Manhattan 69 Good
Manhattan Livability #385 ranked city in Illinois#8,161 ranked city in the USARanks better than 72% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Manhattan

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Manhattan?

Manhattan, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 8,415 people. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Manhattan residents are White, 1% Black and 0% Asian. With an average age of 33 years old, Manhattan could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. An important consideration when living in Manhattan is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 37 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Manhattan can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Manhattan, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment and more.

Using data and statistics Manhattan has received a livability score of 67/100. This score is ranked in the 66th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Manhattan ranks well for crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). Manhattan does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Manhattan gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 37 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Manhattan market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 Manhattan is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Manhattan come in at $453,384, which is 46.9% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Manhattan, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 17.1% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Manhattan

See all the best places to live around Manhattan

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Compare Manhattan, IL Livability

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      Manhattan transportation information

      Statistic Manhattan Illinois National
      Average one way commute37min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work89.5%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.8%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.4%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Manhattan, 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.