Livability Score

81
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities B-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (6) F
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Amazing Breads & Cakes
Coffee Shop
The Local Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
B's Sweet Bites
Coffee Shop
Illusion Cafe
Coffee Shop
Avanti Caffe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Le Peep Cafe
Coffee Shop
Kung Fu Tea
Coffee Shop
Gloria Jean's
Coffee Shop
Unknown Name
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Papagalino Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Great American Bagel Bakery
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Palgong Tea Glenview
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (7) F
1000 gecs tree
Attraction
Kinder House
Museum
Des Plaines History Museum
Museum
Des Plaines Theater
Theatre Arts
River Rand Bowl
Bowling Alley
Mystic Waters
Water Park
Allstate Arena
Stadium
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Attraction
Brunswick Bowling
Bowling Alley
MovieMax Cinemas
Cinema
AMC Niles 12
Cinema
Museum of Hummels
Museum
Niles Historical Society
Museum
AMC Randhurst 12
Cinema
Robert Kennicott House
Museum
Food and Drink (57) A-
Burger King
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Mr Pup
Fast Food
Wolf Hot Dogs
Fast Food
Beacon Tap
Bar
Pizza Hut Delivery
Fast Food
Arby's
Fast Food
Little Caesars
Fast Food
Prestige Liquor
Alcohol
Subway
Fast Food
Wingstop
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Charcoal Delights
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Bourbon 'N Brass Speakeasy
Bar
Pizza Hut Express
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Miner Street Tavern
Bar
KFC
Fast Food
Brandy's Gyros
Fast Food
Sarpino's Pizzeria
Fast Food
Quiznos
Fast Food
Des Plaines Liquor & Tobacco
Alcohol
Tap House Grill
Bar
Fitness (4) F
Planet Fitness
Gym
Frisbee Senior Center
Community Centre
Barry Street Recreation Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
LA Fitness
Gym
F45 Training
Gym
Rosemont Health & Fitness Center
Gym
Centennial Fitness Center
Community Centre
X-Sport Fitness
Gym
Dunne Park Recreation Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Fitness Formula Club
Gym
Orangetheory Fitness
Gym
The Grove Interpretative Center
Community Centre
Crunch Fitness
Gym
Pure Barre
Gym
Groceries (9) F
ALDI
Grocery Store
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Butera Market
Grocery Store
B's Sweet Bites
Bakery
Shop & Save Market
Grocery Store
Columbus Foods & Gifts
Grocery Store
Mariano's Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Fiesta Market
Grocery Store
KD Market- Krystyna's Deli
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Walmart Supercenter
Grocery Store
Central Continental Bakery
Bakery
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Tony's Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Montrose Market
Grocery Store
Joong Boo Market
Grocery Store
Paris Baguette
Bakery
Jewel-Osco
Grocery Store
Gordon Food Service
Grocery Store
Lisa & Rose Kitchen
Grocery Store
Great Life Health Foods
Health Food
Masala Indo-Pak Grocers
Grocery Store
Patel Brothers
Grocery Store
Parks (96) A+
Hoffman Park
Park
Winnebago Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Potawatomie Park
Park
Woodlawn Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Centennial Park
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Prairie Lakes Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
West Park
Park
Orchard Court
Park
Westfield Gardens
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
James Paroubek Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Central Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Menominee Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Cherokee Park
Park
Shops (58) A+
Owl Hardwood Lumber Co.
Home Improvement
Mobil Mart
Convenience Store
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Des Plaines Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
BP Shop
Convenience Store
Metro by T-Mobile
Electronics
T-Mobile
Electronics
Class Hair Studio
Hairdresser
Discovery Clothing Company
Clothing
Vision Care Specialists
Optician
Trend Salon & Spa
Hairdresser
7 Red Roses
Florist
GNC
Nutrition Supplements
R.C. Wahl Jewelers
Fashion
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
Cut "n" Roll
Hairdresser
Square Deal Shoes
Shoes
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Ania's Style Boutique
Clothing
Marathon
Convenience Store
Dollar Tree
Discount Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
BP Shop
Convenience Store
Citgo
Convenience Store
See more Des Plaines amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 6.6% take public transportation in Des Plaines.
Public Transit Stops (85)
Stops & Stations A+
Lee & Algonquin
Bus Stop
Thacker & Wolf
Bus Stop
Wolf & Thacker
Bus Stop
Thacker & Wolf
Bus Stop
Lee & Algonquin
Bus Stop
Graceland & Thacker
Bus Stop
Wolf & Thacker
Bus Stop
Lee & Ashland
Bus Stop
Wolf & Algonquin
Bus Stop
Wolf & Algonquin
Bus Stop
Lee & Thacker
Bus Stop
815 Oakton St
Bus Stop
Lee & Oakton
Bus Stop
Des Plaines
Transit Station
Lee & Oakton
Bus Stop
Des Plaines Metra Station (Miner & Lee)
Bus Stop
Des Plaines Metra Station (Miner & Lee)
Bus Stop
900 Northwest Hwy SB
Bus Stop
Oakton & Wolf
Bus Stop
Wolf & Oakton
Bus Stop
900 Northwest Hwy NB
Bus Stop
Oakton & Wolf
Bus Stop
Wolf & Oakton
Bus Stop
Miner & River Road
Bus Stop
Lee & Mannheim
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
6.6% B
See more Des Plaines commute data

