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Westchester
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.2
•
Community
4.9
•
Safeguard
5.8/10
Westchester, Illinois is a picturesque village located in Cook County, just 15 miles west of downtown Chicago. The climate in Westchester is classified as continental, with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the upper 20s (°F) in winter to the upper 80s in summer. The area experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Hydrologically, Westchester is situated along the Des Plaines River, which flows through the village's eastern side. The river offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Additionally, there are several lakes and ponds in and around Westchester that are suitable for various water activities.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy numerous recreation opportunities in Westchester. The village maintains several parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for picnicking, sports, and leisurely walks. The Salt Creek Trail, a scenic multi-use trail, passes through Westchester, offering biking and hiking opportunities. Additionally, nearby forest preserves provide opportunities for nature walks, bird-watching, and exploring the region's diverse flora and fauna.
Overall, Westchester, Illinois offers a pleasant climate, access to water bodies, and various outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Westchester receives approximately
965mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Westchester has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Upper Illinois
Area Rivers
Upper Illinois
Snowpack Depths
Upper Illinois
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Illinois
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinson City Park | None | 541 ft | |||
| Paris Landing State Park | 63 | 392 ft | |||
| Gatlin Point | 30 | 433 ft | |||
| Oblong Park | None | 491 ft | |||
| Bumpus Mills - Lake Barkley | None | 520 ft | |||
| Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park | 53 | 437 ft | |||
| Rushing Creek - LBL | 56 | 402 ft | |||
| Piney - LBL | 300 | 385 ft | |||
| Gatlin Point - LBL | 19 | 453 ft | |||
| Boswell Landing | 34 | 406 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 4.9
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.