Let the numbers do the talking.
Naperville, IL vs Waukegan, IL
| Category | Naperville, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Think twice |
| Median Price | $482K | $151K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $144K ✓ Higher income | $59K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 11/100 ✓ More walkable | 9/100 |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 22/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 49 min ✓ Shorter commute | 56 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.6/10 ✓ Better schools | 6/10 |
| Best for | FamiliesCommuters to ChicagoProfessionals with high salaries | Budget-conscious familiesFirst-time home buyersSuburban commuters |
Bottom line
If you're looking for a safe, family-friendly environment with top-rated schools, Naperville is the better choice. However, if you're on a tight budget and can tolerate higher crime rates, Waukegan might work for its price. Ultimately, Naperville offers a more desirable quality of life, but Waukegan provides a cheap alternative.
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