Is Clarendon Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills, a charming village in DuPage County, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant city of Chicago. Known for its strong community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere, this village has consistently ranked among the best places to live in Illinois and the nation. Its tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and highly-rated schools contribute to its appeal for those seeking a high quality of life.

The village’s strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential environment and proximity to the extensive amenities and opportunities of a major metropolitan area. With a history rooted in residential suburb development, Clarendon Hills maintains a welcoming and neighborly character that continues to attract new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Clarendon Hills?

Clarendon Hills is considered a very safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly lower than both the national and state averages. The village’s overall crime rate is notably below the national average, with a low incidence of both violent and property crimes. This safety is further reflected in its high rankings for safety and low crime risk (as reported by DoorProfit and AreaVibes).

Violent crime in Clarendon Hills is exceptionally rare, with some reports indicating zero instances of violent crime in the latest reporting period (as reported by AreaVibes). The village’s crime rate is substantially lower than the national average, and residents have a very low chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates also remain well below national benchmarks, contributing to the overall sense of security for its residents (as reported by FBI crime data and DoorProfit).

Demographics and Community

Clarendon Hills is a village with a population of approximately 8,700 residents, offering a small-town feel within the larger Chicago metropolitan area (as reported by Wikipedia and World Population Review). The median age in the village is around 40.8 years, with a balanced distribution of age groups, including a notable percentage of residents under 18 and those aged 65 and older (as reported by Wikipedia).

The village’s racial composition is predominantly White, with significant Asian and Hispanic populations, reflecting a diverse community. While the share of White residents is higher than the Illinois average, the village has seen growth in its Asian and Hispanic populations in recent years, indicating an evolving demographic landscape (as reported by Census Dots and World Population Review).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Clarendon Hills is higher than the national average, particularly in housing expenses. The median home value in Clarendon Hills is considerably higher than both the U.S. and Illinois state averages, reflecting its desirability and affluent nature (as reported by Redfin and BestPlaces).

The housing market in Clarendon Hills is highly competitive, with homes selling quickly and often above the asking price. Median home prices are substantial, making it a significant investment for prospective buyers. Rental prices in Clarendon Hills are also above the national average, indicating a generally higher cost of living across the board (as reported by Zillow and Apartments.com).

Housing Costs

The median home price in Clarendon Hills is substantial, positioning it as a more expensive market compared to the national average (as reported by Redfin and BestNeighborhood.org). Recent data indicates median home values around $605,800 (as reported by Census Bureau data cited by Belleville News-Democrat) and median listing prices in the range of $689,000 to $929,000 (as reported by Movoto and Home.com).

For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,728 per month, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent for all property types is around $1,942 per month, also indicating a higher cost for housing compared to many other areas (as reported by Zumper).

Median Home Price and Rent

The median home price in Clarendon Hills indicates a significant investment, with figures around $605,800 (as reported by Census Bureau data cited by Belleville News-Democrat). The market is competitive, with homes often selling for around or above the list price and going pending in a relatively short period (as reported by Redfin).

Rental costs in Clarendon Hills are also above the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,728 per month, and for a two-bedroom, it can be around $2,088 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Zillow reports the average rent for all property types in Clarendon Hills at $2,800 per month.

Job Market and Economy

Clarendon Hills boasts a robust economy with a strong job market and a high average salary, significantly above the national average. The income per capita and median household income are substantially higher than the national figures, reflecting a prosperous community (as reported by ZipRecruiter and Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Clarendon Hills is remarkably low, far below the national average, indicating a healthy and active local economy (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics and Data USA). Major employment sectors for residents include professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and finance and insurance (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

While specific major employers within the immediate village limits are not detailed, the economic landscape of Clarendon Hills is supported by its proximity to Chicago and the surrounding DuPage County’s diverse business environment. Residents are employed across various sectors, with professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as healthcare and social assistance, being prominent (as reported by Data USA).

The village’s strategic location provides access to a wide array of employment opportunities in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, which is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and a thriving business community. This access ensures a strong job market for Clarendon Hills residents.

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average salary in Clarendon Hills is significantly higher than the national average, with an hourly rate of approximately $24.09 or an annual income of around $50,100 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income is also considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA and Livability.com).

Clarendon Hills experiences an exceptionally low unemployment rate, which is much lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a strong local economy and ample employment opportunities for its residents.

Climate and Environment

Clarendon Hills experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, typical of the Midwestern United States. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cold and can bring significant snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).

The village receives a moderate amount of rainfall annually, and snowfall is also a regular feature during the winter months. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, with warm summers and cold winters, providing a typical four-season experience (as reported by Livability.com and The Weather Network).

Temperatures and Rainfall

The average high temperature in Clarendon Hills during the summer is around 59°F, with an average low of 38°F, though actual summer highs can reach into the 80s. The average annual rainfall is approximately 39 inches, and the average annual snowfall is around 32 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

The climate includes a range of temperatures throughout the year, with daily highs in the summer reaching into the 80s and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with some months experiencing higher precipitation than others (as reported by AccuWeather and The Weather Network).

Education and Schools

Clarendon Hills is renowned for its exceptional public school system, which consistently receives high ratings and contributes significantly to its reputation as a family-friendly community. The village is served by Community Consolidated School District 181, which includes highly-rated elementary and middle schools (as reported by Niche).

Students in Clarendon Hills benefit from a strong educational foundation, with high proficiency rates in math and reading. The district’s commitment to academic excellence and student well-being is a major draw for families looking to relocate to the area (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings

The public schools in Clarendon Hills, particularly those within Community Consolidated School District 181, are highly rated, earning A+ grades from Niche. Schools like Clarendon Hills Middle School are recognized for their strong academic performance and positive learning environment (as reported by Niche).

The student-teacher ratio in Clarendon Hills schools is favorable, contributing to personalized attention for students. State test scores indicate high levels of student proficiency in both math and reading, underscoring the quality of education provided (as reported by Niche).

Lifestyle and Community Features

Clarendon Hills offers a high quality of life, characterized by its strong sense of community, abundant green spaces, and family-oriented activities. The village is recognized for its neighborly atmosphere and commitment to maintaining its small-town appeal while providing modern amenities (as reported by Choose DuPage).

Residents enjoy a variety of seasonal events and a vibrant downtown area served by a Metra commuter rail station, offering convenient access to Chicago. The village actively supports local businesses and reinvests in its infrastructure and services to ensure continued prosperity (as reported by Choose DuPage).

Major Employers

While Clarendon Hills is primarily a residential suburb, its economy is bolstered by its proximity to Chicago and the diverse employment opportunities within DuPage County. Key employment sectors for residents include professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as healthcare and insurance industries (as reported by Data USA).

The village itself hosts numerous local businesses, contributing to its economic vitality. Furthermore, its strategic location provides easy access to major expressways, connecting residents to a broader job market across the Chicago metropolitan region.

Demographics

Clarendon Hills has a population of approximately 8,702 residents, as per the 2020 census. The median age is 40.8 years, with a demographic breakdown that includes a significant portion of residents under 18 and those 65 and older (as reported by Wikipedia).

The village is predominantly White (78.8%), with notable Asian (9.8%) and Hispanic (6.7%) populations. Since the 2020 Census, the village has seen an increase in its Asian and Hispanic populations, indicating a trend towards greater diversity (as reported by Census Dots).