Winnetka 83 Exceptional
Winnetka Livability #39 ranked city in Illinois#831 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Winnetka

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • 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.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Winnetka?

Located in the state of Illinois, Winnetka is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,361 inhabitants. Winnetka has a population density of 3,243 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Winnetka residents are White, 3% Asian and 0% Black. Winnetka is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 50% of residents also have children under the age of 18. 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 Winnetka offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 36 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Winnetka 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. With useful information like crime, commute, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Winnetka and in the areas around Winnetka is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Winnetka has received a livability score of 83/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Winnetka could be a great choice! Winnetka has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Winnetka ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). Winnetka does not score well for the following: cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to 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 65 crimes per 100,000 residents, Winnetka has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Winnetka, the unemployment rate stands at 1.88%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Winnetka have an average test score of 73%, which is well above the US average.

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 Winnetka 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 Winnetka. 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 Winnetka are affordable. The median home price for Winnetka homes is $1,132,400, which is 547.8% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Winnetka, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 50% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Winnetka

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Compare Winnetka, IL Livability

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      Winnetka transportation information

      Statistic Winnetka Illinois National
      Average one way commute36min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work48.5%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.7%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit24.0%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home19.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Winnetka, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).