Money magazine took on the ambitious task of naming the best place to live in every state, and Schaumburg took the prize in Illinois. This northwestern suburb is a part of the Golden Corridor, an area of economic prosperity that runs along I-90 from O’Hare Airport to Rockford. The suburb has a population of 77,557, a median household income of $73,824, and projected job growth of 2.97 percent, according to the Money report. 

Here are a few of the key factors earned Schaumburg the title of best place to live in Illinois.

New Development

Village of Schaumburg welcome sign

Schaumburg is invested in supporting economic development. This summer, the suburb launched a new economic development department led by Matt Frank, assistant director of community development, according to the Daily Herald. The department, staffed by two existing employees and two new employees, will have a cost of $225,000 on the budget, according to the report.

"We're going to need to be more creative than before to retain our presence of the past. There are a lot of other communities that have stepped up their game in terms of economic development,” Village Manager Brian Townsend told the Daily Herald.

Entertainment and hospitality developments will be a big focus for the department.

Additionally, a major development is set to take root on the former Motorola Solutions campus, according to another Daily Herald report. Motorola is one of a number of companies moving its headquarters from the suburbs to Chicago. The vacant campus in Schaumburg will become a development with offices, residential space, retail elements, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, according to the report. The 322-acre site could be bigger than the Loop, the Daily Herald reports.

"We want it to feel urban, dense and walkable," Julie Fitzgerald, Schaumburg community development director, told the Daily Herald.

The Shopping

Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg

Money pointed to Woodfield Mall as one of the largest shopping malls in the country and an attractive feature of the suburb. The mall has nearly 300 stores and restaurants, ranging from major department outlets to boutique shops. The suburb is also home to a location of the major furniture emporium IKEA. If families are looking for a reason to come to Schaumburg, the neighborhood has LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago. In addition to all the bricks you could buy, LEGOLAND also has a cinema, rides, and interactive elements.

Outdoor Space

Schaumburg Village Hill 

Although Schaumburg’s focus on economic development and vast shopping options give it an urban vibe, the suburb has no shortage of outdoor space to explore. If you’re looking to play some outdoor sports, the 72-acre Olympic Park has eight synthetic turf soccer fields, two grass soccer fields, five softball fields, basketball courts, a skate park, and more. Residents also enjoy Volkening Lake, which offers fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating. Plus, it has picturesque picnic spots.

For families with kids, Schaumburg has several playgrounds, but one of the most unique is Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground. This park features play areas made of natural materials (like logs and sand) and larger-than-life nature sculptures.

Located on 20 acres of meadow and forest land, The Sculpture Park offers a quieter place to stroll and appreciate the outdoors. Nearly 20 different sculptures placed throughout the natural landscaping make your experience more than an average walk in the park. 

Arts and Culture

Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg

Many people worry that trading the city for the suburbs means leaving behind the arts and culture scene. As Money points out, Schaumburg has plenty of arts and culture to offer its residents. Explore the 10,000-square-foot Trickster Gallery, a gallery dedicated to contemporary Native American art. The Village of Schaumburg also puts on live music and performances at the Prairie Center for the Arts. During the summer, the Prairie Center puts on the Summer Breeze Concert Series.

The suburb also boasts an impressive library. The Schaumburg Township District Library has three branches that serve residents in its hometown, as well as those in Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood. Every year, more than 1 million people visit the Schaumburg Township District Library for its books, media, and resources.