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Is St Charles IL a Good Place to Live? 🏡 | What to Know About Living in St Charles IL

Last Updated on: 18th December 2024, 07:45 pm

Is St Charles IL a good place to live? It absolutely is! According to Wikipedia, families from Indiana settled in the area in 1834 by families from Indiana. The area was first called Charleston. However, another Illinois city was already named Charleston, so the residents renamed it Saint Charles in 1839.

The state government incorporated St. Charles as a city the same year. St. Charles was a rural and isolated community for much of the 19th century. In 1896, streetcar lines connected it to Aurora, Elgin, and nearby cities. People began moving to St Charles in earnest after the streetcars were set up.

During the 20th century, St Charles slowly developed. St Charles’s motto is “Pride of the Fox.” Today, it’s a thriving and affluent suburb offering residents a great quality of life. St. Charles is known for its award-winning parks, top-rated schools, and family-friendly attractions. It’s a nice place to live with fun nightlife, fine dining, unique shops, and recreation.

Moving to St Charles is a perfect opportunity for you and your family. But before you move to this affluent community, you should get all the details about St Charles. Here’s what to know about this great community.

Is St Charles IL a Good Place to Live?

Yes, St. Charles, IL, is a great place to live! People seeking a blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience will find a lot to enjoy. Located just outside Chicago, St. Charles offers a family-friendly community and excellent schools. The city has a charming downtown with plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Residents also enjoy easy access to outdoor activities, parks, and the Fox River. These amenities and outdoor attractions make it an ideal location for families, professionals, and nature lovers alike.

When Was St Charles IL Founded?

St Charles IL was founded in 1834.

When Is St Charles IL Known for?

St Charles IL is known for its fun things to do, including top parks like Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Delnor Woods Park.

Where Is St Charles Illinois?

Sunset in St. Charles Illinois

St. Charles, IL is in Kane and DuPage counties on the Fox River. St. Charles is in the Chicago area, inside the collar counties. The Fox River runs through the center of St. Charles, but St. Charles is a well-developed city with residential and commercial areas. St. Charles borders Geneva, Wayne, and West Chicago. St. Charles movers can perform relocations between St. Charles and these communities.

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for commuters? Yes! Residents living in St. Charles IL have access to public transportation. PACE Bus provides bus services from St. Charles to cities near Chicago. Route 592 is an on-demand bus route, meaning residents living in St Charles IL can order rides between locations in the city. The City of St. Charles also provides a few different public transportation services, including curb-to-curb vans.

If you want to drive, Illinois State Routes 25, 31, 38, and 64 run through the community and provide access to nearby communities. A St. Charles moving company can help you move using these routes.

What County Is St. Charles IL In?

St. Charles IL is in two counties: Kane County and DuPage County.

How Far Is St Charles IL From Chicago?

It is 36.5 miles from St. Charles IL to Chicago.

How Far Is St Charles From Naperville IL?

It is 17.2 miles from St Charles to Naperville IL.

St. Charles Population and Demographics

According to the US Census, the population of St. Charles in 2020 was 33,081, up by 0.3% since 2010. Though population growth slowed down in the last decade, the population has grown substantially over the last few decades. St. Charles has more than doubled its population since 1970. The St. Charles population density was 2,297.1 people per square mile, in between the densities for Kane and DuPage counties.

Notable people living in St Charles IL include Brian Wilson, Donnie Wahlberg, and Jenny McCarthy. Notable St. Charles demographics include:

  • 50.6% female, 49.4% male
  • Median age of living in St Charles IL: 41.8
  • Racial and ethnic composition: 82.9% White (79.0% non-Hispanic), 9.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% two or more races, 4.4% Asian, 3.5% Black or African American
  • Median household income: $110,346 (roughly 1.4 times higher than the state median)
  • Educational attainment: 94.6% of residents living in St Charles IL have graduated high school, 52.0% have a bachelor’s degree
  • Foreign-born population: 10.5%

St. Charles IL is one of the wealthiest communities in the Chicago area. Its median household income is over $25,000 higher than the Chicago metro area median. 19.4% of households in St. Charles earn over $200,000 a year, nearly twice the Illinois rate. St. Charles is one of the most highly educated communities around Chicago as well. 22.0% of residents living in St Charles IL have a post-graduate degree.

