When choosing the ideal place to raise a family in Illinois, various factors come into play that can significantly impact your quality of life. Our comprehensive ranking examines six key criteria: Overall Family Friendly Score, First Time Home Buyers Index, Quiet Index, Walkability, Car Friendly Score, and Transit-Friendly Score. The Overall Family Friendly Score encompasses numerous elements including school quality, safety ratings, community resources, parks and recreation options, and other amenities that contribute to an ideal family environment.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Illinois’s most family-friendly towns. While median home prices would typically be included as part of our assessment, this data was not available in our current dataset.
Here’s the list.
25. Ogden
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.30
- First Time Home Buyers: 22.33
- Quiet Index: 76.33
- Walkability: 22.58
- Car Friendly: 99.74
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ogden opens our list with a strong Overall Family Friendly Score of 96.30 and exceptional car-friendliness (99.74). The town offers good quietness (76.33) and some opportunity for first-time homebuyers (22.33), but has limited walkability (22.58) and no significant public transit options. This community is ideal for families who rely on personal vehicles and value peaceful surroundings, particularly those entering the housing market.
24. St. Joseph
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.36
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 64.91
- Walkability: 55.07
- Car Friendly: 81.81
- Transit-Friendly: 3.29
St. Joseph offers a balanced approach with a strong 96.36 Overall Family Friendly Score and excellent car-friendliness (81.81). The town provides good quietness (64.91) and moderate walkability (55.07), but minimal transit options (3.29). This community presents a more balanced transportation profile than many others on our list, offering reasonable pedestrian access while still strongly favoring drivers, making it suitable for families who appreciate having some walkability while primarily relying on cars.
23. Dieterich
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.45
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 87.22
- Walkability: 17.02
- Car Friendly: 98.66
- Transit-Friendly: 3.73
Dieterich combines exceptional car-friendliness (98.66) and quietness (87.22) with a strong 96.45 Overall Family Friendly Score. The town has very limited walkability (17.02) and almost no public transit options (3.73). This community is clearly designed for families who value peace and quiet and rely exclusively on personal vehicles, offering one of the most car-friendly and tranquil environments on our list.
22. Germantown – Bartelso
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.51
- First Time Home Buyers: 62.71
- Quiet Index: 85.47
- Walkability: 27.39
- Car Friendly: 81.40
- Transit-Friendly: 9.85
Germantown – Bartelso stands out with a significant First Time Home Buyers score (62.71), excellent quietness (85.47), and strong car-friendliness (81.40). With an Overall Family Friendly Score of 96.51, limited walkability (27.39), and minimal transit options (9.85), this area offers an attractive opportunity for first-time homebuyers seeking a peaceful, car-dependent community with strong family-friendly qualities.
21. Millbrook
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.82
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 80.89
- Walkability: 22.45
- Car Friendly: 92.53
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Millbrook offers an excellent combination of family-friendliness (96.82), quietness (80.89), and car-friendliness (92.53). The town has limited walkability (22.45) and no significant public transit. This community is ideal for families seeking peaceful living in a car-centric environment, providing a tranquil atmosphere with exceptional driving conditions while requiring personal vehicles for transportation.
20. Homer Glen
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 96.85
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 65.19
- Walkability: 32.85
- Car Friendly: 80.11
- Transit-Friendly: 22.50
Homer Glen combines a strong 96.85 Overall Family Friendly Score with excellent car-friendliness (80.11) and good quietness (65.19). The town has limited walkability (32.85) and minimal transit options (22.50). This community clearly caters to families who rely primarily on driving while still valuing peaceful surroundings, offering a suburban experience with strong family-friendly qualities despite limited alternative transportation options.
19. Leaf River
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.02
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 92.16
- Walkability: 24.43
- Car Friendly: 96.16
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Leaf River excels with an exceptional Quiet Index score of 92.16 and outstanding car-friendliness (96.16), complementing its strong 97.02 Overall Family Friendly Score. The town has limited walkability (24.43) and no meaningful public transit options. For families prioritizing peaceful surroundings and excellent driving conditions who aren’t concerned about pedestrian access or public transportation, Leaf River represents one of the quietest, most car-friendly options on our list.
18. Lake Bluff
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.18
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 60.38
- Walkability: 38.78
- Car Friendly: 63.51
- Transit-Friendly: 61.20
Lake Bluff offers a balanced profile with its 97.18 Overall Family Friendly Score combined with reasonable scores across all categories. The town provides good car-friendliness (63.51), decent transit options (61.20), moderate quietness (60.38), and limited walkability (38.78). This well-rounded community accommodates various lifestyle preferences without strongly favoring any particular transportation mode, making it versatile for families with diverse needs.
