South Elgin 81 Exceptional
South Elgin Livability #69 ranked city in Illinois#1,353 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in South Elgin

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in South Elgin?

South Elgin is a medium-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 23,648 inhabitants. In South Elgin, there are 3,349 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (78% White). Given that fact, South Elgin could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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 South Elgin entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 31 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in South Elgin, 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. Finding the best places to live in South Elgin and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 81/100, South Elgin is ranked #1,026 in the United States and #48 in Illinois. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in South Elgin could be a great choice! South Elgin also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. South Elgin ranks well for crime (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that South Elgin ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and education (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of South Elgin, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 100 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

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 South Elgin 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in South Elgin. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in South Elgin are affordable. Median real estate prices in South Elgin come in at $242,700, which is 38.8% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Elgin, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Elgin

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Elgin?

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Compare South Elgin, IL Livability

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      South Elgin transportation information

      Statistic South Elgin Illinois National
      Average one way commute31min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.6%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.5%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home10.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The South Elgin, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).