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for low crime rates? Yes, St. Charles is a very safe place to live in. Here are its latest crime statistics, according to the FBI in 2022:

  • Overall crime rate: 1,334 offenses per 100,000 people (68.1% lower than the Chicago crime rate, 32.3% lower than the Illinois crime rate, 42.6% lower than the national average)
  • Violent crime rate: 130 crimes per 100,000 residents (54.8% lower than the Illinois crime rate, 64.8% lower than the national rate)
  • Property crime rate: 1,204 offenses per 100,000 residents (28.5% lower than the state rate, 38.4% lower than the national rate)

The St. Charles Police Department employs 59 police officers who respond to all emergencies in St. Charles.

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for families with young children? Yes, and you can start moving to St Charles right now! Contact Federal Companies and start your upcoming move today!

What Is the Population of St. Charles IL?

According to the US Census, the population of St. Charles IL in 2020 was 33,081.

Cost of Living in St. Charles IL

How much does it cost to live in St. Charles? A bit more than the national average thanks to high home prices. Otherwise, the city is an affordable place to live in the Chicago metro area. St. Charles cost of living statistics can be hard to find. You can use the Chicago cost of living statistics to make a rough estimate.

The St. Charles, IL cost of living index is 113.4 or 13.4% higher than the national average. Utilities, groceries, and health care are close to the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $108,865 a year to cover the cost of living in the Chicago area. So is St Charles IL a good place to live for an affordable lifestyle? Yes! While some prices may be high, you can rent to keep your costs low.

Housing makes the biggest impact on your budget and the higher cost of living. The housing index in the Chicago area is 137, meaning housing costs 37% more than the national average. According to Redfin, the median home price is $399,995, and the average price per square foot is $221. You’ll find homes priced in the low $200s to more than $1 million, depending on the neighborhood. You can see St. Charles, IL homes for sale here to explore home prices by neighborhood.

Are you planning to rent after moving to St. Charles? According to RentCafe, the average rental price for St. Charles apartments is $1,865 a month, depending on the neighborhood. If you plan to rent a home, you can expect to have rental prices of over $2,000 a month.

Typical St. Charles Living Expenses

  • 1 gallon of regular milk: $2.77
  • 12 regular eggs: $2.97
  • 1 pound of bananas: $0.50
  • 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.78
  • 1 pound of chicken fillets: $5.78
  • Average St. Charles utilities per month: $400.00

Source: Numbeo

St. Charles Neighborhoods – Where to Live in St. Charles, IL

Before moving to St. Charles, Illinois, you’ll want to explore the city’s top neighborhoods to narrow down your options. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in St. Charles to consider!

Persimmon Woods – Affluent Neighborhood Adjacent to the Country Club and Nature Preserve

Persimmon Woods is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in St. Charles. It’s next to the Persimmon Woods nature preserve, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. According to Redfin, homes in this community usually sell for $600,000 to more than $1 million. You’ll find spacious homes with 4+ bedrooms and plenty of open green space and parks nearby. The community features luxury homes next to the St. Charles Country Club Golf Course.

Renaux Manor – Affordable St. Charles Neighborhood Near Amenities

Popular with families, the Renaux Manor neighborhood is right off Route 64 next to Renaux Manor Park, Artesian Springs Park, and shopping. According to Redfin, the community is surprisingly affordable, with large single-family homes in the $300s.

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for real estate? Yes, and you can start purchasing and moving to an upscale home right now! Call 800-747-4100 for a free quote now!

St. Charles Weather & Climate

What’s the weather in St. Charles, IL like? According to Weather Spark, the city has a humid continental climate with wet, hot summers and windy, snowy, and very cold winters. The St. Charles climate is similar to the Chicago climate. Annual snowfall is 10.0 inches, while the annual rainfall is 35.4 inches. The average temperature in St. Charles is above 75 degrees during the summer. The community has a winter low of 25 in January and a summer high of 89 degrees in July.

The best time to visit St. Charles is June or August and September. You’ll enjoy very pleasant weather and outdoor activities without harsh cold or heat. You can wear a short-sleeved shirt in the summertime and visit various outdoor attractions in the downtown area.

How Much Snow Did St. Charles IL Get?

St. Charles IL receives an average snowfall of 10.0 inches every year. The community can experience severe storms that drop six or more inches at any time.

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for the weather? Yes, and you can start living in St Charles IL and enjoying great weather now! Call 800-747-4100 for a free quote for moving to St Charles today!

Fun Things to Do in St. Charles, Illinois

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for attractions? Yes, there are tons of things to do in St. Charles with kids, ranging from live performances to outdoor recreation. There’s also convenient shopping at Foxfield Commons Shopping Center, Von Maur, Rocket Fizz, and Jewel-Osco.

Ready to see the many things to do after moving to St. Charles? Here are some of the best attractions, parks, and landmarks.

