As the third-largest metropolitan area in the country, Chicagoland has a host of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you’re into city life or want a more suburban lifestyle, there’s something for everyone and every family in Chicagoland.

The Chicago metropolitan area is massive, with a population estimated to be almost 10 million strong. It encompasses 16 counties, including southeast Wisconsin and northeast Indiana. Even if it’s not as big as the famous coastal metropolitans, Chicagoland has a lot going for it. It boasts one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, being home to more than 400 major corporate headquarters and a few of the nation’s leading research universities.

Suffice to say, if you’re moving to Chicagoland, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find growth in many sectors, including finance, telecommunications, automobiles, health care, and industrial capital goods.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of excellent neighborhoods and eclectic communities in Chicago. Not to mention the dozens of suburbs surrounding The Windy City. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular areas.

Downtown Chicago

We can’t talk about Chicagoland neighborhoods without sharing a bit about the Chicago proper. Yes, it’s right smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the great city, but for some families, that’s a good thing. Chicago is a hub of arts, culture, and of course – some of the most incredible eateries in the country.

Bridgeport

The good news is that it’s not all urban jungle in the Windy City. Neighborhoods like Bridgeport offer a lot of affordable options whether you’re planning on buying or renting. It’s a walkable neighborhood in the southwest lined with charming workers cottages, landscaped rowhouses, and simple brick two-flats. More than half of the homes were built before the 1940s, so Bridgeport has a lot of historic charm.

Of course, it has to be mentioned that the Guaranteed Rate Field is located in Bridgeport. That should be a significant decision-maker if you’re a White Sox fan – or, on the flip side if you prefer not to get entangled in the craze during baseball season.

Humboldt Park

There are gems like Humboldt Park with all its green scenery and renter-friendly market. Tree-lined streets and two-flats are the signatures of this neighborhood. Not to mention its murals, mosaics, and painted doors that depict a rich Puerto Rican history. Aside from a homegrown art scene, Humboldt Park features a sprawling lagoon, winding paths, and boulevards covered in foliage. It’s a literal breath of fresh air on the west side of Chicago that can easily make you forget you’re in the heart of an urban metro.

Beverly

Beverly is a gorgeous neighborhood with Carpenter Gothic Homes and big yards. It’s a little further away from downtown than most neighborhoods, but that’s what makes it unique. Beverly was initially a suburban development which explains the expansive lots. But what makes the neighborhood so charming are Italianate, Carpenter Gothic, Queen Anne, and Prairie School houses.

It’s important to note that over 70 percent of the residents in Beverly are families. And there’s no surprise there since it features many historic houses with big yards and idyllic scenes.

The Suburbs

If you prefer to detach your family from the urban lifestyle, Chicagoland has a large selection of suburbs just outside the city limits and even a few more miles off. It all depends on what you’re looking for and how far you want to be from the heart of the city.

Oak Park

Oak Park sits on the border of Chicago, and that’s an advantage since the neighborhood is well-connected. You just need to top on the Green Line to get downtown for some recreational activities. But going back to Oak Park, it’s an extraordinary place to call home because of its striking mid-century architecture. Most notably, the neighborhood is home to 25 Frank Lloyd Wright designs. If that wasn’t honoring enough, that also means it has the largest concentration of Prairie School architecture in the whole nation.

If you love architecture, then Oak Park is the place to settle down. It also boasts over 60 designated historic landmarks, including seven buildings on the National Register. It also has three historic districts, so there’s no shortage of history and architecture in Oak Park.

Naperville

Naperville offers a much more relaxed lifestyle compared to downtown. But don’t mistake that for rural, suburban life. Naperville has its own lively downtown with over 250 restaurants and quick access to Chicago downtown through an express train line. But it does set itself apart as a family-friendly community with plenty of activities for the whole family.

The Naper Settlement is a notable outdoor museum that boasts its history as a 19th-century pioneer outpost. Then there’s the Dupage River that has its own set of attractions, such as the famous Naperville Riverwalk that curves around its banks, the Dupage Children’s Museum, and the Centennial Beach swimming complex.

Des Plaines

Moving a few miles further out, you’ll find one of the most family-friendly suburbs in the northwestern area of Chicagoland. Des Plaines is considered a proper place to raise a family because of its warm and welcoming community. Even though it’s still pretty significant with almost 60 thousand total population, Des Plaines is one of the “everybody knows your name” kind of suburbs. It has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, so there’s no shortage of things to do. Plus, you can visit the first Mcdonald’s store museum in Des Plaines and see how the food chain got its humble start.

Elmhurst

Elmhurst is another one of the many gems outside of the hustle and bustle of Chicago. It’s the perfect suburb if you’re looking for a balance between small-town ambiance and a well-developed city. You don’t have to go far in Elmhurst to find many of the same benefits you’d find in a proper town. The best thing about Elmhurst is that it has a genuine sense of community. The residents work together with business owners, civic and social organizations, and the local government to make Elmhurst. The result is a safe, well-maintained, family-oriented suburban neighborhood that still has its share of shopping and recreational spots.

In a nutshell, there are a ton of neighborhoods to go through in Chicagoland. In The Wind city alone, there are dozens of excellent neighborhoods that give you a unique experience. And outside the city limits, you’ll find over 40 suburbs that each have their own sense of community and family-friendly features.

So whether you choose to settle in the urban jungle of Chicago or the relaxing suburbs, it’s a win either way.