Living in the suburbs evokes visions of white picket fences, children playing in the streets and the idyllic family life. Long associated with the American dream and full of middle-class aspirations, the suburbs typically offer homeowners the safety of low crime rates, excellent schools, and affordability.
If you’re looking for the top five suburbs to live in the U.S., we’ve taken into account the affordability and cost of living, the quality of the schools, and the available entertainment and amenities, to bring you a list of the best suburbs in the country.
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Maryland Heights is a west-central suburb of St. Louis, with a population of approximately 27,472 people. According to Zillow, the median home value of Maryland heights is $172,700, which is much less than the average U.S. home value of $229,000 — making it an extremely affordable suburb.
Maryland Heights is recognized by Niche.com as an A+ rated town, with excellent public schools, and was also voted as a top 10 Best Suburb for Young Professionals in Missouri. The median household income in Maryland Heights is $62,876, which is higher than the U.S. average, and the main employment sector is healthcare services.
Carmel, Indiana
Carmel, Indiana is a highly rated town in Indiana that offers residents an array of recreational and entertainment options. With an abundance of parks, restaurants, and coffee shops, Carmel has been voted the best place to live in the U.S. several times.
The median home value in Carmel is $320,400, which is above the U.S. average; however, the median household income is way above the U.S. average at $109,201 per year.
Carmel also has many highly rated schools, making it the ideal suburb to raise a family.
Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania
Chesterbrook is a suburb located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and has a population of around 4,675 people. It is frequently voted as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania and is currently ranked the third-best suburb to live in the U.S. by Niche.com.
The median home value in Chesterbrook is $318,400, which is exceptionally affordable when compared to the median household income of $115,446.
Like all of the other suburbs on this list (it was a requirement to make it!) Chesterfield has an excellent public school system, with many achieving an A+ rating according to Niche.com.
Shaker Heights, Cleveland
Shaker Heights has been voted the number one best place to live in Cleveland, and it’s easy to see why! With highly-rated public schools and plenty of local eateries and shopping to enjoy, Shaker Heights residents will never get bored.
One of the most affordable suburbs on our list, the median home value in Shaker Heights is just $218,500. 39% of Shaker Heights residents have a Master’s degree or higher — making it the perfect place for young professionals.
Elm Grove, Milwaukee
Elm Grove is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has a population of around 6,127 people. The median home value in Elm Grove is $360,800, which, although higher than the U.S. average, is affordable when taking into consideration the median household income of $113,750 per home.
Elm Grove boasts highly rated public schools and a tight-knit community spirit. There are ample recreational areas — plus, the village park frequently hosts events for residents to enjoy.