cost of living D-

The cost of living in Des Plaines is 114/100 - which is 19% higher than Illinois.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax D+
See more Des Plaines cost of living data

crime A+

Des Plaines crime rates are 1,330 per 100k, which is 32% lower than Illinois
Property Crime
1,212 crimes per 100k B+
Violent Crime
118 crimes per 100k A+
See more Des Plaines crime data

employment A+

The median income in Des Plaines is $73,639 - which is 24% higher than Illinois.
Med. Household Income
$73,639 B
Unemployment Rate
2.8% B+
See more Des Plaines employment data

health C+

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (18)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
John C. Kaminski General Dentistry
Dentist
Dental Vue
Dentist
Graceland Prairie Dental
Dentist
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Des Plaines Police Department
Police
Des Plaines Fire Station 3
Fire Station
Des Plaines Fire Station #2
Fire Station
Dr. John S. Zanoni, DDS
Dentist
Brite Bite Dental
Dentist
Des Plaines Fire Department Station #1
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Ascension Holy Family Medical Center
Hospital
Smile Care
Dentist
Active Health
Doctor
Gentle Dental
Dentist
Chicago Police Department Canine Unit
Police
Chicago police Department Canine Unit Training Facility
Police
JT Family Dental
Dentist
Unknown Name
Clinic
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Advocate Outpatient Center
Clinic
North Maine Fire Department
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Chicago Fire Department ARFF Station #4
Fire Station
Air Quality
Median Air Quality F
See more Des Plaines health & safety data

housing A+

Des Plaines home prices are $267,200 - which is 53% higher than Illinois
Home Price
$267,200 A+
Home Appreciation Rate
11% B+
Home Affordability
3.6x (home price to income ratio) C+
See more Des Plaines housing data

schools B-

The Des Plaines graduation rate is 86% - which is 2% higher than Illinois
School Test Scores
46% F
High School Grad. Rates
86% C+
Elementary Schools (21) A
The Willows Academy
Algonquin Middle School
Forest Elem School
Plato Academy Inc
Central Elem School
Terrace Elem School
Plainfield Elem School
North Elementary School
South Elem School
Devonshire School
Cumberland Elem School
Chippewa Middle School
Brentwood Elem School
St Zachary Elementary School
Friendship Jr High School
Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School
Iroquois Community School
Lions Park Elem School
Northern Illinois Academy
Franklin Elementary School
Bright Horizons
Orchard Place Elem School
St Paul Lutheran School
Stevenson School
St Raymond School
High Schools (4) C-
The Willows Academy
Maine West High School
Northern Illinois Academy
Maryville Jen School
Maine East High School
North Cook Young Adult Academy
Maine South High School
Ralph J Frost Academy
Northridge Preparatory School
Newcomer Center
The Academy At Forest View
Vanguard School
Prospect High School
See more Des Plaines education data

ratings D+

Des Plaines has an overall rating of 58% from 10 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes D-
User Surveys (6)
From AreaVibes B+
See more Des Plaines user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

