Highland Park 85 Exceptional
Highland Park Livability #18 ranked city in Illinois#461 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Highland Park

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Highland Park?

Located in the state of Illinois, Highland Park is a medium-sized city with a population of 29,596 residents. The majority of Highland Park residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Highland Park is known to be family friendly as more than 75% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 42% of residents also have children under the age of 18. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Highland Park offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.

Living in Highland Park can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Highland Park and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

Highland Park has a livability score of 84/100 and is ranked #15 in Illinois and #443 in the USA. Based on this score, Highland Park would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Highland Park ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Highland Park has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A-) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Highland Park does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Highland Park, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Highland Park provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Ravinia Park, Rosewood Beach, and Moraine Park.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 66 crimes per 100,000 residents, Highland Park has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Highland Park, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.66% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Highland Park market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Highland Park. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Highland Park are affordable. Median real estate prices in Highland Park come in at $535,000, which is 206.1% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Highland Park, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 20% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Highland Park

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Compare Highland Park, IL Livability

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      Highland Park transportation information

      Statistic Highland Park Illinois National
      Average one way commute31min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.1%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.2%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home14.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Highland Park, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).