Forest Park is a medium-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 14,099 residents. With a population density of 5,870 people per square mile, Forest Park is well above the nation's average density level. Forest Park is mostly populated by White (57%) and Black or African American (28%) ethnic groups. Forest Park is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 40% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Forest Park entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Forest Park 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Forest Park, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, education and more.
Forest Park, IL receives 84 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #24 in Illinois and #590 in the USA. Clearly, Forest Park is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Forest Park has higher than average grades for the following: employment (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Forest Park. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Forest Park, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Forest Park undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Forest Park excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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 Forest Park is real estate affordability. The median home price for Forest Park homes is $440,225, which is 42.7% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Forest Park, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 20% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Forest Park | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 54.6% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 18.8% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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