Des Plaines, IL Area Guide

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Photo of Des Plaines, IL
( 10 Ratings )

Living in Des Plaines, IL

Ranks better than 81% of areas Follow

Des Plaines Area Facts

  • Des Plaines has a Livability Score of 81/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Des Plaines crime rates are 32% lower than the Illinois average
  • Cost of living in Des Plaines is 19% higher than the Illinois average

What do the locals think about Des Plaines?

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Des Plaines Reviews

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Des Plaines is a Dump 0.5 rating By Chiguy80 r ( Sep 24, 2017) Lived in Des Plaines for 10 years and was the biggest mistake. We moved for the lower cost of living and at the time good school rankings for our kids. Luckily we just moved out as our kids move into junior high. The public school rankings have dropped precipitously since we move ...Read More d here and the teacher turnover rate is extremely high. Des Plaines is basically a pass through town to expressways, airport, and surroundings better towns. A lot of train lines and busy intersections. Low income apartments and poor school rankings part due to the demographics of the town which keep the real estate prices depressed. The downtown area is far below the offerings to that of Arlington Heights, mount prospect, park ridge. If you’re looking to move northwest suburban Chicago pick any of the towns except Des Plaines. Read Less
Awesome city 5 rating By David2300 ( Nov 29, 2015) Des Plaines is very underrated. The river causes a few problems but they are few and far between. There are two train stations and a lot of bus routes running through the city. Crime is low. I love this city and there is so much to do. I'd move there in a heartbeat! It's the home ...Read More of the 1st McDonalds. That is cool enough. The town is affordable with low property taxes. It is also very diverse. The schools are ok, not nearly as bad as Berwyn or Harvey.

Des Plaines has something for everyone. Visit it!!!! You won't regret it. Read Less
Des Plaines, IL - Home of McDonalds 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 19, 2011) I have spent a considerable amount of time in Des Plaines, Il over the past few years. Des Plaines is home of one of the worlds busiest airports Chicago O'Hare and is located about 15 miles outside of downtown Chicago. The restaurants in Des Plaines are fantastic with a wide sele ...Read More ction of chain restaurants and local eateries. There is something to soothe anyone's taste. Shopping is fantastic in the area with many varieties of stores and small unique shops. This is a great place to visit with lots of things to do if you enjoy eating out and shopping.

One of the most interesting attractions in Des Plaines is the McDonalds Museum. It is a reconstruction of the original McDonalds. The museum gives a lot of history on the fast food chain and how they got their start. The nightlife is lacking in this area unfortunately but you can catch some great concerts at a variety of their concert venues. The area has many beautiful homes and great schools. The Des Plaines River also runs through the area and Forest Preserve. Read Less
Des Plaines, IL - Not too Impressed 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 03, 2011) I have visited family in Des Plaines, Illinois on multiple occasions. Overall, I must say, I was not too impressed with this midwestern city. Perhaps I'm from Michigan and have a bit of a competitiveness when it comes to other midwestern cities, but this one was just dull.

This ...Read More city is a suburb of Chicago. There is relatively flat land all round and many farms in the area. It is like going out into the middle of nowhere to visit Des Plaines. There are only about 55,000 people in Des Plaines.

There are not many restaurants to choose from in Des Plaines, Illinois. I did not have a fun time trying to find good places for going out at night either. I felt confined in this city and like everyone already knew each other.

In addition, I was not welcomed by the locals or other people in the suburb. Many people seem to keep to themselves and are not willing to extend a helping hand. Even at the airport, I needed help lifting my luggage and no one even offered to help.

