Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
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.
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.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Illinois, University Park is a small city with a population of 7,513 inhabitants. According to Census, the majority (81%) of University Park residents identify as Black or African American followed by 13% White and 0% Asian. University Park tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. University Park is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 44%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Something to be aware of when living in University 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 35 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 University 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in University Park and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare University Park to Illinois and the national average.
The livability score in University Park is 68/100 and the city is ranked in the 69th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, University Park has received high marks for cost of living (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). University Park does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and education (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, University Park has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 University Park is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in University Park come in at $220,678, which is 28.5% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In University Park, the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 31.4% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | University Park | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 35min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.8% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.7% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.9% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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