Livability Score

82
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (7) F
Blue Box Cafe
Coffee Shop
Almar Elgin Nutrition
Coffee Shop
The Price Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Tea House
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (14) A+
Medusa’s Chicago
Nightclub
Hemmens Cultural Center
Theatre Arts
Elgin History Museum
Museum
Elgin Fire Barn Number 5 Museum
Museum
Elgin Public Museum
Museum
Farm Zoo
Zoo
Lords Park Zoo
Zoo
Elgin Bowling Lanes
Bowling Alley
Marcus Elgin Cinema
Cinema
Hawthorne Hills Nature Center
Museum
Fox River Trolley Museum
Museum
Sunny Hill Park Splash Pad
Water Park
Paintball Explosion
Attraction
Food and Drink (48) C+
Dog's Paw Brewing
Bar
Mama's Popcorn
Sweets
Martini Room
Bar
Burger King
Fast Food
Afterset
Bar
Dunkin'
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Dairy Queen
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Total Liquors
Alcohol
Wendy's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Bubba McDuffy's
Bar
Burger King
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Fitness (4) B
YWCA
Community Centre
Gymnasium
Gym
EastSide Recreation
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Groceries (13) F
La Roca
Grocery Store
Butera Market
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Elgin Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Elgin Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Butera Market
Grocery Store
San Junita Bakery
Bakery
ALDI
Grocery Store
Meijer
Grocery Store
Butera
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Parks (150) A+
Advocate Park
Park
Grand Army of the Republic Park
Park
Festival Park
Park
Carleton Rogers Park
Park
Memorial Park
Park
Gifford Park
Park
Central Park
Park
Barclay Park
Park
Walton Island Park
Park
Foundry Park
Park
Douglas Avenue Park
Park
Newsome Park
Park
Ryerson Park
Park
Kiwanis Park
Park
Channing Park
Park
Ann-Douglas Park and Butterfly Gardens
Park
Salvation Army Playground
Playground
Veterans Memorial Park
Park
Grant School Park
Park
Clara Howard Park
Park
Saint Francis Park
Park
Wing Street Park
Park
Trillium Park
Park
Garfield Community Park
Park
George Van De Voorde Fire Fighter Memorial Park
Park
Shops (55) A-
Elgin Books & Coffee
Books
Aveda
Beauty
Ziegler's Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
Town & Country Gardens
Florist
Christina's Fashions
Clothing
Marathon
Convenience Store
Citgo
Convenience Store
Casa De Estilos
Hairdresser
BP Shop
Convenience Store
Mobil Mart
Convenience Store
Salon Nueva Imagen
Hairdresser
Home Style Rent to Own
Furniture
Family Dollar
Discount Store
Gaby Salon De Belleza
Hairdresser
Glamour Hair Salon
Hairdresser
Hollywood Furniture
Furniture
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
The Golden Chain
Fashion
Marathon
Convenience Store
Sunset Center
Mall
Ziegler's Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
Artecasa Furniture
Furniture
Eva's Beauty Salon
Beauty
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
BP Shop
Convenience Store
See more Elgin amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 2.4% take public transportation in Elgin.
Public Transit Stops (47)
Stops & Stations
A+
State & Locust
Bus Stop
Elgin
Transit Station
Westwind Tower
Bus Stop
Locust & Crystal
Bus Stop
Elgin Transportation Center
Bus Station
Pace Elgin Transportation Center
Bus Stop
204 South State Street
Bus Stop
204 South State Street
Bus Stop
State & Walnut/National
Bus Stop
State & Walnut/National
Bus Stop
National & Grove
Bus Stop
State & Washburn
Bus Stop
National Street
Transit Station
State & Harding
Bus Stop
State & Lord
Bus Stop
Secretary of State
Bus Stop
Secretary of State
Bus Stop
Slade & Center
Bus Stop
854 Summit St
Bus Stop
State & West
Bus Stop
State & West
Bus Stop
Pace River Garage
Bus Stop
Pace River Garage
Bus Stop
Wing & McLean
Bus Stop
Lyle & Grandstand
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
2.4%
F
See more Elgin commute data

