The 20 best US suburbs to live in 2025 if you want to escape the city

These 20 highly rated suburbs are located near major US cities.trekandshoot/ShutterstockNiche ranked the best suburbs to live in based on factors like cost of living and safety.Cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Atlanta have multiple suburban communities in the top 20.Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, was ranked as the best suburb to live in 2025.Whether you're aiming to escape busy city life, settle down with a family, or hope to live out a certain American dream, the suburbs might be calling you.With suburban areas a real estate hot spot for renters amid rising home prices, many young professionals and growing families are considering the best places to settle down.Relocating somewhere with a lower population density doesn't always have to mean giving up some of the pros of living in bigger cities, like access to restaurants or well-funded public schools.Niche ranked the best suburbs to live in the US for 2025, considering factors like cost of living, crime rates, employment rates, access to bars and restaurants, commute times, and ethnic diversity.For its ranking, it defined a suburb as "a place located within a Census-defined urbanized area, but outside the principal city with a population of at least 1,000," and used data from the US census to calculate median home value and median income. The ranking also used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the CDC, and the Department of Education, among others, to inform ratings in areas like crime and safety, quality of education, and cost of living.These 20 suburbs located near major US cities offer great public education, friendly communities, job opportunities, and leisure activities to their residents.20. Swarthmore, PennsylvaniaMatt J Stewart/ShutterstockNearest city: Philadelphia (20 miles away)Population: 6,524Median home value: $557,900Median household income: $146,992Offering residents an urban-suburban feel that lets them enjoy coffee shops and restaurants as well as calm residential streets, Swarthmore enjoys highly rated public schools and beautiful parks."I have lived in Swarthmore my entire life and love the community atmosphere," one resident wrote on Niche. "They always have community events going on, and opportunities to get involved. Most residents are progressive-minded, care about the environment, and are passionate about diversity and inclusion in the neighborhood."19. Ho-Ho-Kus, New JerseyTravis Muller/ShutterstockNearest city: New York City (25 miles away)Population: 4,230Median home value: $1,032,800Median household income: $250,001A small and rural-feeling community, Ho-Ho-Kus is a suburb of New York City in New Jersey. Ranked by Niche as the best place to live in New Jersey, it offers residents a quiet community and highly rated public schools."Beautiful and quiet suburban town, with charming homes and a tight-knit community feel," one resident wrote on Niche, while another noted that "the schools were great, lots of well educated families, a town you could walk to, great restaurants, the ability to get really involved in the town or not at all and reasonable taxes compared to the rest of Bergen County. After 6 years of living here my wife and I agree this is the best town to live in and raise a family."18. Alpharetta, GeorgiaMarcus E Jones/ShutterstockNearest city: Atlanta (26 miles away)Population: 66,355Median home value: $605,700Median household income: $146,581A dense-suburban town north of Atlanta, Alpharetta offers its residents a balance between lively hubs with coffee shops and restaurants and quiet streets. Public schools in the area have been highly rated, and the town is ranked as the second-best place to raise a family in Georgia."Living in Alpharetta, Georgia, has been a positive experience because it offers a good balance between city life and a small-town feel," one resident wrote on Niche. "I like that the community is very family-friendly, with lots of parks, safe neighborhoods, and great schools. There are always events going on, especially in downtown Alpharetta and Avalon, which makes the area feel lively and connected."17. Blue Ash, OhioAmi Parikh/ShutterstockNearest city: Cincinnati (10 miles away)Population: 13,374Median home value: $365,700Median household income: $116,663Located north of Cincinnati, Blue Ash is a dense suburban neighborhood with a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars available to its many young and retired residents. Niche also ranked it the best place to live in Ohio."Blue Ash is safe, diverse in many ways, as well as easily accessible," one resident wrote on Niche. "City workers maintain a gorgeous environment year-round in order for a pristine look. Blue Ash has become a hot spot for local restaurants and businesses which are good for a night out or exploring the town."16. Hinsdale, IllinoisChristine Dannhausen-Brun/ShutterstockNearest city: Chicago (21 miles away)Population: 17,155Median home value: $999,100Median household income: $250,001Located West of Chicago, Hinsdale has a variety of coffee shops and restaurants available to residents. Thanks to its highly rated public schools, it was ranked as the best place to raise a family in Illinois and as the second-best place with the best public schools in the state by Niche."It truly feels like Pleasantville," one resident wrote on Niche, while another noted that the community has "great schools, very close to the city, amazing community, safe, walking distance to parks and village