Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Carol Stream is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 39,447 inhabitants. In Carol Stream, there are 4,325 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Carol Stream, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Carol Stream is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling 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 Carol Stream and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Carol Stream has a livability score of 77 out of 100 and is ranked #113 in Illinois and #2,129 in the USA. Clearly, Carol Stream is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Carol Stream has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Carol Stream has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Carol Stream ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Carol Stream apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Carol Stream real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Carol Stream. Median real estate prices in Carol Stream come in at $257,800, which is 47.5% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Carol Stream, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Carol Stream | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.6% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.4% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.4% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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