Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
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.
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.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Oak Park is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 53,295 people. Oak Park has a population density of 11,340 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Oak Park residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. An important consideration when living in Oak Park is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 35 minutes, far surpassing 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 Oak Park 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 education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Oak Park and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Oak Park to Illinois and the national average.
Oak Park, IL receives 83/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #34 in Illinois and #726 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Oak Park ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Oak Park also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Oak Park ranks very well for education (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Oak Park. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).
If you're living in Oak Park, 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 Oak Park an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, and Oak Park Visitors Center.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Oak Park are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Oak Park come in at $726,859, which is 135.6% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oak Park, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 42.9% higher than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Oak Park | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 35min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 52.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 24.1% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Illinois
Most Dangerous States In The US