downtown."15. Cary, North CarolinaDavid Sweatman/ShutterstockNearest city: Raleigh (12 miles away)Population: 176,686Median home value: $525,200Median household income: $129,399West of Raleigh is Cary, which has plenty of restaurants, parks, and highly rated public schools. Niche ranked it the best place to live and raise a family in North Carolina."The town is growing rapidly and there's so much to do no matter who you are," one resident wrote on Niche. "Whether you're a family, young couple, or single person, Cary has something to offer everyone."14. Brentwood, MissouriSean Pavone/ShutterstockNearest city: St. Louis (11 miles away)Population: 8,151Median home value: $276,100Median household income: $86,641Located on the outskirts of St. Louis, Brentwood is a dense suburban community with lots of restaurants and coffee shops available to the community of largely young professionals that reside there. Niche ranked it the best place to live in Missouri and the fourth-best suburb for young professionals in the state."This city has everything you need including great parks and decent walkability," one resident wrote on Niche. "Glad to live in a safe neighborhood with plenty to do!"13. North Potomac, MarylandBenjamin C Tankersley/For The Washington PostNearest city: Washington, DC (24 miles away)Population: 23,994Median home value: $793,200Median household income: $186,438North Potomac has highly rated schools, and many of its residents are highly educated, with 43% having a Master's degree or higher. Niche ranked it as the best place to live in Maryland and the third-best place in the state to raise a family."North Potomac is the best place to live and raise kids," one resident wrote on Niche. "I love the fact that it has a suburban feel and has many nearby shopping centers & eateries."12. Clarendon Hills, IllinoisKamil Zelezik/ShutterstockNearest city: Chicago (23 miles away)Population: 8,642Median home value: $595,500Median household income: $125,826Clarendon Hills is a dense suburban community west of Chicago, ranked by Niche as the second-best place to live in Illinois. With highly rated schools, the suburb is also ranked as the second-best place to raise a family in the state."Clarendon Hills is a wonderful place to start and grow a family and build lifelong relationships," one resident wrote on Niche, noting that the suburb is "a safe and welcoming community; tremendous schools; accessible outdoor activities; centrally located for commuting into the city or visiting proximal suburbs; blossoming commercial district; and well-functioning, accessible, transparent government.""We love it here!" they added.11. Innsbrook, VirginiaLeo Colbert/ShutterstockNearest city: Richmond (13 miles away)Population: 8,559Median home value: $445,600Median household income: $130,534Ranked as the best suburb in Virginia, fourth-best place to live in the state, and sixth-best suburb for young professionals in the state, Innsbrook is a dense suburban community with plenty of restaurants and parks to offer its many young residents."I love living here," one Niche user wrote. "Great schools, many community amenities, excellent job opportunities, lots of diversity, and (relatively) affordable housing."10. Naperville, IllinoisJacob Boomsma/ShutterstockNearest city: Chicago (30 miles away)Population: 149,424Median home value: $509,900Median household income: $150,937Toeing the line between a suburb and a city of its own is Naperville, which is located 30 miles west of Chicago. This dense suburban community was ranked by Niche as the top best city to live, buy a house, and raise a family in the nation, and its residents — many of whom are young professionals — enjoy a great mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks."It's been a dream living and raising my family here," one resident wrote on Niche, while another said that they chose to live in Naperville because of its "excellent public schools, affordable housing, vibrant downtown, and great rail service to Chicago."9. Okemos, MichiganJacob Boomsma/ShutterstockNearest city: Lansing (8 miles away)Population: 25,503Median home value: $336,800Median household income: $97,603Ranked by Niche as the best place to live in Michigan, Okemos is a dense suburban community east of Lansing, housing many young professionals and families. Located close to Michigan State University, Okemos residents enjoy a highly rated public school system, which contributed to the suburb's ranking as the best place to raise a family in the state."Okemos is a really nice town," one resident wrote on Niche. "We have great-looking, neat neighborhoods tucked between the countryside and the greater busy cities around Lansing. Lots of stores and our own mall are conveniently located near the middle."8. Cinco Ranch, TexasSteve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via Getty ImagesNearest city: Houston (28 miles away)Population: 19,139Median home value: $459,500Median household income: $157,395Ranked as the best place to live and raise a family in Texas, Cinco Ranch — located west of Houston — is home to many families and offers highly rated public schools."Cinco Ranch is one of the best places to live and work," one resident wrote on Niche. "Great community with great people around it keeps growing as a community with new businesses opening new opportunities for more people to move in and work."7. Brookline, MassachusettsWangkun Jia/ShutterstockNearest city: Boston (4 miles away)Population: 62,822Median home value: $1,233,100Median household income: $140,631Located outside of Boston, this urban