Firstly why Addison, Illinois?

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

• City: Addison
• State: Illinois
• Population: 36,500 people
• Addison’s quick summary would be Anyone in Addison remembers when Adventureland amusement park stood near Lake Street before it made way for new developments, and that big green water tower still looms over town.

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: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 5,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a suburban atmosphere with easy access to Chicago appealing to families

Perk #1: Addison Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 41%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 60%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $86,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Addison is $80,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-6000 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 & Addison’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,579
• Property Tax %: 2.23%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: High Point
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Addison, Villa-Park, Elmhurst, Lombard, and probably could include Wood-Dale
• Avg. Age of Homes in Addison: 42 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

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 & Addison’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Addison are  Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Retail
• Addison Job Scene: moderate job market in manufacturing and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech presence focused on logistics, manufacturing, and local business solutions
• Addison Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Addison: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

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 Addison

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-355 connects Addison to other major arteries in the region
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Lake Street
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Addison: 21,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Addison: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Addison

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: Addison’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Addison is best described as experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers cold winters and all four seasons characterized by adequate rainfall throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Addison i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Addison can be described as cool with potential rain
• Summer’s in Addison are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Addison is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Addison below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban emissions
• Addison Winter Air average air quality with urban influences from traffic

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: Addison Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Addison 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Addisons’s city limits are 0
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Addison 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 & Addison Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Addison only Doctors is about 0
• Local Hospitals here is  0
• Full-time Addison only Police Officers is about 0
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

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

• Addison’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Addison’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Addison’s Water Quality Score: 0

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 Addison

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban town with a focus on families and local schools
• You might enjoy performances at local community theaters
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Addison  features lively local bars and dining spots suitable for friendly gatherings and social events

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 Addison

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers diverse restaurant options with a mix of chain and local fare
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Addison
• The Popular Sports Team is Addison Trail High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Addison can be described as suburb with a mix of political views emphasizing community issues
• Addison’s Longer standing religious establishment is Addison Baptist 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: Addison Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Addison has 12 Parks?
• Addison Town Park is Addison’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Addison Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

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: Addison Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Addison can be described as active suburban environment with a blend of residential and commercial focus
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Addison community picnics park activities sports events
• The Cities people commute to from Addison are Chicago 26 miles away Elmhurst 9 miles away Villa-Park 10 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 Addison 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 jams on Lake Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Addison’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If High Point is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Addison are Chicago 26 miles away Elmhurst 9 miles away Villa-Park 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Addison has 23 days in a row below freezing and 5 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 Addison people have an average (positive or negative) $-6000 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
   200 homeless people living in Addison. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general suburb with a mix of political views emphasizing community 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 Addison.

Retiree & Senior Life in Addison

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax relief programs tailored for elderly citizens
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Autumn Leaves
• Addison Senior Center offers activities arts and crafts classes and wellness workshops 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 Addison, Illinois?

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