Let the numbers do the talking.
Arlington Heights, IL vs Waukegan, IL
Arlington Heights, IL vs Waukegan, IL: What the data shows
Arlington Heights, IL is in Arlington Heights, IL while Waukegan, IL is in Waukegan, IL — both in the same state. On home prices, Waukegan, IL is the more affordable option at $150,700 median — $253,700 less than Arlington Heights, IL's $404,400. WYLT rates Arlington Heights, IL as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Waukegan, IL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Arlington Heights, IL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Arlington Heights, IL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Waukegan, IL has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Arlington Heights, IL has Low flood risk and Waukegan, IL has Low flood risk.
Arlington Heights, IL is the more walkable neighborhood. Arlington Heights, IL scores 27/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Waukegan, IL's 9/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Arlington Heights, IL has the higher school rating — Arlington Heights, IL rates 6.9/10 and Waukegan, IL rates 6/10.
| Category | Arlington Heights, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $404K | $151K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $118K ✓ Higher income | $59K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 27/100 ✓ More walkable | 9/100 |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 22/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 18/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 45 min ✓ Shorter commute | 56 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.9/10 ✓ Better schools | 6/10 |
| Best for | suburban familiescommuters to Chicagohomebuyers with steady income | Budget-conscious familiesFirst-time home buyersSuburban commuters |
Bottom line
For a family or remote worker, Arlington Heights is likely a more suitable choice due to its better schools, more stable housing market, and proximity to Chicago. However, if you're extremely budget-conscious and willing to accept trade-offs like longer commutes and higher crime rates, Waukegan's lower housing costs might be worth considering. Ultimately, Arlington Heights offers more value for the money and is a safer bet for the average homebuyer.
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