Princeton 81 Exceptional
Princeton Livability #51 ranked city in Illinois#1,109 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Princeton

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the 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.

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What's it like Living in Princeton?

Located in the state of Illinois, Princeton is a small-sized city with a population of 7,589 people. At 98%, the majority of the Princeton population is White; this is followed by 0% Black and 0% Asian. Princeton is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 48, which is well beyond the United States median age average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Princeton is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Princeton, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Princeton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Princeton to Illinois and the national average.

Using data and statistics Princeton has received a livability score of 80/100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a great score, as Princeton ranks well in multiple categories! Princeton is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Princeton ranks well for crime (A-), cost of living (A+) and housing (B) There are some categories that Princeton scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Princeton, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 66 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Princeton, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% 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.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Princeton 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Princeton is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Princeton come in at $115,000, which is 34.2% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Princeton, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Princeton

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Princeton?

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Compare Princeton, IL Livability

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      Princeton transportation information

      Statistic Princeton Illinois National
      Average one way commute15min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.8%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.0%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.3%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.5%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Princeton, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).