Firstly why Elgin, Illinois?

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

• City: Elgin
• State: Illinois
• Population: 113,943 people
• Elgin’s quick summary would be Recognized for the historic Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the beautiful Elgin Park District.

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: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features diverse communities and job opportunities attracting various residents

Perk #1: Elgin Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $59,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Elgin is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 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 & Elgin’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,159
• Property Tax %: 2.4%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,220
• Rent for an average house: $1,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Elgin
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Elgin, South-Elgin, Carpentersville, Streamwood, and probably could include Bartlett
• Avg. Age of Homes in Elgin: 62 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

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 & Elgin’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Elgin are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Elgin Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on healthcare and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence centered around manufacturing and IT services , ,
• Elgin Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Elgin: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

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 Elgin

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 runs through Elgin connecting it to Chicago
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Dundee Avenue
• Transportation Score: 40 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Elgin: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Elgin: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Chicago 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: Elgin’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Elgin is best described as has a humid continental climate with warm summers cold winters and notable transitions in seasonal weather featuring lush springs and crisp autumns
• Winter Weather in Elgin i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Elgin can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Elgin are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Elgin is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 2 days in summer
• Days in a row in Elgin below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban surroundings
• Elgin Winter Air generally good air quality can vary with urban emissions

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: Elgin Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Elgin 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Elgins’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Elgin Public Library

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 & Elgin Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Elgin only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Elgin only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 45/100

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

• Elgin’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Elgin’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Elgin’s Water Quality Score: 71

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 Elgin

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area with a mix of history and industry
• You might enjoy concerts at the Elgin Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Elgin  features a blossoming nightlife with local bars restaurants and cultural events providing entertainment options

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 Elgin

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and a range of international cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Elgin
• The Popular Sports Team is Elgin High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Elgin can be described as politically mixed city focusing on community and development issues
• Elgin’s Longer standing religious establishment is Elgin Community 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: Elgin Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Elgin has 25 Parks?
• Elgin Riverwalk is Elgin’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Elgin Farmers Market normally open Thursday 5pm-9pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

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: Elgin Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Elgin can be described as moderate urban pace blending history with contemporary culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Elgin hiking local trails community sports attending cultural festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Elgin are Schaumburg 12 miles away Carpentersville 7 miles away Bartlett 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 Elgin 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: traffic congestion on Dundee Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Elgin’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Elgin is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Elgin are Schaumburg 12 miles away Carpentersville 7 miles away Bartlett 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 45 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Elgin has 22 days in a row below freezing and 2 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 Elgin people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 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
   400 homeless people living in Elgin. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city focusing on community and development issues 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 Elgin.

Retiree & Senior Life in Elgin

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax relief aimed at making housing affordable
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Riverwalk Commons
• Elgin Senior Center features fitness programs social activities and educational opportunities for seniors

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 Elgin, Illinois?

If Elgin, 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 Elgin, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!