Edgewood is one of Atlanta’s most eclectic and hip neighborhoods where the city’s revitalization efforts have taken root. Located west of Reynoldstown and east of Kirkwood, it’s a tight-knit diverse community offering affordable homes on modest lots. Established in the 1870s and incorporated in 1898, it was created to help Atlanta’s housing shortage. By 1909, the city of Atlanta annexed the town. Today, with the help of gentrification, Edgewood is attracting younger residents, nearly half between 25-44 years old. It remains affordable despite its many attractions such as being near the popular BeltLine trails.

There’s nothing more wonderful than having a giant park in your backyard. If you are one of the fortunate residents to call Grant Park home, you’ll have one of the finest greenspaces at your disposal to enjoy picnics, festivals, and parties. This unique neighborhood, located southeast of downtown Atlanta, is also home to the popular Zoo Atlanta. Between the park and the zoo, the community can stroll, exercise on its basketball and tennis courts, swim laps or dip your toes in the pool, relax at a family picnic, or learn about exotic wildlife. There’s also a fantastic farmers market every Sunday to purchase fresh vegetables and fruit. No matter the season, there’s always some sort of fun celebration being held in the park—from music to art, food and parades.

The beauty of Naperville, a western suburb of Chicago, is that it combines the values of small-town life with the vibrancy of a contemporary city. Founded in 1831 on primarily flat prairie, it now covers 39.7 square miles. Today, it resembles a jigsaw puzzle of subdivisions, with winding streets that may or may not link to the one next to it. Naperville’s median age is 39.1 (2022). Science and technology are the main drivers of its economy.

Small and pleasant, Peoria has had a presence in Illinois since its establishment in the central part of the state in 1691. It’s set in a level tableland on the Illinois River, and is surrounded by gently rolling terrain. Peoria’s median age is 35.4 (2022), and its main industries are healthcare, education, insurance, government, finance, and leisure and hospitality.

Billing itself as the “City of Gardens,” Rockford in northern Illinois is full of green spaces. It’s also a popular place for families and retirees who want to enjoy big-city amenities without the big-city price tag. Just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, Rockford was founded in 1834 and now spans 65.9 square miles. Its median age is 37.8 (2022), and most residents work in manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and logistics.