I would not visit this city again, if it were not for the family that I know lives there. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Des Plaines, IL - Home of McDonalds 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 19, 2011) I have spent a considerable amount of time in Des Plaines, Il over the past few years. Des Plaines is home of one of the worlds busiest airports Chicago O'Hare and is located about 15 miles outside of downtown Chicago. The restaurants in Des Plaines are fantastic with a wide sele ...Read More ction of chain restaurants and local eateries. There is something to soothe anyone's taste. Shopping is fantastic in the area with many varieties of stores and small unique shops. This is a great place to visit with lots of things to do if you enjoy eating out and shopping.

One of the most interesting attractions in Des Plaines is the McDonalds Museum. It is a reconstruction of the original McDonalds. The museum gives a lot of history on the fast food chain and how they got their start. The nightlife is lacking in this area unfortunately but you can catch some great concerts at a variety of their concert venues. The area has many beautiful homes and great schools. The Des Plaines River also runs through the area and Forest Preserve. Read Less
Des Plaines, IL - Not too Impressed 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 03, 2011) I have visited family in Des Plaines, Illinois on multiple occasions. Overall, I must say, I was not too impressed with this midwestern city. Perhaps I'm from Michigan and have a bit of a competitiveness when it comes to other midwestern cities, but this one was just dull.

This ...Read More city is a suburb of Chicago. There is relatively flat land all round and many farms in the area. It is like going out into the middle of nowhere to visit Des Plaines. There are only about 55,000 people in Des Plaines.

There are not many restaurants to choose from in Des Plaines, Illinois. I did not have a fun time trying to find good places for going out at night either. I felt confined in this city and like everyone already knew each other.

In addition, I was not welcomed by the locals or other people in the suburb. Many people seem to keep to themselves and are not willing to extend a helping hand. Even at the airport, I needed help lifting my luggage and no one even offered to help.

I would not visit this city again, if it were not for the family that I know lives there. Read Less

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Compare Des Plaines, IL Livability

      vs

      B- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Des Plaines? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Hoffman Park
      Winnebago Park
      Unknown Name
      Potawatomie Park
      Woodlawn Park
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Centennial Park

      Entertainment

      1000 gecs tree
      Kinder House
      Des Plaines History Museum
      Des Plaines Theater
      River Rand Bowl
      Mystic Waters
      Allstate Arena
      Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

      Food & Drink

      Burger King
      Domino's
      Mr Pup
      Wolf Hot Dogs
      Beacon Tap
      Pizza Hut Delivery
      Arby's
      Little Caesars

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Des Plaines? Of all people who commute, 6.6% take public transportation in Des Plaines.
      Drive to Work
      75%

      1% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      7%

      1% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      D- Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in Des Plaines? The cost of living in Des Plaines is 114/100 - which is 19% higher than Illinois.
      Des Plaines
      114

      14% more expensive than average

      Illinois
      96

      4% less expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      A+ Crime

      What is the crime rate in Des Plaines? Des Plaines crime rates are 1,330, which are 32% lower than Illinois
      Total Crime
      1,330 per 100k people

      43% lower than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 76

      43% lower than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      11%

      Year over year crime is up

      A+ Employment

      What is the median income in Des Plaines? The median income in Des Plaines is $73,639 which is 24% higher than Illinois.
      Median household income
      $73,63933% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $37,22025% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      3%

      40% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Des Plaines a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Ascension Holy Family Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      Walgreens

      Doctors

      A+ Housing

      What are Des Plaines home prices? Des Plaines home prices are $267,200 - which is 53% higher than Illinois
      Median home value
      $267,20045% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $1,16723% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      78%

      23% higher than the US average

      B- Schools

      Does Des Plaines have good schools? The Des Plaines graduation rate is 86% - which is 2% higher than Illinois
      High school grad. rates
      86%

      4% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      46%

      3% lower than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      15:1

      9% lower than the US average

      D+ User Ratings

      Is Des Plaines a good place to live? Des Plaines has an overall rating of 58% from 10 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      58%

      10 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      50%

      4 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      76%

      6 total surveys

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