17. Winnetka
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.41
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 53.86
- Walkability: 81.98
- Car Friendly: 44.31
- Transit-Friendly: 76.84
Winnetka achieves a strong 97.41 Overall Family Friendly Score while offering excellent walkability (81.98) and transit options (76.84). The town provides moderate quietness (53.86) but lower car-friendliness (44.31). This community clearly favors pedestrians and public transportation users over drivers, making it ideal for families who prefer to walk or use transit while still enjoying a strong family-friendly environment with reasonable peace and quiet.
16. Millstadt
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.44
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 86.57
- Walkability: 31.20
- Car Friendly: 96.96
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Millstadt combines an excellent 97.44 Overall Family Friendly Score with outstanding ratings for quietness (86.57) and car-friendliness (96.96). The town has limited walkability (31.20) and no significant public transit options. This community is perfectly suited for families seeking peaceful surroundings in a car-dependent environment, offering the tranquility of small-town living with exceptional driving conditions.
15. Downs
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.47
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 78.57
- Walkability: 24.31
- Car Friendly: 83.27
- Transit-Friendly: 6.62
Downs offers an excellent Overall Family Friendly Score of 97.47 with strong ratings for quietness (78.57) and car-friendliness (83.27). The town has limited walkability (24.31) and minimal transit options (6.62). For families prioritizing peaceful neighborhoods with excellent driving conditions who aren’t concerned about pedestrian access or public transportation, Downs provides a quintessential car-dependent small-town experience with strong family-oriented qualities.
14. Clarendon Hills
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.85
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 38.41
- Walkability: 75.89
- Car Friendly: 48.30
- Transit-Friendly: 76.62
Clarendon Hills combines a strong 97.85 Overall Family Friendly Score with excellent walkability (75.89) and transit-friendliness (76.62). The town offers moderate car-friendliness (48.30) but scores lower on the Quiet Index (38.41). This community clearly prioritizes alternative transportation options over quiet seclusion, making it ideal for families who value connectivity and accessibility while still maintaining strong family-friendly qualities.
13. Glencoe
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.86
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 57.95
- Walkability: 72.13
- Car Friendly: 51.14
- Transit-Friendly: 74.73
Glencoe achieves an impressive 97.86 Overall Family Friendly Score while offering excellent walkability (72.13) and transit options (74.73). The town provides moderate quietness (57.95) and car-friendliness (51.14), creating a balanced environment that favors walking and public transportation without completely neglecting drivers. For families seeking a more urban-suburban blend with good transportation options and reasonable tranquility, Glencoe represents an excellent choice.
12. Hinsdale
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 97.94
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 47.54
- Walkability: 73.20
- Car Friendly: 49.78
- Transit-Friendly: 70.57
Hinsdale offers a different lifestyle mix with its 97.94 Overall Family Friendly Score combined with excellent walkability (73.20) and transit options (70.57). The town provides moderate car-friendliness (49.78) and quietness (47.54), creating a balanced environment that accommodates various transportation preferences. This community is ideal for families seeking a more walkable suburban experience with good public transportation access without completely sacrificing driving convenience.
11. Orion
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.27
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 82.23
- Walkability: 22.35
- Car Friendly: 98.64
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Orion combines an excellent Overall Family Friendly Score of 98.27 with outstanding ratings for car-friendliness (98.64) and quietness (82.23). The town has limited walkability (22.35) and no meaningful public transit options. This community is perfectly suited for families who value peaceful surroundings and rely exclusively on driving, offering a quintessential car-dependent small-town experience with strong family-friendly qualities.
10. South Barrington
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.45
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 82.93
- Walkability: 35.01
- Car Friendly: 73.44
- Transit-Friendly: 28.44
South Barrington earns a strong 98.45 Overall Family Friendly Score while providing excellent quietness (82.93) and good car-friendliness (73.44). With limited walkability (35.01) and transit options (28.44), the town clearly favors residents who drive. For families seeking peaceful surroundings with reasonable driving conditions who aren’t concerned about walking or public transportation access, South Barrington offers an attractive package.
9. Marine
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.63
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 80.07
- Walkability: 24.47
- Car Friendly: 96.87
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Marine offers an exceptional combination of family-friendliness (98.63), quietness (80.07), and car-friendliness (96.87). The town has limited walkability (24.47) and no significant public transit. This community clearly caters to families seeking peaceful living in a car-centric environment, providing an escape from urban noise while maintaining convenient driving conditions for residents who rely on personal vehicles.
8. Spring Grove
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.69
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 85.04
- Walkability: 30.32
- Car Friendly: 92.41
- Transit-Friendly: 11.36
Spring Grove achieves an impressive 98.69 Overall Family Friendly Score while offering outstanding quietness (85.04) and excellent car-friendliness (92.41). The town has limited walkability (30.32) and minimal transit options (11.36). For families prioritizing peaceful neighborhoods with excellent driving conditions who don’t mind limited pedestrian infrastructure, Spring Grove represents an excellent option.
