Searches for the best Chicago suburbs and the best suburbs of Chicago continue to increase as renters and property owners look beyond the city limits for more space, stability, and long-term value. While many guides focus on popularity or apartment listings, they rarely explain how these suburbs actually perform as long-term rental markets.
This guide takes a different approach.
Instead of ranking suburbs from best to worst, we identified a focused group of suburbs that meet specific rental and livability benchmarks before you buy to live or use as an investment. Each suburb included below qualified based on real-world performance indicators we see while managing rental properties across Chicagoland.
The goal is clarity, not rankings.
How These Suburbs Were Selected
Each suburb in this guide met all of the following criteria:
Consistent demand for long-term rentals
Ability to support market rents relative to property taxes
Access to employment centers, Metra lines, or major highways
Schools, amenities, and community features that support tenant retention
Ongoing development or infrastructure investment
A rental market that benefits from professional property management
Each location also comes with trade-offs, which are outlined honestly.
Living in the Chicago Suburbs: What Renters Are Looking for in 2026
Renters choosing the suburbs are no longer viewing suburban living as a temporary step. Many are staying longer due to affordability pressures, changing work patterns, and lifestyle preferences.
Across the Chicagoland suburbs, renters consistently prioritize:
More space than city apartments, including two-bedroom apartments and single-family homes
Access to parks, forest preserves, and outdoor recreation
Walkable downtowns with restaurants, coffee shops, and community events
Reliable commuting options to downtown Chicago via Metra and expressways
A strong sense of community and overall quality of life
These factors directly influence rental demand, lease renewals, and long-term performance.
Snapshot Comparison: Best Chicago Suburbs for Rentals
Suburb | Best For | Rental Stability | Rent Growth Potential | Management Complexity |
Naperville | Families, professionals | Very strong | Moderate | Moderate |
Downers Grove | Commuters, mixed renters | Strong | Moderate | Low |
Oak Park | Urban-style renters | Strong | Moderate | High |
Plainfield | Growing families | Moderate to strong | High | Low |
Frankfort | Long-term family | Strong | Moderate | Low |
Suburb | Best For | Rental Stability | Rent Growth Potential | Management Complexity |
Naperville | Families, professionals | Very strong | Moderate | Moderate |
Downers Grove | Commuters, mixed renters | Strong | Moderate | Low |
Oak Park | Urban-style renters | Strong | Moderate | High |
Plainfield | Growing families | Moderate to strong | High | Low |
Frankfort | Long-term family | Strong | Moderate | Low |
Tinley Park | Value-focused | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
La Grange | Transit-oriented | Strong | Moderate | Moderate |
Joliet | Affordability-focused | Market-dependent | Moderate | High |
Don't see where you are looking at on the list? That doesn't mean it is not a good investment!Performance often varies block by block, not just suburb by suburb.
Reach out for our local expertise today!
Naperville
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Naperville remains one of the strongest suburban rental markets in Chicagoland, particularly for families and professionals relocating from the city. Demand is highest for single-family homes in District 203 and 204 and for apartments near downtown Naperville, Washington Street, and the Naperville Metra station. Properties near the Riverwalk, Nichols Library, and Central Park tend to see faster leasing and longer tenant stays.
What’s Changing in Naperville
Ongoing downtown investment continues to shape renter preferences. Recent restaurant turnover along Washington Street, continued upgrades to the Riverwalk corridor, and consistent event programming like Ribfest and Last Fling have reinforced downtown Naperville as a lifestyle hub. Rentals within walking distance of the Metra and downtown amenities consistently outperform similar homes farther west near Route 59.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Strong schools and community amenities
High tenant stability and renewal rates
Cons:
Property taxes are among the highest in the region
Accurate pricing is critical due to higher average rent thresholds
Downers Grove
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Downers Grove attracts commuters and families who want suburban living with direct access to downtown Chicago. Demand is strongest near the Main Street and Fairview Avenue Metra stations, as well as neighborhoods close to the Tivoli Theatre, Main Street dining corridor, and Patriots Park. Townhomes and updated single-family rentals near these areas tend to lease quickly.
What’s Changing in Downers Grove
Downtown reinvestment continues to drive rental demand. The revitalization of the Main Street corridor, new restaurants and breweries, and residential infill near the Fairview station have increased competition for walkable rental inventory, particularly among young professionals commuting to the city.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Reliable commuter demand
Balanced rent-to-tax relationship
Cons:
Older housing stock may require updates
Limited inventory in high-demand pockets
Oak Park
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Oak Park appeals to renters seeking urban density outside Chicago city limits. Demand remains strong near the Green Line and Blue Line stations, the Metra stop on Lake Street, and walkable corridors like Lake Street and Marion Street. Vintage apartments and condos continue to attract long-term renters commuting downtown.
