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!
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.
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.
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.