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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
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.
Northbrook, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 33,216 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Northbrook could be considered less diverse than other cities. Based on an average age of 50, Northbrook appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Northbrook might be a good fit as 71% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 39% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Northbrook is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 29 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Northbrook is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Northbrook and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Using data and statistics Northbrook has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Northbrook is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Northbrook ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Northbrook has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). Northbrook does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The Northbrook unemployment rate of 1.23% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Northbrook have an average test score of 72%, which is well above the US average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Northbrook excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Northbrook real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Northbrook. Median real estate prices in Northbrook come in at $563,200, which is 222.2% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Northbrook, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 46.7% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Northbrook | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 11.5% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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