realestate

Top Suburbs of a Major US City Offer Quiet Living Away from the Hustle

While cities seem glamorous, many Americans favor suburbs—so how do you choose among thousands?

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any Americans choose suburbs over cities. Niche.com’s 2025 Best Suburbs list evaluates schools, crime, housing, jobs, and amenities using Census data and resident feedback. A suburb is a Census‑defined area outside a principal city with at least 1,000 people. Chesterbrook, PA tops the list. Only four suburbs fall below the national median home price of $439,990: Penn Wynne PA ($288,750), Ardmore PA ($429,500), Okemos MI ($439,000), and Brentwood MO ($185,000). Higher prices often reflect larger homes and a slower pace. The pandemic accelerated suburban migration; a partial reversal has followed as offices reopen, yet 79% of Americans under 55 still view a suburban single‑family home as ideal.

    The Philadelphia Main Line dominates the rankings with Chesterbrook, Ardmore, and Penn Wynne in the top 20. The area offers proximity to the city, new developments, parks, libraries, and a welcoming community. Chesterbrook’s median price is $569,000; it boasts King of Prussia mall, an international airport, state parks, Amtrak and SEPTA access, and Valley Forge National Park. The community is dense suburban, largely townhomes, 64% owner‑occupied, and highly walkable.

    Other top suburbs include:

    1. Chesterbrook, PA – Pop. 5,439 – Grade A+ – Median $569,000

    2. Carmel, IN – Pop. 100,501 – Grade A+ – Median $599,900

    3. Madison, AL – Pop. 58,335 – Grade A+ – Median $845,000

    4. Johns Creek, GA – Pop. 82,115 – Grade A+ – Median $849,900

    5. Ardmore, PA – Pop. 14,165 – Grade A+ – Median $429,500

    6. Penn Wynne, PA – Pop. 6,220 – Grade A+ – Median $288,750

    7. Brookline, MA – Pop. 62,822 – Grade A+ – Median $1,687,000

    8. Cinco Ranch, TX – Pop. 19,139 – Grade A+ – Median $631,600

    9. Okemos, MI – Pop. 25,503 – Grade A+ – Median $439,000

    10. Naperville, IL – Pop. 149,242 – Grade A+ – Median $625,000

    11. Innsbrook, VA – Pop. 8,559 – Grade A+ – Median $525,000

    12. Clarendon Hills, IL – Pop. 8,642 – Grade A+ – Median $475,000

    13. North Potomac, MD – Pop. 23,994 – Grade A+ – Median $799,000

    14. Brentwood, MO – Pop. 8,151 – Grade A+ – Median $185,000

    15. Cary, NC – Pop. 176,686 – Grade A+ – Median $595,000

    16. Hinsdale, IL – Pop. 17,155 – Grade A+ – Median $1,262,450

    17. Blue Ash, OH – Pop. 13,374 – Grade A+ – Median $799,900

    18. Alpharetta, GA – Pop. 66,355 – Grade A+ – Median $850,000

    19. Ho‑Ho‑Kus, NJ – Pop. 4,230 – Grade A+ – Median $1,597,000

    20. Swarthmore, PA – Pop. 6,524 – Grade A+ – Median $675,000

    These communities combine strong schools, low crime, robust employment, and abundant amenities, making them attractive for families and professionals alike.

Quiet suburban street in Chicago’s top suburbs, calm residential area.