Every Major Chicago Suburb, Explained (2026)

Check out what’s happening in our housing market this month!

If you prefer reading, here are the cliff notes ⬇️

• North & Northwest Chicago suburbs (Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, Barrington): strong downtowns, access to O’Hare, Metra lines, and major redevelopment projects plus a notable Arlington Heights Bears stadium district update and tight inventory driving competition.

• Western suburbs market leaders (Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst): high-demand areas with top schools, strong downtowns, and big projects like Naperville’s Block 59, with Elmhurst seeing intense tear-down/new construction activity and rapid price growth.

• Mid-western commuter hubs (Downers Grove, Lisle, Lombard): a mix of post-war housing and infill development with easy highway access and Metra express trains, keeping these suburbs attractive for buyers who want value with commuting convenience.

• Luxury “Gold Coast” suburbs (Hinsdale, La Grange): ultra-competitive high-end markets with very low months of inventory, strong year-over-year appreciation, and buyer demand centered around lifestyle, schools, and downtown amenities.

• South/Southwest + Far West growth zones (Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Lemont, Palos Park, Plainfield, Yorkville, Huntley, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia): affordability (relative to the metro), new medical and infrastructure investment, entertainment/downtown upgrades, and expanding new construction setting up several of these areas as emerging Chicago suburbs to watch in 2026.

Hope this was helpful!

John Sintich, Realtor® 

Keller Williams Preferred Realty

708-612-0644