Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Located in the state of Illinois, Park Forest is a medium-sized city with a population of 20,715 inhabitants. In Park Forest, there are 4,175 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to Census, the majority (69%) of Park Forest residents identify as Black or African American followed by 25% White and 0% Asian. Park Forest is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 42%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. An important consideration when living in Park Forest 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 32 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Park Forest can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable 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 Park Forest, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education and more.
The livability score in Park Forest is 75 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Park Forest could be a great choice! If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Park Forest ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Park Forest does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and education (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
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 Forest 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Park Forest is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Park Forest come in at $73,300, which is 58.1% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Park Forest, the home price to income ratio is 1.3, which is 56.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Park Forest | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.1% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.5% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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