Is Prospect Heights, IL a Good Place to Live? A Local's Honest Guide

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I grew up in Prospect Heights. My mom moved here from Chicago in 1988 — specifically for the large lots — and raised three boys here. All three of us still live in Prospect Heights today. So when people ask me whether it's a good place to live, I'm not pulling from a database. I'm answering from 30-something years of experience.

Here's an honest, unsponsored take on what makes Prospect Heights great, what it lacks, and who it's best suited for.

What Makes Prospect Heights Different

Prospect Heights sits in a quiet pocket between Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Wheeling. It's a city of about 17,000 people — small enough that it feels like a neighborhood rather than a suburb, large enough that you have everything you need nearby.

The biggest draw, and the reason my mom chose it, is the lots. Prospect Heights has some of the larger residential lots in Cook County's northwest suburbs. If you want a real backyard — not a postage stamp — this is one of the places to look. It's also why the area attracts families with kids and dogs, and why it tends to retain residents longer than neighboring towns.

Schools

Most of Prospect Heights falls within Township High School District 214 (Hersey High School) and Prospect Heights School District 23 for elementary and middle school. Hersey is a well-regarded high school with strong academics, athletics, and extracurriculars — it's one of the reasons families choose to stay once they're here rather than moving to a "bigger name" district. District 23's elementary schools are small and community-oriented, which many parents prefer over larger district schools.

Commute & Location

Prospect Heights is well-positioned for commuters. You're about 30 miles from downtown Chicago, with access to I-294, I-94, and Route 83. The Metra North Central Service line runs through the area (Prospect Heights station), making it a reasonable train commute to the city. Midway and O'Hare are both under 45 minutes depending on traffic.

For everyday errands, you're close to Randhurst Village (Mount Prospect), Woodfield Mall (Schaumburg), and a solid mix of grocery stores, restaurants, and services along Elmhurst Road and Palatine Road.

Home Prices

This is where Prospect Heights really shines for buyers. You get more house for your money here than in Arlington Heights or Buffalo Grove. Median single-family home prices run in the mid-to-upper $300s, with larger homes on big lots available in the $400s–$500s. The condo market is also active for first-time buyers or downsizers looking for something low-maintenance.

Prices have appreciated steadily — the community is stable, demand is consistent, and supply is limited because the area is largely built out.

Who Prospect Heights Is Best For

Prospect Heights is a great fit for families with kids who want space, a strong school district, and a community feel without paying Arlington Heights prices. It's also ideal for buyers coming from Chicago who want the suburbs but don't want to feel like they've landed in a sprawling, anonymous development. And it's a solid choice for retirees or empty-nesters who want to stay in the northwest suburbs near family — the housing stock includes both low-maintenance condos and ranch-style homes that make aging in place easier.

It's not the right fit if you want walkability, a trendy restaurant scene, or a downtown vibe. For that, Arlington Heights or Evanston are better answers.

The Bottom Line

My whole family chose Prospect Heights and stayed. That's not marketing — it's just true. It's a good, solid, underrated suburb with real character and real value. If you're looking for homes here, we know every street.