Wilmette 83 Exceptional
Wilmette Livability #35 ranked city in Illinois#745 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Wilmette

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.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Wilmette?

Wilmette is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 27,114 people. In Wilmette, there are 5,019 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 83%, the majority of the Wilmette population is White; this is followed by 13% Asian and 1% Black. Wilmette has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 71% of the population is classified as married and 50% have kids. 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 Wilmette entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 36 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Wilmette 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Wilmette and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Wilmette to Illinois and the national average.

With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Wilmette is ranked #683 in the United States and #33 in Illinois. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Wilmette could be a great choice! Wilmette also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Wilmette ranks very well for amenities (B-), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). The bad news for Wilmette, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Living in Wilmette 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, Wilmette 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.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Wilmette shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 37 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Wilmette has an unemployment rate of 2.39% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Wilmette have an average test score of 66%, which is well above the US average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Wilmette market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Wilmette. 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 Wilmette are affordable. The median home price for Wilmette homes is $685,600, which is 292.2% higher than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wilmette, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 40% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wilmette

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Wilmette?

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Compare Wilmette, IL Livability

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      Wilmette transportation information

      Statistic Wilmette Illinois National
      Average one way commute36min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work52.7%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit21.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home17.0%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Wilmette, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).