The Chicago area is one of the best places in the U.S., not only to grow up, but to raise your
family, or even meet someone, fall in love,
get married…
But today, we’re scrapping all that and looking at the best Chicago suburbs for singles. We came up with this list by looking at all of the largest places near Chicago in terms of the percentage of unmarried residents, the population gap between males and females, singles amenities, and the cost of living.
1. Bridgeview
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 51.6 percent
- Singles amenities: 67
- Cost of living: 109, compared to the Chicago average of 116
It makes sense that Bridgeview’s motto is “A Well Balanced Community,” as it’s pretty equally divided into residential commercial, and industrial areas. The residential streets are lined with a combination of detached, single family, ranch-style homes, and condo and apartment buildings.
The more commercial area, particularly along Harlem Street, is dotted with things to do and places to eat—especially if you love Middle Eastern food. In fact, the whole area has a heavy Middle Eastern vibe from specialty grocery stores to the sweets shops.
If you don’t know where to start, take yourself on a date to Al Bawadi Grill. Just know this may be where you start and stop—once you’ve eaten here once, you might not want to go anywhere else.
2. Lisle
Key Stats:
- Males: 49.8 percent
- Females: 50.3 percent
- Singles amenities: 78
It’s no wonder that in recent years “Money Magazine” named Lisle one of the “Best Places to Live in America.”
For straight singles in particular, Lisle is great because it’s split almost evenly down the middle between men and women, and no matter which team you’re batting for, there’s always something to do.
There are almost 70 restaurants, ranging from the Bavarian Lodge to Sushi by Chef Soon. There are arts and entertainment venues galore, including the Maze in the famous Morton Arboretum, for which the village was named.
As far as living there goes, Lisle isn’t exactly the least expensive place on our list, but we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs. After all, the village is home to all kinds of homes—apartments and condos to single family homes and estates. No matter what kind of home you choose though, know you’ll be surrounded by nature. It’s not called the “Arboretum Village” for nothing.
3. Northlake
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 55 percent
- Males: 49.6 percent
- Females: 50.4 percent
- Cost of living: 108, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Northlake is known as “The City of Friendly People,” which for singles, is very good news. Other good news for those of you who aren’t yet married: it’s cheaper than Chicago.
Even if you have a more flexible budget, Northlake has a home for you. There are more affordable options like the King Arthur Court Apartments and Condos, and then there are plenty of single family, ranch-style homes.
Once you get settled in, you can head out and meet people at events like the Northlake Days Festival, the Annual Pancake Breakfast, or just on a stroll through the giant Center Point Park.
4. Summit
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 57.9 percent
- Males: 50.5
- Females: 49.5
- Cost of living: 108, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Here’s a fun fact about Summit: It was used as the setting in Ernest Hemingway’s short story, “The Killers.” Don’t worry, though, you’re not likely to be whacked in this little village— it’s as safe as it is inexpensive. Which means, a whole lot more so than Chicago.
On the plus side, there’s an Amtrak stop in the heart of Summit, allowing direct travel to and from downtown Chicago, in case you get the itch for a bigger city vibe. But if you’re content with peace, quiet, and a small town vibe, you may not feel the need to leave.
5. Midlothian
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 53.2 percent
- Singles amenities: 46
- Cost of living: 106, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Midlothian is a great option for young singles looking to live some place a little more affordable than Chicago—but still be near all the action. As a matter of fact, Midlothian recently came in as our second most
affordable Chicago suburb, especially for its low median home value.
With all the money you save on housing here in Midlothian you can tear it up in Chicago, or even have a pretty good time with the singles scene right in town. There are almost 50 singles amenities, including some of the best barbecue your mouth has ever met at Hog Wild.
Other than dining out, Midlothian is a pretty quiet and family-family friendly community. The houses are mostly single family homes, the streets are lined with trees and safe, and the overall vibe is one of retreat from all the buzz in Chicago. Again, not a place to party, but a peaceful—and affordable—place to come home to.
