Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
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.
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.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Garden City, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 26,565 people. With a population density of 4,531 people per square mile, Garden City is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Garden City could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Garden City, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Garden City could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Michigan if you know where to search. 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 Garden City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.
Garden City has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #50 in Michigan and #1,053 in the USA. Based on this score, Garden City would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Garden City has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (B-), crime (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Garden City ranks poorly for, including: education (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Garden City, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Garden City undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Garden City gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 142 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Garden City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Garden City. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Garden City are affordable. Median real estate prices in Garden City come in at $119,900, which is 6.2% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Garden City, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 16% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Garden City | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.3% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.3% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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