When it comes to finding a home in the Chicagoland area, affordability is often at the forefront of potential buyers’ minds.
If you’re on the hunt for the most affordable suburbs in Chicagoland, you’re in for a treat. We looked at housing market data to uncover affordable Chicago suburbs where median home prices oscillate between the $100K to $300K range.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on 12 affordable Chicago suburbs where median home prices don’t exceed $165,000.
For those with dreams of morning jogs on the beach or sunset views over water, we’ve also highlighted affordable Chicago suburbs offering lakeside living on Lake Michigan—all for under $202,000.
Below are the most affordable Chicago suburbs.
The Median Sale Price is based on residential sales data for the 12 month period ending June 2023.
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What is the Most Affordable Chicago Suburb?
Riverdale is the most affordable suburb of Chicago. Located in the southern part of Cook County, Riverdale has a median sale price of just $119,423.
It is conveniently located just 23 miles south of downtown or a 48 minute train ride on the Metra.
Riverdale’s easy commute to downtown Chicago and affordable home prices make it an attractive Chicago suburb to live in.
What are the Most Affordable Chicago Suburbs with Median Home Prices under $165,000?
There are 12 affordable Chicago suburbs with median home prices of under $165,000.
Riverdale, IL in Cook County, is the most affordable Chicagoland suburb with a median sale price of exactly $119,423.
Just a touch higher, Dixmoor, also in Cook County, has a median home price of $124,683.
Not far behind in affordability is Burnham of Cook County with median home prices of $126,871.
Markham, another Cook County gem, has a median sale price of $140,865.
As we continue through Cook County, Calumet Park has homes with median prices of $151,996, followed by Dolton at $153,477.
Phoenix and Calumet City both offer homes with median home prices of $154,306 and $154,615 respectively.
In the realm of the $156,000s, Thornton and Crestwood come in at $156,607 and $156,781 respectively.
Rounding out this list of affordability, Merrionette Park and Hazel Crest have homes with median sales prices of $160,750 and $162,019.
These suburbs, all located in Cook County are perfect for anyone looking to live in an inexpensive Chicago suburb.
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What are the Most Affordable Chicago Suburbs with Beach Access on Lake Michigan?
Among the most affordable suburbs of Chicago, several have the added benefit of beach access on Lake Michigan.
North Chicago is one such suburb, with a median sale price of $168,544; it is home to beautiful Foss Park District Beach.
Not far north is Waukegan, with property prices averaging around $201,115. The residents of this affordable Chicago suburb have access to Waukegan Municipal Beach, a picturesque expanse of sand and water that’s a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
Further up the coast lies Zion, priced at $188,706, where residents can enjoy the tranquility of sandy Illinois Beach State Park.
These Chicago suburbs are not only affordable but they give residents the perks of lakeside living.
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Most Affordable Chicago Suburbs
Below is a list of the most affordable Chicago suburbs with median home prices below $306,000.
- Riverdale, IL
Median Sale Price: $119,423
- Dixmoor, IL
Median Sale Price: $124,683
- Burnham, IL
Median Sale Price: $126,871
- Markham, IL
Median Sale Price: $140,865
- Calumet Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $151,996
- Dolton, IL
Median Sale Price: $153,477
- Phoenix, IL
Median Sale Price: $154,306
- Calumet City, IL
Median Sale Price: $154,615
- Thornton, IL
Median Sale Price: $156,607
- Crestwood, IL
Median Sale Price: $156,781
- Merrionette Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $160,750
- Hazel Crest, IL
Median Sale Price: $162,019
- North Chicago, IL
Median Sale Price: $168,544
- Round Lake Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $169,412
- Chicago Heights, IL
Median Sale Price: $169,692
- University Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $172,662
- Hometown, IL
Median Sale Price: $175,515
- Posen, IL
Median Sale Price: $176,058
- Glenwood, IL
Median Sale Price: $177,425
- Chicago Ridge, IL
Median Sale Price: $177,562
- Lansing, IL
Median Sale Price: $179,536
- Rockdale, IL
Median Sale Price: $180,317
- Country Club Hills, IL
Median Sale Price: $187,208
- Richton Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $188,039
- Zion, IL
Median Sale Price: $188,706
- Worth, IL
Median Sale Price: $196,154
- Blue Island, IL
Median Sale Price: $198,923
- Fox Lake, IL
Median Sale Price: $198,928
- Waukegan, IL
Median Sale Price: $201,115
- Round Lake Beach, IL
Median Sale Price: $202,699
- Midlothian, IL
Median Sale Price: $208,423
- Wilmington, IL
Median Sale Price: $209,932
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- South Holland, IL
Median Sale Price: $219,265
- Palos Hills, IL
Median Sale Price: $219,654
- Alsip, IL
Median Sale Price: $222,615
- Crest Hill, IL
Median Sale Price: $225,415
- Homewood, IL
Median Sale Price: $229,112
- Carpentersville, IL
Median Sale Price: $229,127
- Maywood, IL
Median Sale Price: $231,069
- Bellwood, IL
Median Sale Price: $232,942
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- Broadview, IL
Median Sale Price: $235,781
- Matteson, IL
Median Sale Price: $237,650
- Oak Lawn, IL
Median Sale Price: $242,246
- Glendale Heights, IL
Median Sale Price: $244,385
- Summit, IL
Median Sale Price: $244,596
- Cicero, IL
Median Sale Price: $252,423
- Oak Forest, IL
Median Sale Price: $255,211
- Bridgeview, IL
Median Sale Price: $256,750
- Joliet, IL
Median Sale Price: $258,408
- Forest Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $260,077
- Romeoville, IL
Median Sale Price: $261,260
- Wheeling, IL
Median Sale Price: $262,615
- River Grove, IL
Median Sale Price: $266,135
- Beecher, IL
Median Sale Price: $265,490
- Streamwood, IL
Median Sale Price: $265,692
- Schiller Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $266,673
- Tinley Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $266,481
- Bensenville, IL
Median Sale Price: $266,699
- Hanover Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $268,750
- Schaumburg, IL
Median Sale Price: $274,019
- Lindenhurst, IL
Median Sale Price: $276,327
- Franklin Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $276,481
- Rolling Meadows, IL
Median Sale Price: $277,231
- Hickory Hills, IL
Median Sale Price: $278,769
- Elgin, IL
Median Sale Price: $279,160
- Aurora, IL
Median Sale Price: $281,492
- Prospect Heights, IL
Median Sale Price: $286,589
- Melrose Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $286,996
- Roselle, IL
Median Sale Price: $290,981
- Grayslake, IL
Median Sale Price: $291,551
- Berwyn, IL
Median Sale Price: $293,064
- Willowbrook, IL
Median Sale Price: $296,276
- Palatine, IL
Median Sale Price: $297,481
- Des Plaines, IL
Median Sale Price: $299,423
- Villa Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $299,672
- Crystal Lake, IL
Median Sale Price: $302,985
- Lake in the Hills, IL
Median Sale Price: $303,615
- Carol Stream, IL
Median Sale Price: $303,962
- Lombard, IL
Median Sale Price: $304,192
- Elmwood Park, IL
Median Sale Price: $305,731
- Lockport, IL
Median Sale Price: $306,000
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