Illinois, a state known for its vibrant cities and charming small towns, offers a variety of walkable communities. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the quiet sidewalks of Oak Park, each city provides a unique pedestrian experience.
In this Redfin article, we delve into the top walkable cities in Illinois, examining factors such as walk scores and housing prices. Join us as we explore the charm and convenience of these pedestrian-friendly locales.
1. Oak Park, IL
Walk Score: 78
Median Sale Price: $370,000
Median Rent Price: $2,277
With a walk score of 78, Oak Park is the most walkable city in Illinois. The popular Chicago suburb boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown Oak Park and Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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2. Chicago, IL
Walk Score: 77
Median Sale Price: $325,000
Median Rent Price: $2,319
As the largest city in Illinois, Chicago has a walk score of 77, making it the second most walkable city in the state. There are dozends of large walkable parks and neighborhoods throughout Chicago, like Lincoln Park and The Loop, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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3. Evanston, IL
Walk Score: 76
Median Sale Price: $333,500
Median Rent Price: $2,336
Evanston is the third most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Evanston include Downtown Evanston, Central Street, and Main Street. These places are home to amenities like Northwestern University, Evanston Public Library, and Dempster Street Shopping.
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4. Cicero, IL
Walk Score: 75
Median Sale Price: $271,500
Median Rent Price: $1,125
Cicero has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Hawthorne Park to Cicero Community Park, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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5. Berwyn, IL
Walk Score: 75
Median Sale Price: $340,000
Median Rent Price: $1,395
As the fifth most walkable city in the state, Berwyn is known for its vibrant Depot District and Roosevelt Road. Consider exploring Proksa Park or getting a bite to eat at Autre Monde Cafe with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the North Berwyn Park District.
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6. Elmwood Park, IL
Walk Score: 69
Median Sale Price: $250,000
Median Rent Price: $1,500
Elmwood Park, a suburb of Chicago, has a walk score of 69, making it the sixth most walkable city in Illinois. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Elmwood Park, like the Circle and Elmwood Park Town Center, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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7. Skokie, IL
Walk Score: 68
Median Sale Price: $361,500
Median Rent Price: $2,822
Skokie, another suburb of Chicago, is the seventh most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Skokie include Downtown Skokie, West Dempster Street, and Old Orchard Shopping Center. These places are home to amenities like the Skokie Public Library, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, and Westfield Old Orchard.
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8. Melrose Park, IL
Walk Score: 68
Median Sale Price: $308,750
Median Rent Price: $1,200
Melrose Park has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From Winston Plaza to Melrose Park Library, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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9. Niles, IL
Walk Score: 65
Median Sale Price: $388,500
Median Rent Price: $2,250
As the ninth most walkable city in the state, Niles is known for Golf Mill Shopping Center and Niles Public Library. Consider exploring Notre Dame Park or getting a bite to eat at Portillo’s Hot Dogs with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the Leaning Tower of Niles.
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10. Evergreen Park, IL
Walk Score: 64
Median Sale Price: $242,000
Median Rent Price: $2,272
Evergreen Park, another suburb of Chicago, has a walk score of 64, making it the tenth most walkable city in Illinois. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Evergreen Park, like the Evergreen Park Shopping Plaza and Evergreen Marketplace, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find a walkable place to live, rating areas from least to most walkable on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a city, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
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