Downers Grove 84 Exceptional
Downers Grove Livability #23 ranked city in Illinois#582 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Downers Grove

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.

New Real Estate Listings in Downers Grove Area
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What's it like Living in Downers Grove?

Located in the state of Illinois, Downers Grove is a mid-sized city with a population of 49,263 people. With a population density of 3,363 people per square mile, Downers Grove is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (88% White). Given that fact, Downers Grove could be considered less diverse than other cities. Something to be aware of when living in Downers Grove 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.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Downers Grove 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. The best areas in Downers Grove and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

Downers Grove, IL receives 84/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #20 in Illinois and #540 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Downers Grove could be a great choice! Downers Grove also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Downers Grove has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (B+) and housing (A). Downers Grove does not fare well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Downers Grove has an unemployment rate of 2.71% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Downers Grove apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 Downers Grove is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Downers Grove come in at $360,100, which is 106% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Downers Grove, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 23.3% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Downers Grove

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Compare Downers Grove, IL Livability

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      Downers Grove transportation information

      Statistic Downers Grove Illinois National
      Average one way commute30min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.9%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.5%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.0%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home12.4%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Downers Grove, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).