Vandalia 71 Excellent
Vandalia Livability #309 ranked city in Illinois#6,145 ranked city in the USARanks better than 79% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Vandalia

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Health & Safety

    Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in Vandalia?

Located in the state of Illinois, Vandalia is a small-sized city with a population of 6,615 people. The majority of Vandalia residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Vandalia, only 44% of the population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Vandalia is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Vandalia is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Vandalia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

Using data and statistics Vandalia has received a livability score of 67/100. This score is ranked in the 68th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Vandalia ranks very well for housing (B-). Vandalia does not score well for the following: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Vandalia, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 22.24% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Vandalia an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.

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 Vandalia, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 0 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The Vandalia unemployment rate of 1.66% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Vandalia has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Vandalia is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Vandalia come in at $81,900, which is 53.1% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Vandalia, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 23.3% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Vandalia

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Compare Vandalia, IL Livability

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      Vandalia transportation information

      Statistic Vandalia Illinois National
      Average one way commute19min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.0%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.9%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Vandalia, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).