Three Chicago ‘burbs rank among country’s best in survey

Rankings and ratings are popular tools for gauging the health of a community on a variety of factors. Or, at least they look good on marketing collateral.

For those who are looking at suburbs close to bigger metros that have easy commutes, high incomes, low crime and good schools, Business Insider just released its annual listicle of the best 50 places to live if you are seeking the suburban experience. It defines “suburban” as between 5,000 and 100,000 residents.

The publication studies a variety of quality-of-life factors, among them average commute times, median household income, crime rates, public school rankings, and housing affordability.

To make the cut, too, the community had to be within roughly 25 miles from a big city.

The Midwest state combined dominated the list, and Chicago suburbs Hinsdale, Deerfield and Winnetka proudly represent for Illinois.

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On the west side, Hinsdale took the no. 28. spot. Business Insider noted that the town has a “quaint downtown, beautiful residences, and renowned public schools.” They also noted the convenience of the Burlington Northern line express train to downtown.  The median household income is reported to be $161,701 in Hinsdale.

Northern communities Deerfield, at no. 38, and Winnetka, at no. 40, were Chicago’s other two entries on the list. Deerfield’s bio included recognition of its collection of corporate headquarters, rock-bottom crime rate and well-respected schools.  

Winnetka was noted for its high median income of $211,250, which makes it one of the wealthiest suburbs in the U.S. It also boasts a very well-educated community, with 88 percent of its residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree.

The top 10 suburbs on the Business Insider list of 50 greats are:

1. New Albany, Ohio
2. Mountain Brook, Alabama
3. Ladue, Missouri
4. University Park, Texas
5. Atherton, California
6. Piedmont, California
7. Highland Park, Texas
8. Indian Hill, Ohio
9. Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania
10. Bellaire, Texas

Email Kimberley Sirk.