Top 10 Up-and-Coming Chicago Suburbs for Real Estate Investors in 2026

If you’re a real estate investor in the Chicago area, you already know this truth:the best deals rarely come from the loudest headlines.

In 2026, smart investors are focused on cash flow, affordability, and long-term upside — not bidding wars, emotional buyers, or paying a premium just to say they own something “trendy.”

After more than 25 years working with investors across Chicagoland, here are the 10 suburbs I consistently see delivering the strongest numbers, along with actual price and rent ranges so you can judge the deals based on facts, not hype.

Why Investors Are Focusing on Suburbs in 2026

Several trends are driving investors outward from the city:

• Lower purchase prices

• Better rent-to-price ratios

• Strong and stable rental demand

• Easier management than dense city properties

• Less competition from emotional owner-occupants

In other words: the math just works better.

1. Berwyn

Best for: Long-term appreciation + stable rents

• Typical Purchase Price: $360,000 – $420,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,400 – $1,900+ per month

Berwyn has quietly become one of the most dependable near-west suburbs. Investors like the walkability, transit access, and consistent tenant demand.

Investor takeaway: Not flashy, but dependable — and dependable pays every month.

2. Blue Island

Best for: Cash-flow investors

• Typical Purchase Price: $230,000 – $280,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,300 – $1,800 per month

Blue Island continues to fly under the radar, which keeps entry prices lower than surrounding areas.

Investor takeaway: Lower buy-in + steady rents = strong ROI potential.

3. Dolton

Best for: Budget-friendly, high-ROI strategies

• Typical Purchase Price: $160,000 – $200,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,900 – $2,200 per month

Dolton remains one of the most affordable suburbs close to Chicago, with rental demand that often surprises first-time investors.

Investor takeaway: It may not impress dinner guests, but it impresses spreadsheets.

4. Calumet City

Best for: Buy-and-hold rentals

• Typical Purchase Price: $170,000 – $210,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,700 – $1,900 per month

Calumet City offers consistency. No wild swings — just solid rental demand and manageable prices.

Investor takeaway: Boring markets often produce the most predictable income.

5. Park Forest

Best for: Entry-level investors

• Typical Purchase Price: $150,000 – $190,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,900 – $2,100 per month

Park Forest is popular with investors who want affordability without constant headaches.

Investor takeaway: A great place to learn the rental game without unnecessary stress.

6. Cicero

Best for: Multi-unit investors

• Typical Purchase Price: $240,000 – $300,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,300 – $2,000+ per unit

Cicero remains one of the strongest suburbs for two-flats and three-flats thanks to density and location.

Investor takeaway: If you like multiple rent checks per property, Cicero deserves a look.

7. Waukegan

Best for: Growth + value-add strategies

• Typical Purchase Price: $230,000 – $270,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,300 – $1,700 per month

With lakefront access and redevelopment projects underway, Waukegan continues to attract long-term investor interest.

Investor takeaway: Buy before the transformation is fully priced in.

8. Maywood

Best for: Value-add investors

• Typical Purchase Price: $220,000 – $260,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,600 – $2,100 per month

Maywood offers upside for investors willing to renovate smartly and manage properly.

Investor takeaway: Sweat equity still works when the numbers are right.

9. Hammond, Indiana

Best for: Cash flow + tax advantages

• Typical Purchase Price: $170,000 – $200,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,100 – $1,500 per month

Many Chicago investors are crossing the border to Indiana for lower taxes and stronger rent-to-price ratios.

Investor takeaway: Sometimes the best Chicago investments aren’t technically in Illinois.

10. Round Lake / Round Lake Beach

Best for: Long-term family rentals

• Typical Purchase Price: $220,000 – $260,000

• Typical Rent Range: $1,500 – $2,000 per month

These areas attract families looking for space, schools, and stability — which translates to longer tenancies.

Investor takeaway: Fewer turnovers usually mean fewer headaches.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, the best investment opportunities are coming from markets with strong fundamentals, not hype:

• Affordable purchase prices

• Reliable rental demand

• Realistic appreciation potential

If you’re an investor looking for off-market deals, honest deal analysis, or help building a profitable portfolio, I work with investors every day to make sure the numbers actually make sense.

📞 Jason Rosenberg📱 312-882-9797🌐 jasonrosenbergrealestate.com

Sources

Market ranges and trends are based on aggregated data from:

• Zillow (home values and rent trends)

• Realtor.com (local market reports)

• Rentometer (rental comparisons)

• Cook County Assessor’s Office

• Local MLS data and investor transactions