Why More People Are Leaving Chicago for the Northwest Suburbs

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Is It Time to Make the Move?

If it feels like everyone you know is leaving Chicago, you’re not imagining it. Over the past three years, more than 82,000 people have moved out of the city. That’s like filling Wrigley Field twice and sending every single person to the suburbs!

But here’s what’s really interesting—while Chicago’s population is declining, the Northwest Suburbs are booming. Towns like Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling are seeing home sales rise, new businesses opening, and communities thriving.

So, what’s driving this trend? Why are so many people trading city life for the suburban lifestyle? And is it the right move for you?

Let’s break it down.

Top Reasons People Are Leaving Chicago

While every move is personal, there are a few big reasons why families, young professionals, and retirees alike are choosing the Northwest Suburbs over city life.

1. The Cost of Living & High Property Taxes

One of the biggest reasons people are leaving Chicago proper is the cost of living—especially property taxes.

• Illinois has one of the highest tax burdens in the country, ranking in the top five nationwide.
• The average property tax rate in Chicago is around 2.27%, meaning homeowners are paying thousands of dollars extra each year.
• In many suburban areas, property tax rates are lower, and residents get more space, better schools, and stronger community amenities for their money.

When you compare what you pay in the city versus what you get in the suburbs, it’s easy to see why so many people are making the move.

2. Better Schools & Educational Opportunities

For families with kids—or those planning for the future—schools are a huge deciding factor in where to live.

While Chicago has great selective enrollment schools, the reality is that many of the top-rated public schools in Illinois are in the suburbs.

For example:

Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire) – Consistently ranked one of the best in the state.
District 214 (Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, and more) – Offers award-winning programs, AP courses, and college partnerships.
Barrington High School & Fremd High School (Palatine) – Among the top public schools in Illinois.

These schools not only offer high academic rankings, but they also feature state-of-the-art facilities, extracurricular programs, and strong college prep opportunities—making them a major draw for families considering a move.

3. More Space & Larger Homes for Your Money

Let’s talk about space—because this is a huge factor for many buyers.

In Chicago, you could easily spend $400,000 or more for a 1,000-square-foot condo. In the Northwest Suburbs, that same budget could get you:

A single-family home with a backyard
A garage, finished basement, and extra storage
Multiple bedrooms and a home office

For many buyers, this lifestyle upgrade makes moving a no-brainer. Instead of squeezing into a small city apartment, they get a home with more space to grow—without sacrificing convenience.

4. The Rise of Remote Work & Flexible Commuting

Another major shift? Remote and hybrid work.

Since many professionals no longer have to commute daily, they’re choosing to live in areas that offer more home value, better schools, and a quieter environment.

• Instead of working from a tiny city apartment, buyers can have a dedicated home office (or two!).
• Commuting from the suburbs is easier than people think—thanks to Metra trains, major highways, and proximity to O’Hare Airport.
• If you only go into the city once or twice a week, it makes more sense to live in a larger, more affordable home in the suburbs.

With so many companies allowing flexible work, more homebuyers are asking themselves:
Why stay in the city when I can get so much more in the suburbs?

What’s Life Like in the Northwest Suburbs?

A big misconception about suburban life is that you’re giving up city conveniences—but that’s not the case in the Northwest Suburbs.

Easy Commuting Options

Metra Trains – Quick, stress-free rides to downtown Chicago.
Major highways (I-90, Route 53, I-294) – Making travel easy.
Close to O’Hare Airport – A huge perk for frequent travelers.

Vibrant Downtown Areas

The Northwest Suburbs are NOT just strip malls and chain restaurants! Many towns have bustling downtown districts with great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

Some of the most popular areas include:
Downtown Arlington Heights – Live music, theater, coffee shops, and boutique shopping.
Buffalo Grove Town Center – A new development bringing in top-rated dining and retail.
Palatine’s Durty Nellie’s & Cutting Hall – A mix of nightlife and live performances.
Wheeling’s Restaurant Row – Home to some of the best dining in the suburbs.

Parks, Outdoor Spaces & Community Events

One of the biggest lifestyle upgrades in the suburbs is the access to parks, trails, and outdoor spaces.

• Miles of walking and biking trails
• Dog parks, playgrounds, and golf courses
• Summer concerts, farmer’s markets, and food festivals

Many people love that they can still have an active social life—without dealing with city crowds and parking headaches.

Is Moving to the Suburbs Right for You?

So, is leaving Chicago for the Northwest Suburbs the right move for you?

You want more space & better home value
You’re looking for top-rated schools
You want a quieter, family-friendly environment
You still need easy access to the city

If any of these sound like you, it might be time to start exploring your options!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Northwest Suburbs, I’d love to help! I specialize in helping families, young professionals, and relocators find their perfect home.

Reach out anytime—I’d be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

And if you want to learn more about relocating to the Northwest Suburbs, check out my other blog posts for insider tips and expert advice!