Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Oak Park, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 52,102 residents. In Oak Park, there are 11,086 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Oak Park residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. 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 Oak Park entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 35 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Oak 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. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Oak Park and in the areas around Oak Park is a much easier task.
Oak Park, IL receives 83 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #29 in Illinois and #655 in the USA. Based on this score, Oak Park would be considered a very livable city! Oak Park also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Oak Park has higher than average rankings for the following: education (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Oak Park. The following was graded with a concerning score: cost of living (F).
Living in Oak Park offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Oak Park provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Oak Park are: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple, and Oak Park Visitors Center.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Oak Park apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 Oak Park is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Oak Park come in at $403,200, which is 130.7% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oak Park, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 40% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Oak Park | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 35min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 52.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 24.1% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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