What’s Changing in Oak Park
New multifamily projects and public improvements continue, but regulation plays a growing role. Recent updates to local rental ordinances, licensing requirements, and inspection standards have increased operational complexity, making professional management especially important in Oak Park.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Year-round renter demand
Strong transit access
Cons:
Higher management and compliance complexity
Local regulations require close attention
Plainfield
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Plainfield attracts family renters seeking newer construction, larger floor plans, and more affordability than closer-in suburbs. Demand is strongest in subdivisions near Route 59, 127th Street, and the downtown Plainfield area along Lockport Street. Single-family homes with three or more bedrooms perform particularly well.
What’s Changing in Plainfield
Residential growth continues to expand the housing supply. Ongoing subdivision development west of Route 59 and near 143rd Street has introduced newer rental competition, but it has also reinforced Plainfield as a destination for families priced out of Naperville and Bolingbrook.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Strong rent growth potential
Longer average lease terms
Cons:
Commute distance matters for tenant selection
Frankfort
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Frankfort’s small-town charm, historic downtown, and strong school system attract long-term family renters who prioritize stability and community involvement. Demand is strongest near the downtown Frankfort Square, Old Plank Road Trail, and neighborhoods close to Lincoln-Way East High School. Limited rental inventory supports steady performance.
What’s Changing in Frankfort
New residential construction remains limited. Recent commercial additions, expanded community events at Breidert Green, and continued downtown preservation efforts have strengthened demand without overbuilding the rental market.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Low turnover
Stable rental demand
Cons:
Smaller renter pool
Slower rent growth
Tinley Park
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Tinley Park appeals to renters seeking value, space, and access to Metra and major roadways. Demand is strongest near the Tinley Park Metra station, Oak Park Avenue corridor, and neighborhoods close to I-80 and I-57 access points.
What’s Changing in Tinley Park
Commercial investment and infrastructure upgrades continue to support rental demand. Tinley Park has been aggressively developing their downtown area over the past few years with developments like The Boulevard, Harmony Square, and the new building housing Durbin’s and their rooftop bar. It seems as if Tinley Park’s renewed investment in their downtown area is paying off as they created an energy amongst their downtown residents and rental demand has begun to increase.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Broad tenant base
Consistent leasing activity
Cons:
Rent ceilings in certain submarkets
La Grange
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
La Grange attracts renters drawn to walkability, dining, and direct Metra access. Demand is strongest near the La Grange Road Metra station, Burlington Avenue corridor, and the downtown restaurant district. Apartments and updated homes near these areas often lease quickly.
What’s Changing in La Grange
Downtown investment remains steady. Ongoing improvements along La Grange Road, strong restaurant traffic, and limited residential inventory near the Metra station continue to support premium rental demand and longer tenant retention.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Strong tenant demand
Limited inventory supports stability
Cons:
Higher acquisition costs
Joliet
Rental Demand and Tenant Profile
Joliet offers more affordable rental options than many surrounding suburbs, but performance varies widely by neighborhood. Demand differs significantly between areas near downtown Joliet, Cathedral Area, and neighborhoods closer to Route 59 and I-80 corridors.
What’s Changing in Joliet
Redevelopment efforts continue unevenly. Downtown revitalization initiatives, casino-adjacent development, and infrastructure investment near transportation corridors have created pockets of opportunity, while other areas require careful screening and pricing discipline.
Pros and Cons for Rental Owners
Pros:
Lower entry costs
Diverse renter pool
Cons:
Performance varies significantly by area
Requires neighborhood-level analysis
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Chicago Suburbs
What are the best Chicago suburbs for renters in 2026?
The best suburbs for renters balance affordability, access, and livability. Suburbs like Naperville, Downers Grove, Oak Park, and Plainfield continue to attract individuals who rent seeking room and stability.
Are Chicago suburbs still affordable compared to the city?
Many suburbs offer more room and competitive pricing compared to city apartments, particularly for two-bedroom apartments and single-family rentals.
How does the rental market differ between Chicago and the suburbs?
Suburban rental markets typically have longer lease terms, lower turnover, and more family-oriented demand than city neighborhoods.
Do Chicago suburbs have good public transportation options?
Many suburbs offer Metra rail service and highway access, making commuting to downtown Chicago practical for individuals who rent.
Are property taxes higher in the suburbs?
Property taxes vary widely by suburb and can impact rental pricing. Proper management is critical to maintaining performance.
How long do renters typically stay in suburban rentals?
Suburban renters often stay longer than city individuals who rent, especially in family-focused communities with strong schools.
Let Landmark Property Management Help You!
The best suburbs of the Windy City are not defined by rankings alone. They are defined by rental demand, tenant retention, and how well a property is managed within its local market.
If you own a rental property in one of these suburbs and want to understand how your property compares in terms of pricing, performance, and compliance, a local performance review can help identify opportunities before issues arise.
Landmark Property Management works exclusively in these Chicago suburbs, providing hands-on insight into what drives rental success across the markets we serve.
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