Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
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.
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Harvard, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 9,203 people. According to the most recent Census, 89% of Harvard residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Harvard are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 38% of the population also speak Spanish. The median age of all Harvard residents is 28, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Harvard offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 31 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Harvard, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Harvard and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, 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 63/100, Harvard is ranked #13,220 in the United States and #624 in Illinois. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Harvard has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that did not score well in Harvard. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (D).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Harvard has a violent crime rate of 106 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Harvard can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Harvard meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Harvard. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Harvard are simply unattainable. The median home price for Harvard homes is $128,000, which is 26.8% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Harvard, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Harvard | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 17.7% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.3% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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