cost of living C+

The cost of living in Elgin is 105/100 - which is 9% higher than Illinois.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
D
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
D+
See more Elgin cost of living data

crime A

Elgin crime rates are 942 per 100k, which is 52% lower than Illinois
Property Crime
752 crimes per 100k
A+
Violent Crime
190 crimes per 100k
A-
See more Elgin crime data

employment B+

The median income in Elgin is $72,999 - which is 23% higher than Illinois.
Med. Household Income
$72,999
B-
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
D-
See more Elgin employment data

health C-

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (28)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A
Elgin Police Department
Police
Elgin Fire Station 6
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Elgin Fire Department Station #1
Fire Station
Elgin Fire Station Number 5
Fire Station
Elgin Family Physicians
Doctor
Elgin Mental Health Center
Hospital
Slade Health Center
Clinic
DaVita Cobblestone Dialysis
Clinic
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Illinois State Police District 2
Police
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Elgin Fire Station #2
Fire Station
Elgin Fire Station Number 4
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Ascension Health Saint Joseph Hospital Elgin
Hospital
South Elgin Police Department
Police
Fletcher Drive Medical Center
Clinic
South Elgin Fire Department
Fire Station
Elgin Fire Station Number 3
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Hoffman Estates Fire Department Station 24
Fire Station
Advocate Sherman Hospital
Hospital
VioletXreek Family Dentistry
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
See more Elgin health & safety data

housing A+

Elgin home prices are $196,100 - which is 12% higher than Illinois
Home Price
$196,100
B
Home Appreciation Rate
15%
A
Home Affordability
2.7x (home price to income ratio)
A
See more Elgin housing data

schools D-

The Elgin graduation rate is 75% - which is 12% lower than Illinois
School Test Scores
22%
F
High School Grad. Rates
75%
D
Elementary Schools (32) A+
St John'S Lutheran School
St Mary School
Channing Memorial Elem School
Lowrie Elem School
St Laurence Elementary School
Washington Elem School
Ronald D O Neal
Garfield Elem School
Mckinley Elem School
Bethlehem Lutheran Child Development Center
Highland Elem School
Huff Elem School
Harriet Gifford Elem School
Lords Park Elem School
Illinois Park Elem School
St Thomas More Elementary School
Coleman Elem School
Institute Of Islamic Education
Summit School
Highland Christian Academy
The Einstein Academy
Creekside Elem
Century Oaks Elem School
Elgin Math And Science Acad Chtr
Hillcrest Elem School
High Schools (13) A+
Central School Program
Gifford St Regional Safe Sch Prog
Phoenix
Dream Academy
Dream Academy
St Edward Central Catholic High School
Larkin High School
Institute Of Islamic Education
Elgin High School
Summit School
The Einstein Academy
South Elgin High School
Hamilton Academy
Westminster Christian School
Harvest Christian Academy
Betel Christian School
See more Elgin education data

ratings A

Elgin has an overall rating of 81% from 9 reviews.
User Reviews (2)
From AreaVibes
A
User Surveys (7)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Elgin user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

Elgin Area Facts

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Elgin Reviews

Write a review about Elgin Tell people what you like or don't like about Elgin…
Wonderful Community for Young Families 5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 21, 2019) This community is wonderful. All of the neighbors are friendly and there are great community events offered. You can walk downtown to all amazing attractions and Restaurant Row. There are plenty of parks and natural areas. There is a wide array of private schools to choose from. ...Read More Historic preservation is big here, it's like walking into a very well-maintained time capsule! Everyone cares for their yards and each other. Great place to live and raise a family! Read Less
Elgin, IL - Average At Best 3 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 06, 2010) In Elgin, I had a lot of fun at the Grand Victoria Casino. I actually won most of my money back that I went there to play with, which I'm sad to say, is rare for me. The casino offers live entertainment which was actually pretty good. On stage the first part of the night was a co ...Read More medy act which was pretty funny and, the second part of the evening was open karaoke.