suburb offers its residents a wide variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Unlike most other communities in this ranking and partly thanks to its close proximity to the city, most residents in Brookline rent their homes rather than own, Niche reported. The suburb was rated by the site as the best place to live in Massachusetts and the second-best to raise a family in the state, thanks to its highly rated public schools."The town offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban charm," one resident wrote on Niche. "I've really appreciated the walkability, access to public transportation, and the variety of local businesses, restaurants, and green spaces. The community feels safe, well-maintained, and diverse, which adds to its appeal."6. Penn Wynne, PennsylvaniaSean Pavone/ShutterstockNearest city: Philadelphia (7 miles away)Population: 6,220Median home value: $532,200Median household income: $156,056Located west of Philadelphia, Penn Wynne offers many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks, as well as a highly rated public school system. Many residents in Penn Wynne are retirees, and most own their homes, Niche reported."It's a close-knit community with a warm, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home," one Niche user wrote. "The neighborhood is peaceful and well-maintained, with great parks and local amenities that enhance daily life. People are welcoming and supportive, fostering a strong sense of belonging. The area is also conveniently located, making it easy to access nearby cities and services."5. Ardmore, PennsylvaniaAndrew Baum/ShutterstockNearest city: Philadelphia (8 miles away)Population: 14,165Median home value: $446,300Median household income: $115,273Also a suburb of Philadelphia, Ardmore is another dense community offering its residents a mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. Residents can enjoy many coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks, as well as many highly rated public schools. The suburb was ranked by Niche as the second-best place to live in Pennsylvania."Ardmore is a nice place to live at," one resident wrote on Niche. "You can walk to most stores in the area and at a reasonable distance. There are also nighttime activities to do with friends around the area too."4. Johns Creek, GeorgiaDeron Levy/ShutterstockNearest city: Atlanta (25 miles away)Population: 82,115Median home value: $583,700Median household income: $160,185Located north of Atlanta, Johns Creek is home to many families and to highly rated public schools. While keeping a suburban feel with quieter streets and resident-owned homes, the town also offers a good variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It was ranked as the best place to raise a family in Georgia and the best suburb to live in the state."John's Creek is the best city!" one resident wrote on Niche. "So much to do with children and very safe. Our neighborhood is very friendly, and there are so many shops and restaurants convenient to us."3. Madison, AlabamaHerman Thomas/ShutterstockNearest city: Huntsville (12 miles away)Population: 58,335Median home value: $367,900Median household income: $131,436Located west of Huntsville, the largest city in Alabama, Madison is ranked as the best place to live and raise a family in the state thanks to its highly rated public schools. The community also offers families and other residents plenty of parks to visit."I like living in Madison because it creates a community with many different backgrounds and people!" one resident wrote on Niche. "Southern hospitality is a real thing, and people are kind and authentic towards you. There are also really great career opportunities here!"2. Carmel, IndianaLittle Vignettes Photo/ShutterstockNearest city: Indianapolis (15 miles away)Population: 100,501Median home value: $455,500Median household income: $134,602Located north of Indianapolis, Carmel is a dense suburban community that's home to many families and offers a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The area's public schools are highly rated, and the community was ranked as the best place to live and raise a family in Indiana by Niche."Carmel is such a great city if you are looking for a mixture of calm and bustling environment," one Niche user wrote. "There are lots of options for schools around the area, both private and public. There are great places to hang out with friends, and the city is very family-friendly!"1. Chesterbrook, PennsylvaniaErik Gonzalez/ShutterstockNearest city: Philadelphia (25 miles away)Population: 5,439Median home value: $432,200Median household income: $140,972Located outside Philadelphia, Chesterbrook was ranked by Niche as the best suburb to live in the US, the best place to raise a family, and the third-best place in the nation to live overall. With a dense suburban feel, residents — many of whom are families or retirees — enjoy many parks, coffee shops, and restaurants. The public schools in the area are also highly rated, with the suburb being ranked at 13 on Niche's ranking of places with the best public schools in the country."The area is very convenient as it is close to freeways, shops, and jobs," one resident wrote on Niche. "The mall is only a ten-minute drive away, and corporate offices are spread out. The area is clean and surrounded by natural and lush greenery. There are several parks, bike and walking trails available. It is a family-oriented and quiet place."Read the original article on Business Insider

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