6. Matteson
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 52.2 percent
- Singles amenities: 61
- Cost of living: 97, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Residents in this village might be surprised to see it on this list for singles—after all, with its award-winning schools and safe residential areas lined with trees, single family homes, and Leave It To Beaver-worthy lawns, it’s mostly known as a good place to raise a family.
But even if you’re not quite in that place yet, Matteson has something for you. For example, more affordable housing and a lower cost of living in general than nearly anywhere in the Chicago area.
It’s also home to restaurants like Peachtree Cafe & Pancake House and Hidden Manna Cafe—good food for a good date, good times with friends, or just a good, hearty meal.
7. Worth
Key Stats:
- Unmarried population: 53 percent
- Cost of living: 108, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Worth is known as “The Friendly Village,” and whether you’re single or not, if you’re a new resident here, this is welcome news. And it’s not just the residents you’ll find refreshing and welcoming—it’s also the village itself.
Perhaps the most notable thing about this community is the new municipal 18 hole golf course, The Water’s Edge. Even if you’re not a golfer, you’ll love its athletic fields, boat launch, bar, grill, trails, and the pavilion, which you can rent out for events.
The houses in Worth vary from large historic homes to more modest and modern starter homes that might be a better fit for singles. And if you’d prefer to rent, there are also condos and apartments throughout the village.
8. West Chicago
Key Stats:
- Males: 50.8 percent
- Females: 49.2 percent
- Cost of living: 101, compared to the Chicago average of 116
West Chicago is the ideal place just outside of the city for those singles who can’t afford Chicago’s high prices. The good news is, Chicago is just a quick commute away. The even better news is, you might not even need to make the drive.
That’s because West Chicago is ripe with fun things to do for singles—or anyone, really. There’s the West Chicago City Museum, Gallery 200, and beautiful historic architecture and artwork dotted throughout town.
If you’re a nature-lover, West Chicago is home to a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path, a 61-mile nature trail system, plus the West Chicago Prairie, and several other parks.
9. Crete
Key Stats:
- Males: 48.9 percent
- Females: 51.1 percent
- Cost of living: 102, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Just 30 miles south of the Loop in Will County, this little gem is the perfect, peaceful oasis for the budget-conscious single—who
doesn’t want the city life. Sure, you may find yourself more surrounded by couples than not here, but we don’t think you’ll mind when all of your friends in Chicago are stressed from the hustle and bustle and complaining about how broke they are.
And yes, we know you’re single now, but you might not always be, and if you do happen to meet a special someone and decide to settle down, Crete is a good place for that too. It has good schools, a low crime rate, and tons of recreational opportunities.
10. Mokena
Key Stats:
- Males: 50.1 percent
- Females: 49.9 percent
- Cost of living: 111, compared to the Chicago average of 116
Mokena is a village on the up and up, especially downtown which has been recently renovated. Residents can enjoy the new sidewalks, the beautiful landscaping, newly paved streets, and public plazas—while still enjoying the same low cost of living.
During the summer and fall, you’ll find most residents at the weekly open air market, and yes, even though only about 42 percent of them are unmarried, ladies, you’re at least at the advantage here since there are slightly more men than women.
If you’re not looking for Mr. Right, or even Right Now, Mokena is a good place just to enjoy yourself. There are nine parks, nearly 50 restaurants, day spas, salons, and of course Legends Grill and Bar for a night out with friends.
Looking to Mingle
If you’re single and looking to mingle,
get in touch. No, we can’t exactly find you a date for Friday night, but we can find you a nice little bachelor/ette pad in one of these 10 cities.
To see more of Chicago’s best suburbs for singles, check out the table below.
Our Methodology
We started by gathering up all of the places near Chicago with populations of 5,000 people or more. Then, with the help of
AreaVibes, local business listings, and the
U.S. Census we looked at these 106 places in terms of these singles-friendly criteria:
- Unmarried population
- Population gap between males and females (the smaller, the better)
- Singles amenities per capita (restaurants and arts/entertainment listings)
- Cost of living
We ranked them all in each category with scores from one to 106. Then, we averaged these up into one overall
Big Deal Score for each place, where the lowest scores went to our winners.
What are your favorite singles spots in Chicago’s suburbs? Tell us in the comments below! 