Pottawatomie Park

A Ferris wheel at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles

This huge waterfront park is one of the top free things to do in St. Charles! Take a riverboat cruise, go canoeing, or rent pedal boats. You can then stop by the playground, have a picnic, or cool off at the pool.

8 North Avenue, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-513-6200

Arcada Theatre

The Arcada Theatre is a historic and romantic theatre home to musical performances, theatrical productions, and other shows. It’s one of the best things to do in St. Charles for adults and one of the best destinations at night.

105 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-962-7000

Kane County Fairgrounds

Kane County Fairgrounds is home to the Kane County Fair, one of the largest fairs in the Chicago area. The Kane County Fair is a top family-friendly destination in the summer, with music performances, games, and food. The fairgrounds are also home to events throughout the year, including the Fox Valley Dog Show.

525 South Randall Road, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-584-6926

Additional Things to Do in St. Charles IL

The St. Charles Park District maintains all public spaces and parks in the community. The district also arranges special events throughout the year, including holiday events and live music performances. You can use the St. Charles Park District events page to see when events are occurring. You can always visit the best things to do in Illinois with kids whenever you want.

Best Restaurants in St. Charles

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for food? Yes, you’ll find plenty of great places to eat while living in St. Charles, from upscale restaurants to family-friendly eateries. Here are three St. Charles, IL restaurants you won’t want to miss.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery

Turkey with gravy, vegetables, and cranberry sauce at Cooper's Hawk Winery

Cooper’s Hawk Winery is an upscale casual restaurant perfect for nights out with clients or romantic partners. The restaurant offers a range of Italian and American dishes, including risotto, hamburgers, and steak. You can visit an on-site wine-tasting room with dozens of wines and mixed drinks.

3710 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-940-1000

Just Kabobs

Looking for a quick bite while out on the town or an easy weeknight dinner? Just Kabobs is a counter-serve café with a selection of kabobs, salads, and gyros.

1825 West Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-443-3400

Mio Modo

Mio Modo is a classy Italian restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, and happy hour. It’s the best place to visit in St. Charles for dates and formal nights out.

200 South 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, 630-587-8221

Jobs in St. Charles, IL

Saint Charles is an affluent community, and this is apparent when you look at average wages. According to DataUSA, 18,038 people have jobs in St. Charles. The job market has stayed relatively consistent over the last 10 years, with only small deviations in unemployment.

Healthcare, manufacturing, and educational services are the three largest job sectors in the community. The average salary in St. Charles is $78,000 per year or $20.38 per hour, according to Payscale.

Major employers in St. Charles include:

  • Walmart
  • UPS
  • McDonald’s
  • United States Postal Service

Explore jobs in St. Charles on Indeed or on the City of St. Charles jobs board to see the opportunities that await you!

Is St Charles IL a good place to live for work? Yes! Start working and living in St Charles IL now and schedule an appointment with Federal Companies!

St. Charles, IL Schools – Private and Public Schools & Higher Education

Students performing at a Halloween concert at St. Charles School District

While living in St. Charles, the St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 will serve you. The district is better than many of the best school districts in St. Louis or Chicago. The district has 12 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools: St. Charles North High and St. Charles East High. 

US News ranks three elementary schools in St. Charles in the top 100 elementary schools in Illinois: Bell-Graham Elementary, Ferson Creek School, and Wild Rose Elementary. US News ranks both middle schools in the district in the top 100 middle schools in Illinois. US News also ranks both high schools in the top 50 high schools in the state.

You can also choose from a few private schools, including St. Patrick Catholic School. There are no colleges or universities in St. Charles. You can use Chicago school and university movers to relocate to St. Charles and set your kids up in great schools. You can always visit the St. Charles Public Library for books and to make new friends.

St. Charles Information & Statistics

  • St. Charles counties: DuPage and Kane counties, Illinois
  • St. Charles area: 15.01 square miles
  • St. Charles zip code: 60119, 60174, and 60175
  • St. Charles area code: 630
  • St. Charles time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
  • St. Charles elevation: 751 feet
  • Closest airport to St. Charles: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), 28.4 miles from St. Charles

What Is the Zip Code for St Charles IL?

St. Charles IL has three zip codes: 60119, 60174, and 60175.

St. Charles, IL Map

Explore things to do, restaurants, and attractions with this map of St. Charles, Illinois.

So is St Charles IL a good place to live? Yes! You’ll find a strong sense of community, a convenient commute time to Downtown Chicago, and many restaurants.

Is the beautiful riverfront city of Saint Charles calling to you? If you’re ready to relocate to STC, Federal Companies is here to help. Give our St. Charles movers a call to discuss your relocation and how we can help you!

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