Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

- Population: 1,468
- Median home value: $181,800
- Median rental price: $986

- Top schools nearby: Sherman Elementary School (grade A−), Williamsville Junior High School (grade B+), Williamsville High School (grade B)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#6. Williamsville, Illinois

Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

- Population: 2,194
- Median home value: $114,800
- Median rental price: $900

- Top schools nearby: Springfield High School (grade A), Iles Elementary School (grade A−), Lincoln Magnet School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#5. Jerome, Illinois

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- Population: 3,752
- Median home value: $225,800
- Median rental price: $1,201

- Top schools nearby: Rochester High School (grade A), Rochester Intermediate School (grade A−), Rochester Elementary School (grade B+)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#4. Rochester, Illinois

F8 studio // Shutterstock

- Population: 4,120
- Median home value: $285,700
- Median rental price: $1,009

- Top schools nearby: Sherman Elementary School (grade A−), Iles Elementary School (grade A−), Lincoln Magnet School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#3. Sherman, Illinois

FamVeld // Shutterstock

- Population: 14,437
- Median home value: $220,000
- Median rental price: $1,133

- Top schools nearby: Glenwood High School (grade A−), Chatham Elementary School (grade B+), Glenwood Elementary School (grade B+)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#2. Chatham, Illinois

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

- Population: 1,478
- Median home value: $267,100
- Median rental price: $1,109

- Top schools nearby: Springfield High School (grade A), Iles Elementary School (grade A−), Lincoln Magnet School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Sacred Heart Griffin High School (grade A), Lutheran High School (grade B), Calvary Academy (grade B−)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. Leland Grove, Illinois