Park Ridge 88 Exceptional
Park Ridge Livability #10 ranked city in Illinois#248 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Park Ridge

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment 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 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.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Park Ridge?

Park Ridge is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 38,854 inhabitants. In Park Ridge, there are 5,483 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Park Ridge residents are White, 6% Asian and 1% Black. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Park Ridge offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 30 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Park Ridge, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Park Ridge, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, education, housing and more.

With a livability score of 86/100, Park Ridge is ranked #285 in the United States and #9 in Illinois. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Park Ridge could be a great choice! Park Ridge also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Park Ridge scores well for amenities (A-), crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Park Ridge. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

If you're considering living in Park Ridge, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Park Ridge provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 96 crimes per 100,000 residents, Park Ridge has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Park Ridge, the unemployment rate stands at 2.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

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 Park Ridge 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.

Assuming that Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Park Ridge are simply unattainable. The median home price for Park Ridge homes is $817,869, which is 165.1% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Park Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 37.1% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Park Ridge

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Compare Park Ridge, IL Livability

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      Park Ridge transportation information

      Statistic Park Ridge Illinois National
      Average one way commute30min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.4%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.4%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home10.2%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Park Ridge, 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.