Gurnee 79 Exceptional
Gurnee Livability #95 ranked city in Illinois#1,842 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Gurnee

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

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What's it like Living in Gurnee?

Gurnee is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 30,519 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Gurnee is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Gurnee your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Gurnee is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating 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 Gurnee and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

Gurnee has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #109 in Illinois and #2,065 in the USA. Based on this score, Gurnee would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Gurnee ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Gurnee has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B+), crime (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Gurnee does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F) and education (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Gurnee, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Gurnee an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Gurnee are: Six Flags Great America, KeyLime Cove Waterpark, and Gurnee Mills Outlet.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Gurnee has a violent crime rate of 112 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Gurnee 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.

Assuming that Gurnee meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Gurnee. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Gurnee are simply unattainable. The median home price for Gurnee homes is $269,000, which is 53.9% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Gurnee, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gurnee

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Compare Gurnee, IL Livability

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      Gurnee transportation information

      Statistic Gurnee Illinois National
      Average one way commute29min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.5%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.4%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home8.4%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Gurnee, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).