I loved that the communities in the city of Elgin are not complicated and easy to navigate. The streets are easy to maneuver through and there are lots of helpful people outside with their kids or dogs. The only thing I didn't like is that every place you go there are sweat bees. I thought it was the worst thing in the world to have flies all around you, well I stand corrected.

The restaurants in Elgin that I dined at all had good food and good customer service. There was not that much diversity when it come to types of food throughout the city. There were only American restaurants and two seafood restaurants. There are not many nightclubs in Elgin. However, there are lots of pubs and karaoke bars. The one club I went to called Medusa, played nothing but techno music the entire night.

There is very little shopping in Elgin. There is a shopping center called Elgin Shopping Mall but there are few stores and they cater to the elderly, scrap bookers or candle lovers. Read Less
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Elgin Awards

Compare Elgin, IL Livability

      vs

      Elgin, IL

      Elgin is split between Cook and Kane counties in Illinois. It is found in the northernmost parts of the state, within a 30 minute drive to Chicago. Elgin is one of the largest cities in the state with a population of over 110,000 people. The town boosts significant Native American, farming and technological history with some of the greatest inventions being though of here such as the motorized street sweeper.

      Elgin continues to grow even now. It is constantly building new neighborhoods and homes throughout to accommodate more and more families choosing to move to the city. The Historic District boasts some of the oldest homes in the area, however. Downtown Elgin is home to some of the best homes for those who are interested in working in industries that are close-by or to those who are interested in starting their own businesses. It is growing as well to become more and more affluent.

      The cost of housing in Elgin is lower than the average found throughout the rest of the country. Most homes cost around $140,000. The low prices allow for the city to appeal to individuals looking to move here as well. The average rental price is around $1,100.

      The cost of living continues to be lower than the rest of the country as well, though it is slightly higher than the rest of Illinois. Grocery costs are only slightly lower than the rest of the country, however. Utility prices are also only slightly lower. Transportation prices, however, are significantly lower than those in the rest of the country and even in the rest of Illinois as a whole.

      There are many public transportation offerings in Elgin. The first is the railway system which is able to connect commuters to Union Station in Chicago. There are three railroad stops in the city that ride along the Milwaukee District/West Line. There is also public bus transportation available in the city through PACE which is available everyday but Sunday.

      The historical look of downtown Elgin is one that you do not want to miss. The buildings have been renovated, without losing their historical appeal. Many restaurants, clubs and entertainment offerings sit in those historical buildings now. The Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino is probably the largest attraction in Elgin, however, and it is actually one of the largest attractions in Illinois as a whole.

      Elgin is an unexpected city full of opportunity and growth. It boosts some of the lowest prices for living in one of the most up-and-coming cities in the Midwest. There are plenty of transportation offerings to assist you in getting to your place of employment to help this city grow even more as well. Be sure to see the historical city for yourself and explore all there is to do upon your move.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Elgin? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Advocate Park
      Grand Army of the Republic Park
      Festival Park
      Carleton Rogers Park
      Memorial Park
      Gifford Park
      Central Park
      Barclay Park

      Entertainment

      Medusa’s Chicago
      Hemmens Cultural Center
      Elgin History Museum
      Elgin Fire Barn Number 5 Museum
      Elgin Public Museum
      Farm Zoo
      Lords Park Zoo
      Elgin Bowling Lanes

      Food & Drink

      Dog's Paw Brewing
      Mama's Popcorn
      Martini Room
      Burger King
      Afterset
      Dunkin'
      KFC
      McDonald's

      B+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Elgin? Of all people who commute, 2.4% take public transportation in Elgin.
      Drive to Work
      78%

      2% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      1%

      2% lower than the US average

      A- Health & Safety

      Is Elgin a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Elgin Mental Health Center
      Advocate Sherman Hospital
      Ascension Health Saint Joseph Hospital Elgin

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      Elgin Family Physicians