Today, I will discuss one of the most important pieces of information when looking for a home which is safety. As a homebuyer, it can be stressful researching the right places to move into.

Illinois residents are some of the most concerned Americans about their safety. In particular, they are the second behind New York residents in a study by Safewise. 8 in 10 people in Illinois are worried about gun violence every day. Other top safety concerns here are property crime, package theft, and police violence.

In 2021, Illinois already sees high violent crime rates at 4.1 compared to 3.7 nationwide. The good thing is that its property crime rates were several points below the rest of the US at 18.5 compared to 21.1 incidents per 1,000 people. The high state crime rate mainly comes from Chicago’s high crime rates which are three times higher than the national rate.

It’s also very important to note that there are still places near Chicago where residents leave their doors open because of how safely they feel.

Top 10 safest places in Illinois 

1. Campton Hills

It is the only city to report under 10 incidents of property crime. In particular, it has a violent crime rate of just 0.1 and a 0.6 property crime rate. 

The Kane County village is 54 miles west of Chicago, yet boasts a superb quality of life for its 10,000 and counting residents - with median home values at near $600,000. Campton Hills is the standard because it has topped many lists of safest and best places in Illinois for many years in a row by Safewise, Alarms.org, and Niche. 

Here you won't even need to worry about your Amazon packages getting stolen from your front porch when you're not home.

2. Hawthorn Woods

Want a community with a city vibe with a laid-back suburban feel? Hawthorn Woods could be your next home. 

Hawthorn Woods is an affluent village in Lake County with a median home price of $650,000 and home to 8,651 people. There is a lot for everyone here. Enjoy several parks with recreational programs, an aquatic center, hiking and biking trails. The police department works closely with the community, particularly an International Dark Sky Community. 

From 2020 to 2021, this village saw an increase of 0.2% in violent crime but a decrease of 2.9% in property crime. It is one of the safest places in Illinois, and even in the nation.

3. Huntley

Huntley in McHenry County is one of the top places for families and retirees to live in because of its welcoming suburban rural mix ambiance and top-ranked public schools. This Chicago suburb which over 27,000 people call home - with a median home price of $339,700 - is extremely safe.

Even if it's merely 46 miles from Chicago, it is very different from the Windy City. It is very safe to move around the suburb, without worrying about assaults. And overall, the violent crime rate decreased by 0.2% from 2020 to 2021.

4. Lindenhurst

Are you looking for a warm, dynamic neighborhood? You will love Lindenhurst. Located in the northeastern corner of Illinois, it grew from a small farming community to a bustling village with over 14,000 residents. 

It has the fifth-lowest property crime in Illinois. So many families decide to move to this idyllic Lake County village. Case in point, there is a 0.6% decrease in violent crime and a 1.1% decrease in property crime from 2020 to 2021.

If you want to move to Lindenhurst, prepare at least for the median home price of $255,000.

5. Elburn

If you want to raise a family, one of the most ideal places is the village of Elburn. Crime rates here are just from 0.2% to 1.2%, including violent and property crimes. This small community in the Chicago suburbs is home to almost 6000 people who enjoy exciting annual community events, a commuter rail system, a robust shopping district, and several parks.

Elburn residents have a median home price of $323,300.

6. Gilberts

Another suburb northwest of Chicago boasts less than 1% of criminal activities in its territory. It is the homely village of Gilberts that has a population of 8,000 and growing where most own their own homes. Approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago, the median income in this safe community is $108,352.

Gilberts’ median home price is $285,000.

7. Inverness

Seventh on our list of safest places in Illinois is Inverness, the suburban village located just northwest of Chicago. This is a cozy home for over 7000 residents with parks galore and zero violent crime in 2021. On top of that, Inverness had the third safest lowest property crime rate in Illinois. 

Here’s a clear example: your window is more likely to be destroyed by a stray golf ball from the Inverness Golf Club than by a burglar. 

However, this safety does not come cheap at an average home purchase price of $646,000.

8. Orland Hills

Want to know where you can forget about locking your door at night? Look no further than Orland Hills. There have been no burglaries and less than 30 cases of property crimes every year here.

Formerly known as Westhaven, Orland Hills is the youngest village in southwest Cook County. This Chicago suburb has over 7000 happy residents because of its top-rated schools and ever-present police force that patrols the neighborhoods frequently.

Orland Hills’ median home price is $285,000.

9. Palatine

The next prime place to move into is the northwestern Chicago suburb of Palatine. According to a Niche.com poll, 68% of residents feel safe in Palatine. They also commend the active and very responsive police there.

Located in Cook County, this 68,407-strong community offers a unique suburban ambiance. Most residents own their homes, the majority of which are families and young professionals. It is one of the best places to live in Illinois because of its award-winning public schools and booming commercial district. You can enjoy going to many coffee shops and parks. 

If you want to move to Palatine, prepare your finances for the median home price here is $328.509.

10. Homer Glen 

The median home price for Homer Glen is $347,211.

Just 32 miles southwest of downtown Chicago is Homer Glen. With over 20,000 people calling it home, this upscale community offers quality growth and refreshing, natural, and open spaces. You can easily commute to Chicago with its efficient rail system. And families can take advantage of its robust public school system and numerous community parks.

Although the living costs and home prices are higher than average here, Homer Glen is an attractive place to live because its total crime rate is only 0.05%.

Conclusion

Are you thinking of moving to Illinois? Which of these communities interest you? Book a FREE consultation with me here.