Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Located in the state of South Carolina, Aiken is a moderately-sized city with a population of 31,428 people. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Aiken your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Aiken, South Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Aiken and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Aiken to South Carolina and the national average.
Aiken, SC receives 67 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #79 in South Carolina and #9,183 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Aiken scores well for amenities (B), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A-) There is at least one category that did not score well in Aiken. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F).
Aiken has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Aiken has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Aiken are: Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, and Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum.
The Aiken unemployment rate of 2.26% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Aiken apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Aiken meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Aiken. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Aiken are simply unattainable. The median home price for Aiken homes is $199,100, which is 38.6% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Aiken, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 12.9% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | Aiken | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.4% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.5% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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