located just north of Winnetka, this city sits on the northern shores of Lake Michigan and is home to over 8,600 residents. Therefore, residents of Glencoe can enjoy a wealth of natural beauty, from local beaches to the Cook County Forest Preserve.
Furthermore, with a crime rate nearly 75% lower than the state average, Glencoe is an excellent choice for families seeking safe and secure neighborhoods. The average home value in this area is $1.39 million. This makes Glencoe one of the most expensive places to live in the Chicago metropolitan area.
3. Hinsdale
Hinsdale, located approximately 20 miles west of Downtown Chicago, is one of the wealthiest suburbs in the area. This affluent community is famous for its high quality of life and serves as a hub for the commercial industry. It’s an ideal destination for food enthusiasts, art lovers, and outdoor adventurers.
In Hinsdale, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of urban amenities, including numerous bakeries, restaurants, art galleries, country clubs, golf courses, and parks. Family-friendly attractions such as Katherine Legge Memorial Park and Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park add to the area’s appeal.
The average home price in Hinsdale is approximately $1.06 million, making it a highly desirable and luxurious part of the Chicago metropolitan landscape.
4. Lake Forest
Lake Forest is an affluent suburb of Chicago and one of the richest cities in Illinois. Situated along the northern shores of Lake Michigan, it is approximately 27 miles north of the Chicago Loop. The city is home to over 19,000 residents who appreciate its stunning Tudor-style architecture, charming downtown area, and a wide variety of local brunch spots, wine bars, tea rooms, and bistros.
Locals have the option to drive or take the train into downtown Chicago, providing easy access to the city center. The median per capita income in Lake Forest is $102,680, and the median home price is $1.04 million.
With such high per capita incomes and home prices, Lake Forest is famous as one of the most expensive suburbs in the Chicago area.
5. Burr Ridge
Burr Ridge is one of the wealthiest suburbs of Chicago. This prosperous community, located just south of Hinsdale, has a population of slightly over 11,000 residents. People living in this affluent area enjoy quick access to the Chicago Loop and the local airport, as well as a variety of fine dining options, upscale shopping, and quality recreational activities.
Furthermore, Burr Ridge is one of the few areas near Chicago with available land for property development, making it an attractive option for those who wish to build their own homes. Overall, Burr Ridge offers a wealth of amenities and a desirable lifestyle for its residents.
6. Wilmette
Wilmette is one of the wealthiest suburbs in Illinois, located just 19 miles from downtown Chicago. This charming suburb offers stunning views of Lake Michigan’s North Shore and is home to approximately 27,600 residents who appreciate its friendly atmosphere, lakefront access, picturesque brick streets, and excellent public transportation.
The area is rich in urban amenities, featuring a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, as well as convenient access to Chicago. The average home value in Wilmette is around $882,000, making it one of the most expensive suburbs in the Chicago area.
7. Oak Brook
Oak Brook is one of the most affluent suburbs of Chicago. Located about 20 miles west of the city in DuPage County, this village is home to around 8,000 residents, according to the 2020 census. Despite its small size, Oak Brook hosts the headquarters of several prominent companies, including Ace Hardware, Blistex, and CenterPoint Properties.
It is also the site of the most expensive property in DuPage County, an $8 million mansion that formerly belonged to MLB Hall of Famer Frank Thomas. In 2017, Oak Brook was listed by Bloomberg as one of the 100 wealthiest places in America. The suburb currently has a median household income of $94,630 and an average home price of $810,552.
8. Highland Park
Highland Park is an affluent suburb of Chicago, making it an ideal destination for music enthusiasts. Situated along the North Shore of Lake Michigan, it hosts one of the country’s most prestigious music festivals, the Ravinia Festival. Additionally, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs in Highland Park during the summer months. This vibrant local music scene has established Highland Park as a cultural hub, featuring several theaters and fine arts centers.
The area also offers a variety of amenities, including boutiques, luxury shops, restaurants, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. With some of the highest per capita incomes and home prices in the Chicago area, Highland Park attracts wealthy individuals who have a passion for the arts.
9. Western Springs
Western Springs is an affluent suburb of Chicago, ideal for those who enjoy being part of an active local community. Home to over 13,000 residents, the area fosters a thriving and tightly-knit environment. Community events are frequent, alongside vibrant downtown shopping districts and locally owned restaurants.
Moreover, Downtown Chicago is just a short train ride away, making Western Springs a popular choice for commuters. With high home prices and elevated per capita income levels, it is an excellent option for wealthy families seeking a strong sense of community.
10. Naperville
Naperville is one of the wealthiest suburbs of Chicago, located approximately 33 miles west of the city. This vibrant community has a population of nearly 150,000 residents, making it the fourth-largest city in the state of Illinois.
Renowned for its highly regarded schools, beautiful parks, and diverse shopping and dining options, Naperville consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States. The median household income in Naperville is $69,308, while the average home price is $546,695.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
