Berkeley 75 Excellent
Berkeley Livability #186 ranked city in Illinois#3,591 ranked city in the USARanks better than 87% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Berkeley

PROS
  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

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What's it like Living in Berkeley?

Berkeley, Illinois is a small city with a population of 5,079 residents. With a population density of 3,624 people per square mile, Berkeley is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (41%) and Black or African American (26%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Berkeley are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 34% of the population also speak Spanish. 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 Berkeley, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 27 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Berkeley, Illinois could be a good 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. The best areas in Berkeley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

With a livability score of 74/100, Berkeley is ranked #3,534 in the United States and #170 in Illinois. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Berkeley has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), employment (B) and housing (A-). Berkeley does not score well for the following: amenities (D) and education (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

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 Berkeley 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Berkeley is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Berkeley come in at $175,900, which is 0.6% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Berkeley, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Berkeley

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Berkeley?

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Compare Berkeley, IL Livability

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      Berkeley transportation information

      Statistic Berkeley Illinois National
      Average one way commute27min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.1%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home4.8%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Berkeley, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).