Elkin 67 Good
Elkin Livability #183 ranked city in North Carolina#9,349 ranked city in the USARanks better than 68% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Elkin

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

New Real Estate Listings in Elkin Area
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What's it like Living in Elkin?

Located in the state of North Carolina, Elkin is a smaller city with a population of 3,968 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Elkin is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. 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 Elkin your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Elkin could be a positive experience compared to other cities in North Carolina if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Elkin and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.

Using data and statistics Elkin has received a livability score of 68 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 72nd percentile when compared to all other cities. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Elkin ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Elkin does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

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 Elkin 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Elkin is actually affordable. The median home price for Elkin homes is $148,500, which is 5.5% lower than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Elkin, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 6.1% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Elkin

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Elkin?

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Compare Elkin, NC Livability

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      Elkin transportation information

      Statistic Elkin North Carolina National
      Average one way commute23min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.3%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.2%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.5%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Elkin, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).