While most people do not think of suburbs when they think of exciting places to live, work, and have a good time, there are certain suburbs throughout America, and outside of Chicago, in particular, that are especially eclectic and have plenty to offer both single people and those with families.  Continue reading for a list of the top five suburbs that surround the great city of Chicago if you are planning to move there from another part of the country or if you already live in the area and are ready for a change in another local town that has something different to offer.

Highland Park

This is the place to be if you are hoping to move into an area with exquisite mansions and a community that enjoys the high life.  People travel through here just to see the beautiful homes and scenery, but there is also a nice downtown area that provides entertainment for the entire family.  You may even spot a well-known person in the area, as some of these homes are owned by the rich and famous, including Billy Corgan of the hit band the Smashing Pumpkins and Michael Jordan.

Chicago suburbs from the air by Scorpions and Centaurs, on Flickr.  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Evanston

Evanston is a large community that many tourists who visit Chicago make a point of exploring during their trip.  It sits along Lake Michigan, has six beaches for people to check out and enjoy, and a total of 61 locations that are a part of the National Register of Historic Places.  Pretty impressive for what first appears to be a little-known suburb of a much larger and exciting city, right?  The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, with an array of cafes, shops, bookstores, and restaurants that anyone will enjoy.

Winnetka

Yet another one of the richest communities outside of Chicago, Winnetka boasts large, beautiful homes and a fabulous downtown area that is not only attractive but offers plenty for visitors to enjoy.  There are a variety of independent restaurants and shops, so you definitely will not find the typical strip mall stores and eateries here.  Three beaches are also perfect for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and catching some rays on the sand.

River Forest and Oak Park

Interested in seeing some Frank Lloyd Wright homes and quaint tree-lined streets?  Then head over to River Forest.  Oak Park is where Frank Lloyd Wright began his career, and he built several homes in this suburb that are still accessible today.  While there, check out his studio, too.  Ernest Hemingway was also born in Oak Park, and the Hemingway Museum is definitely a tourist attraction you don’t want to miss.

Naperville

A large beach and a pool are just a couple of the attractions in Naperville, which also boasts a great downtown area with plenty to enjoy.  Many people have made their home in Naperville, thanks to its quiet and relaxed atmosphere and its many outdoor areas for a relaxing stroll, especially the bike path that runs alongside a lovely river and the area surrounding North Central College.