Northfield 79 Exceptional
Northfield Livability #96 ranked city in Illinois#1,850 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Northfield

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Northfield?

Located in the state of Illinois, Northfield is a small city with a population of 5,678 inhabitants. The majority of Northfield residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. The Northfield population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 52, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. 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 Northfield offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Northfield could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to search. 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Northfield and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Northfield to Illinois and the national average.

The livability score in Northfield is 78/100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Northfield would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Northfield ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Northfield has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Northfield does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 18 crimes per 100,000 residents, Northfield has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Northfield, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.19% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Northfield, the average school test scores reached an impressive 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Northfield an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

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 Northfield 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Northfield. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Northfield are affordable. Median real estate prices in Northfield come in at $699,600, which is 300.2% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Northfield, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 63.3% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Northfield

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Compare Northfield, IL Livability

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      Northfield transportation information

      Statistic Northfield Illinois National
      Average one way commute32min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work60.6%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.7%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit13.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home13.9%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Northfield, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).