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A suburb in Illinois, Arlington Heights has a population of approximately 77,283 residents. It has become a peaceful suburban village close to the downtown area in big-city America. This charming village is located just outside of Chicago. Its history traces back to the 1800s when the place was called the Town of Dunton. From its humble beginning as a small farming community, Arlington Heights is now one of the popular suburbs for many.
Arlington Heights is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and historic ambiance. However, like other places, it also has a set of pros and cons. In this guide, we will look at what makes Arlington Heights a great place to live. Additionally, we'll explore some points for prospective residents to know before moving here.
Advantages of Living in Arlington Heights, Illinois
1. Safe CommunityIs Arlington Heights safe? Absolutely. Perhaps one of the most attractive features of Arlington Heights is its safety. The crime rate is low compared to any other area near Chicago. Therefore, the people living there can feel at peace. That is also among the major reasons why family or even bachelor and bachelorette types look for a nice place to call "home."
2. World-Class SchoolsThe excellent public and private schools in Arlington Heights make the village a highly sought-after destination for families. Some of the highest-rated schools in Illinois, including John Hersey High School, hold high grades for academic performance. It is a place with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork to give children a solid educational foundation. In case of a family move to Arlington Heights, they can readily entrust the education of their children to this community.
3. Convenient Commute to Public TransportArlington Heights offers an easy way to public transport for those who want to commute from Chicago. The Metra train line gives a direct route straight into downtown Chicago. It is an excellent location for those who are looking for suburban living with city access. Huge highways like I-90 and Route 53 also pass nearby, making car travel convenient as well.
4. Thriving Downtown AreaThe downtown area of Arlington Heights has restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Find new dining places and local boutiques. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre hosts live performances, while the Arlington Heights Memorial Library holds events. The village lifestyle, from a walkable to a more vibrant downtown, features various options for leisure activities, all accessible close to home for the residents.
5. Parks and Outdoor ActivitiesArlington Heights is abundant in parks, open spaces, and recreational areas, making it an obvious choice for nature lovers. Lake Arlington holds wide-scale activities like fishing, boating, jogging, and cycling. Besides, the Arlington Heights Park District organizes year-round activities from sports leagues to community events. From each season's activity set, residents can always enjoy outdoor life regardless of the climate.
6. Events and Festivals Arlington Heights is the perfect location for those who love to enjoy with their family. It's because of the events and festivals held there. Great annual events and festivals are better exposure to participate and join. Sometimes, events even teach valuable lessons and skills.
Arlington Heights is a community that cares about family and hosts events throughout the year. This includes Frontier Days Festival, farmers' markets, and seasonal parades for all to enjoy. This will give a strong feeling of community through these events because residents will be able to connect so that all will feel comfortable being either newcomers or long-time residents.
7. Quality of Life is HighThe overall quality of life in Arlington Heights is rated to be high with maintained neighborhoods and tree-lined streets beautifully complimented by a quiet, suburban style of living. The village often ranks as one of the highest in Illinois, voting for it as one of the best places to live in terms of both safety and education. Arlington Heights has a great deal for those who are seeking a positive work-life balance.
Drawbacks of Staying at Arlington Heights, Illinois
1. Expensive LifestyleWhile Arlington Heights offers many benefits, it comes with a higher cost of living than some other Illinois areas. Home prices are also quite high, with the median being around $400,000. Rent is not any cheaper, with the median being above the national average. In general, groceries, healthcare, and utilities also cost more than in other places in the United States, so budget-conscious people may not find it very appealing.
2. Traffic and Commute TimesAlthough public transportation is excellent and accessible in Arlington Heights, traffic generally doubles during rush hours. It is about 30 minutes to get around within the area, but that is beyond the national average. For people who work in Chicago but also love to drive to the office, this is one of the stressful activities daily.
3. Limited Nightlife OptionsWhile downtown Arlington Heights is lively with good dining and entertainment options. Meanwhile, the nightlife is not at all comparable to Chicago's. There are bars, and some places of evening entertainment, but serious nightlife fans usually have to relocate to the city. The village atmosphere is quieter, more family-friendly, and better suited to those who like calm lives.
4. Harsh WintersConsiderably like many of Illinois's states, Arlington Heights experiences cold winters with abundant snowfall. There can be harsh temperatures and usually plenty of snow throughout December, January, and February. For those who enjoy the winter season, this provides excellent opportunities for ice fishing or other winter sports. However, this can be rather unforgiving for those who can't survive in the cold. Proper winter clothing and preparation are a must and you can expect snow removal to become your daily chore.
5. Competitive Housing MarketOwing to its desirability, the real estate market in Arlington Heights is becoming competitive, especially when it comes to housing. This may make it challenging for new faces in town to find affordable housing because, as stated, the demand for family-friendly houses is extremely high. Most future residents have to deal with bidding wars on homes, which can be very frustrating for buyers.
6. Property TaxesIllinois boasts some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Arlington Heights is no exception to this rule. High property taxes are surely one of the main concerns of homebuyers-the cost of living in this area keeps increasing day by day, making it even more expensive. What the taxpayers save from the money that goes towards extra personal taxation must be directed towards the maintenance of these schools and public services, but this does weigh quite a lot on the purse strings and wallets, especially for the first-time homebuyer.
Experience Arlington Heights with Cavan Realty's Expertise:
At Cavan Realty, we understand that selecting the right place to live extends beyond property listings finding the community where you can feel at home. Our team has years of experience within the Arlington Heights area and is well-suited to the nuances of the local market. This allows us to provide tailored insights into neighborhoods, schools, and amenities, so we make sure you have a full view of what it would mean for you and your family to live in Arlington Heights.
At Cavan Realty, we're here to help you find or sell a piece of property that comes to mind. We're here to help you every step of the way-from knowing local property taxes and school districts to navigate the competitive housing market. We are committed to transparency, professionalism, and personalized service to give you the confidence and peace of mind needed for this big decision.
Equipped with a deep understanding of Arlington Heights and the community, Cavan Realty is the ally in achieving not only a house but the dream home you call your own. Let's work together to discover the possibilities that await you in Arlington Heights and make your move an easy and rewarding experience.
Final ThoughtsArlington Heights has a lot to offer its residents: a safe community, excellent schools, easy access to Chicago, and a variety of recreational activities. For families, professionals, and retirees, this village provides a balanced lifestyle with suburban comfort and urban convenience. However, it’s important to consider the higher cost of living, cold winters, and limited nightlife when deciding. Like every place, Arlington Heights has its advantages and disadvantages. Weighing these factors will give you an idea if it is the right place for you.
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