Illinois Makes List of Best Cities for a Home with This Feature

There's nothing quite like a home with one of these features—unless you live somewhere that's hotter than a car seatbelt in July. Some cities are just better suited for that dreamy, crackling warmth and two of the best in the US are in Illinois.

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Which U.S. Cities Are Ideal for Snuggling Up Beside a Crackling Fireplace?

Home Gnome ranked 2025's Best Cities for a Home with a Fireplace, comparing nearly 500 cities based on the number of homes with fireplaces, chilly weather, and access to chimney sweepers (because let's be real, nobody actually remembers to do that themselves).

The Best Fireplace Cities Have More Than Just Cold Weather

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Sure, cold temperatures are a factor, but having a fireplace-friendly home isn't just about needing heat—it's about the vibe. The best cities for fireplaces have:

• A high percentage of homes with fireplaces – Because trying to install one in a studio apartment is just wishful thinking.
• Reliable fireplace maintenance services – Since a soot-clogged chimney is just a house fire waiting to happen.
• Long winters – If you live somewhere that gets snow in April, congratulations, you’re in prime fireplace country.

Fireplace Trends You Didn't Know You Needed

Gone are the days of your grandpa's crumbling brick hearth. Modern fireplaces are sleek, efficient, and even smart-tech compatible. Gas fireplaces are gaining ground over wood-burning options,  but traditionalists (me) still swear by the smell of real burning logs.

Two Illinois CIties Made the Top 10—Guess Which Ones?

Illinois pulled double duty in the Top 10, proving that bitterly cold winters do have at least one perk. Springfield and Elgin both landed on the list, likely due to their mix of older homes with classic fireplaces and the undeniable need to thaw out every winter on the daily.

In case you were wondering where else fireplaces reign supreme, here's the Top 10.

10 - Elgin, IL

9 - Sante Fe, NM

8 - Asheville, NC

7 - Minneapolis, MN

6 - Spokane, WA

5 - Bend, OR

4 - Springfield, IL

3 - Missoula, MT

2 - Duluth, MN

1 - Flagstaff, AZ

MORE: 5 Most Expensive Places to Live In Illinois