Niles 81 Exceptional
Niles Livability #60 ranked city in Illinois#1,263 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Niles

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

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What's it like Living in Niles?

Located in the state of Illinois, Niles is a mid-sized city with a population of 29,198 residents. In Niles, there are 4,993 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 71% of Niles residents are White, 19% Asian and 3% Black. Based on an average age of 48, Niles appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Niles, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 29 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Niles could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Niles and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Niles to Illinois and the national average.

Using data and statistics Niles has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, Niles ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Niles is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Niles has received high marks for amenities (A), crime (B+), employment (B+) and housing (B). There are some categories that Niles scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're living in Niles, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Niles an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Niles are: Leaning Tower of Niles, King Spa & Sauna, and Sky High Sports Niles.

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. Niles gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 104 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Niles, the unemployment rate stands at 2.74%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

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 Niles 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 Niles. 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 Niles are affordable. The median home price for Niles homes is $289,800, which is 65.8% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Niles, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 53.3% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Niles

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Compare Niles, IL Livability

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      Niles transportation information

      Statistic Niles Illinois National
      Average one way commute29min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.4%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.4%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.9%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.7%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home4.2%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Niles, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).