Summer and fall are great times to visit Illinois, but for people who live here, they can enjoy the state’s rich history, architecture, and nature all year round. There are many reasons to visit or live in this area. Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, and Abraham Lincoln’s shadow are just two.

Where are the best places to live and visit in Illinois?

There is likely to be something that fits your agenda among the many options available, which range from large cities and huge suburbs to historic villages and small communities. Recent grads have their pick of thriving metropolises, and families in Illinois’ top cities have several excellent school district options. As for travelers, there are plenty of ways to make memories, like visiting the historic capital city of Springfield or walking along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

1. Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove is one of the safest communities in the Chicago suburbs and is home to a top-notch public school system. Buffalo Grove is only 40 minutes north of Chicago, so residents and visitors can enjoy the best of both cities. But newcomers should know that housing will cost more than the average.

Everyone in Buffalo Grove likes to look around after school and work. The quiet neighborhood has gorgeous buildings, leafy streets, and green parks. The 40,000 people who live there also enjoy the summer festivals. Low unemployment and a high median wage make this area of the state a good place to live.

2. Lake Crystal

Crystal Lake is in between a small city and a big town because it has about 40,000 people. It’s got everything a rising city needs: a thriving economy, exciting events for the whole community, and a pleasant, family-friendly neighborhood with fantastic outdoor activities.

Crystal Lake will be attractive to families and retirees who want a quiet, close-knit place to raise kids or spend their golden years. There are many smaller neighborhoods that are close to schools, lots of parks, or The Village.

The latter has a great shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly downtown area. The Crystal Lake Park District has 40 parks where people can have fun, play sports, and hold community events.

3. The town of Bloomington-Normal

Bloomington-National is about an hour northeast of the state capital, Springfield. It has a lot to offer for not much money. Bloomington is an old city, and because it is close to Evergreen Lake, it is often called the Evergreen City.

Together with the nearby city of Normal, it has good public transportation and links to Chicago. This has also made it a good place for recent college graduates to move to. The Bloomington-Normal schools get high marks.

There are two colleges in the towns, one of which is Illinois State University. Both help make the city’s entertainment scene even better.

4. Schaumburg

Schaumburg, which has a population of about 75,000, is on our list because it has great schools and a very low crime rate. The median home price in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago’s northwest side, runs counter to the area’s reputation as a haven for the middle class.

Schaumburg seems like a great place for families with young children. Considering the low housing costs and the high concentration of quality child care facilities, this area is a strong contender for entry-level positions in the child care industry in the state of Illinois.

5. Champaign-Urbana

Champaign-Urbana, located two hours south of Chicago, is actually the result of the merging of two different communities, each with its own unique character.

Here, farming is the center of life, and Champaign-Urbana is where the University of Illinois is located.

The “odd couple” of a college town and farmland gives you a strong economy and all the entertainment, arts, and culture that come with a college.