Firstly why Algonquin, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Algonquin
• State: Illinois
• Population: 36,238 people
• Algonquin’s quick summary would be recognized for its scenic riverfront parks and historic downtown this charming village hosts events throughout the year encouraging community involvement.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 900 annually
• While this many move-out: 292 annually
• Net Migration: 608 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 852
• Number of Homeless people: 15

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a suburban feel with good schools attracting families

Perk #1: Algonquin Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 76%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $107,007
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Algonquin is $95,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-12007 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Algonquin’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 108 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,500
• Property Tax %: 2.73%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,900
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Algonquin
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, East Dundee, Huntley, and probably could include Cary
• Avg. Age of Homes in Algonquin: 29 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Algonquin’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Algonquin are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Construction
• Algonquin Job Scene: limited job market focusing on retail and local services
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community focused on local startups and health tech , ,
• Algonquin Resident’s pay $1,800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Algonquin: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 190 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Algonquin

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $125 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Illinois Route 31 connects Algonquin to surrounding cities
• Commute Time: 27 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Randall Road
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Algonquin: 30,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Algonquin: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: O’Hare International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Algonquin’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
• General Weather in Algonquin is best described as has a continental climate with cold winters and hot humid summers and moderate spring and fall conditions characterized by vibrant foliage changes
• Winter Weather in Algonquin i’d describe as cold with snowy conditions
• Spring Weather in Algonquin can be described as cool with potential showers
• Summer’s in Algonquin are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Algonquin is usually cool and crisp
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 15 days in summer
• Days in a row in Algonquin below Freezing: 29
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained in suburban areas
• Algonquin Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal air quality issues

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Algonquin Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Algonquin 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Algonquins’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Algonquin Area Public Library District

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Algonquin Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Algonquin only Doctors is about 55
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Algonquin only Police Officers is about 40
• Crime Rate Index: 21/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Algonquin’s Monthly utility bill average is $210
• Algonquin’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Algonquin’s Water Quality Score: 90

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Algonquin

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small suburb with a friendly community vibe and parks
• You might enjoy live shows at local parks
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Algonquin  features cozy bars and family-friendly dining options perfect for a relaxed evening out

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Algonquin

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes casual dining and family-friendly restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 75 scattered around Algonquin
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Algonquin can be described as politically conservative suburb focused on community development
• Algonquin’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Anne’s Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Algonquin Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Algonquin has 5 Parks?
• Algonquin Township Park is Algonquin’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Algonquin Farmers Market normally open Thursday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Algonquin Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Algonquin can be described as suburban lifestyle with a focus on community events and family
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Algonquin exploring local parks picnics library events
• The Cities people commute to from Algonquin are Carpentersville 10 miles away Huntley 15 miles away Elgin 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Algonquin or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Randall Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Algonquin’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Algonquin is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Algonquin are Carpentersville 10 miles away Huntley 15 miles away Elgin 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 21 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Algonquin has 29 days in a row below freezing and 15 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Algonquin people have an average (positive or negative) $-12007 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   15 homeless people living in Algonquin. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically conservative suburb focused on community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Algonquin.

Retiree & Senior Life in Algonquin

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access local property tax exemptions benefiting fixed-income households
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Grove
• Algonquin Senior Center hosts a variety of social events educational programs and wellness classes

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Algonquin, Illinois?

If Algonquin, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Algonquin, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!