Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Des Plaines, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 58,316 residents. In Des Plaines, there are 4,096 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 75% of Des Plaines residents are White, 13% Asian and 3% Black. Something to be aware of when living in Des Plaines are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 30 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Des Plaines, Illinois could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Des Plaines and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Des Plaines is 79 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Des Plaines ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Des Plaines has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Des Plaines ranks well for amenities (B-), crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Des Plaines. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (D-).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Des Plaines, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Des Plaines undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Des Plaines gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 118 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Des Plaines has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Des Plaines is real estate affordability. The median home price for Des Plaines homes is $267,200, which is 52.9% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Des Plaines, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 20% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Des Plaines | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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