Highland Park 85 Exceptional
Highland Park Livability #25 ranked city in Illinois#498 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Highland Park

PROS
  • Amenities 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 Commute

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

  • Crime 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 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 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 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.

What's it like Living in Highland Park?

Located in the state of Illinois, Highland Park is a mid-sized city with a population of 30,564 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Highland Park is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Highland Park might be a good fit as 75% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 42% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Something to be aware of when living in Highland Park are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Highland Park, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Highland Park and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

Highland Park has a livability score of 85/100 and is ranked #18 in Illinois and #461 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Highland Park ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Highland Park ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Highland Park ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A-) and housing (A+) On a more negative note, Highland Park does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Highland Park, 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 Highland Park an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Highland Park are: Ravinia Park, Rosewood Beach, and Moraine Park.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Highland Park shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 49 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Highland Park can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Highland Park is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Highland Park come in at $948,431, which is 207.4% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Highland Park, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 25.7% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Highland Park

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      Highland Park transportation information

      Statistic Highland Park Illinois National
      Average one way commute31min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.1%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.2%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home14.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Highland Park, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.