This Chicago Suburb Named Best City To Live In America: Niche

ILLINOIS — One Illinois city stood out as the top pick in Niche's 2025 roundup of the Best Cities to Live in America. Naperville beat out The Woodlands, Texas, and Cambridge, Massachusetts as the study's number one selection.

Naperville also ranked number one in Niche's lists of the Best Cities to Buy a House in America, Best Cities to Raise a Family in America and Cities with the Best Public Schools.

The study used data from the Department of Education, the Census Bureau and the FBI, along with user reviews to rank each city. Cities were assessed via a grading system that weighed such factors as public schools, housing, crime and safety, diversity, cost of living and whether a city is good for families.

Below are Naperville's grades for each of Niche's categories for the Best Cities to Live in America.

• Public Schools: A-plus
• Good for Families: A-plus
• Health and Fitness: A-plus
• Jobs: A
• Outdoor Activities: A
• Housing: A-minus
• Diversity: A-minus
• Commute: B-plus
• Nightlife: B-plus
• Crime and Safety: B
• Cost of Living: B-minus
• Weather: C-plus

In its review of Naperville, Niche wrote, "Living in Naperville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Naperville there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Naperville, and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Naperville are highly rated."

Click the link to see Niche's full roundup of the Best Cities to Live in America.