7. Goodfield – Congerville
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.75
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 78.93
- Walkability: 22.42
- Car Friendly: 88.33
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Goodfield – Congerville combines an excellent Overall Family Friendly Score of 98.75 with strong ratings for quietness (78.93) and car-friendliness (88.33). The area has limited walkability (22.42) and no significant public transit options. This community is ideal for families seeking a peaceful, car-dependent lifestyle away from urban hustle, offering the tranquility of rural living while maintaining family-friendly amenities.
6. St. Jacob
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 98.96
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 72.71
- Walkability: 16.17
- Car Friendly: 99.61
- Transit-Friendly: 1.59
St. Jacob stands out with its remarkable car-friendliness score of 99.61 and solid Overall Family Friendly Score of 98.96. The town offers peaceful living with a Quiet Index of 72.71 but has very limited walkability (16.17) and almost no public transit options (1.59). This community is clearly designed for families who rely exclusively on personal vehicles and prioritize quiet, car-centric suburban living.
5. Western Springs
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 99.69
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 48.90
- Walkability: 82.43
- Car Friendly: 59.04
- Transit-Friendly: 76.63
Western Springs presents a well-rounded community with excellent scores across several categories. With a 99.69 Overall Family Friendly Score, it excels in walkability (82.43) and transit-friendliness (76.63). The town offers reasonable car-friendliness (59.04) and moderate quiet (48.90), making it ideal for families who value accessibility and convenience while still maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Hawthorn Woods
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 99.75
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 75.35
- Walkability: 33.18
- Car Friendly: 71.74
- Transit-Friendly: 42.32
Hawthorn Woods scores exceptionally well with a 99.75 Overall Family Friendly Score. It shines with its Quiet Index (75.35) and Car Friendly score (71.74), making it ideal for families seeking peaceful surroundings with good driving conditions. While walkability is limited (33.18), it offers moderate transit options (42.32), suggesting a community designed primarily for residents who prefer driving but appreciate having some alternative transportation choices.
3. North Barrington
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 99.86
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 70.88
- Walkability: 31.95
- Car Friendly: 50.91
- Transit-Friendly: 41.03
North Barrington offers a balanced approach with a standout Overall Family Friendly Score of 99.86. Its strongest feature is the Quiet Index at 70.88, providing peaceful neighborhoods for families. With moderate scores for car-friendliness (50.91) and transit options (41.03), and lower walkability (31.95), North Barrington represents a middle ground between suburban comfort and accessibility.
2. Kenilworth
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 99.88
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 31.79
- Walkability: 85.37
- Car Friendly: 30.86
- Transit-Friendly: 83.78
Kenilworth presents a different profile with excellent walkability (85.37) and transit options (83.78), making it ideal for families who prefer not to rely heavily on cars. Its Overall Family Friendly Score of 99.88 is impressive, though it scores lower on the Quiet Index (31.79) and Car Friendly metrics (30.86). This community clearly prioritizes pedestrian and public transportation accessibility, making it perfect for families seeking a more urban lifestyle.
1. Campton Hills
- Overall Family Friendly Score: 99.97
- First Time Home Buyers: N/A
- Quiet Index: 66.02
- Walkability: 20.61
- Car Friendly: 67.36
- Transit-Friendly: 28.00
Campton Hills earns the top spot on our list with an exceptional Overall Family Friendly Score of 99.97, the highest in the state. While it ranks lower for walkability at just 20.61, it compensates with good car-friendliness (67.36) and a solid Quiet Index rating of 66.02. Transit options are somewhat limited with a score of 28.00. The town is primarily designed for families who prefer driving, offering peaceful surroundings despite limited pedestrian infrastructure. Campton Hills represents the pinnacle of family-friendly communities in Illinois based on our comprehensive analysis.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Family Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how suitable a community is for families, incorporating factors such as school quality, safety ratings, availability of parks and recreational facilities, community resources, healthcare access, and general livability for households with children.
- First Time Home Buyers: Measures the affordability and accessibility of a community for those purchasing their first home, considering factors like housing prices relative to income, availability of starter homes, and first-time buyer assistance programs.
- Quiet Index: Quantifies the overall noise levels and tranquility of a community, taking into account factors such as traffic volume, proximity to major roads or airports, population density, and general ambient noise. This criterion is particularly important for families seeking peaceful environments for raising children.
- Walkability: Assesses how easy and safe it is to navigate the community on foot, considering factors like sidewalk availability, pedestrian safety features, proximity of amenities, and overall pedestrian infrastructure. Walkable communities promote healthier lifestyles and greater independence for children.
- Car Friendly: Evaluates how accommodating a community is for automobile users, including road quality, parking availability, traffic flow, and general ease of getting around by car. This is crucial for most suburban families who rely on vehicles for daily transportation.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the availability, reliability, and convenience of public transportation options in a community. Good transit options provide alternative transportation choices for families, particularly those with teenagers seeking independence or for communities where many residents commute to work.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Note: The median home price data was not available in the provided dataset. Typically, we would include references to sources such as Zillow Home Value Index, National Association of Realtors, Redfin, or local Multiple Listing Services for this information.
