What Counts As A Chicago Suburb?
What Truly Defines A Chicago Suburb?
A Deep Dive On Everything You Need To Know About Chicago Suburbs
Tall skyscrapers, busy streets, and delicious deep-dish pizza are probably some of the first images you think of when it comes to Chicago. What does one think about places outside the vicinity of the main hub that makes up the area of Chicago, say, like its suburbs? You know, the places where people often live in a residence with neighbors nearby, take their cars out to go to work, or throw parties out in the yard. Well, those are suburbs! Now for the important question: What makes it a suburb of Chicago? Let’s dive in and find out!
What Makes A Suburb A Suburb?
First of all, let's explain what a suburb actually is. A suburb is that quieter, calmer cousin to the big bad city. It's a place where people live outside of the city limits but are still close enough to the city where they still enjoy all of the fun stuff it has to offer. Think of it this way: if Chicago is the main character in a movie, the suburbs are the supporting cast that helps make the story complete.
Suburbs usually have:
Lots of houses, not so many skyscrapers!
Schools, parks, and shopping centers
Slower pace of life compared to the city
But here is the tricky part: not every town around Chicago should be classified as a suburb. Instead, some are and some aren't. So, which one belongs where? Apparently, we will detail it!
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Chicago's Suburban Treasures
When people talk about Chicago's suburbs, they usually mean the towns and cities in Cook County and the neighboring counties: DuPage, Lake, Kane, and Will. These towns are far enough apart that people believe they are in their own universe, yet close enough for residents to travel into Chicago for work.
Among Chicago's most well-regarded suburbs are:
Evanston is the historic home of Northwestern University, within a quick train ride into downtown Chicago.
Rich history and the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright homes define Oak Park.
Naperville boasts a lot of retailers, restaurants, and even a riverfront walking path!
Along with lots of corporate parks, the Schaumburg area boasts several shopping centers.
Remember, too, that not every town in these areas is a suburb. While some of them are more like little, vibrant towns in certain respects, others are very rural, with farms and open areas. What then defines a town as a real Chicago suburb? It is mostly about the relationship with the city.
The Commuter's Test To Know If You're In A Suburb
Another way to tell if a town counts as a suburb of Chicago is by asking if people commute into the city to work or for fun. If they do, well, then it's probably a suburb. For example, there are towns such as Arlington Heights and Des Plaines that have residents who start every morning jumping on the train to commute to work in the city. That would make them suburbs!
But if it's too far away, or for which there isn't a good, solid connection to Chicago, then it does not count. For example, Rockford is a city in Illinois, but about 90 miles away from Chicago. Thus, most there people do not commute into the city; therefore, it is not a suburb.
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How Far Away Is Too Far To Be A Suburb?
With that out of the way, how far away from Chicago can a place really be and still be a suburb? So, this is where the lines start to get fuzzy. Some people would say you live in a town if it takes you less than an hour to get to Chicago. Still others say that the mood of the town has more to do with it. For example, Geneva is only 40 miles away but feels like a neighbor of this city. On the other hand, Joliet, which is only 50 miles away but feels far away because it feels like its own city, even though it is close.
It's not just about how far away a town is from Chicago; it's also about how close it feels to the city.
What's So Great About Living In The Suburbs?
It really is the best of both worlds to live in a Chicago suburb. It's quiet, like a small town, but it's also close enough to the city to enjoy all the fun. These things make living in the suburbs so great:
Bigger Homes: For the same price, you can usually get more space in the suburbs. More bedrooms, bigger yards, and room to grow!
Great Schools: Most of Chicago's suburbs have some of the best schools, which is one reason why people who want to raise a family tend to move there.
Community Feel: People will feel like they are part of a group in the suburbs. Many suburban towns have farmers' markets, parades, and festivals.
It's not all perfect, though. It can also be harder to find fun attractions in the suburbs compared to the city, and commute times can be longer. It's all about what you care about!
Future Of Chicago Suburbs
In fact, with more and more people leaving the city limits and heading into the suburbs, these areas are always growing and changing. While some suburban cities are building upward with tall buildings and adding more businesses, others retain much of their small-town feel. Whatever the case, one thing becomes very certain: the suburbs of Chicago are an important part of the regional identity that marks the entire area.
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How To Tell A Real Chicago Suburb
All stated, a Chicago suburb is a town or city near enough to Chicago to feel connected yet far enough away to create their own flavor. People appreciate spending time here with the extra benefits of suburban life—big homes, outstanding schools, and a feeling of community—but still be able to hop on the train or drive into the city either to work or have fun.
Whether your hometown is Evanston, Naperville, or Schaumburg, you are part of what makes the Chicago region unique. And if you're fortunate enough to reside in one of these suburbs, don't forget to maintain your house tidy and comfortable—perhaps even with a little help from Deep Cleaning Chicago!
Thus, the next time someone asks you, "What counts as a Chicago suburb?" You will be sure just what to say. It's about connection, way of life, and the sense of being part of something significant—not about the distance. And that is why Chicago's suburbs are so wonderful.
