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.
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.
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.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
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.
Houghton Lake, Michigan is a smaller city with a population of 5,596 residents. According to the most recent Census, 98% of Houghton Lake residents are White, 0% Black and 0% Asian. Based on an average age of 56, Houghton Lake appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. 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 Houghton Lake your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Houghton Lake, Michigan could be a positive 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Houghton Lake, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 63 out of 100, Houghton Lake is ranked #12,807 in the United States and #470 in Michigan. For each of the livability categories, we see that Houghton Lake ranks very well for crime (B) and housing (A+). Houghton Lake does not score well for the following: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to 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 Houghton Lake 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Houghton Lake. 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 Houghton Lake are affordable. The median home price for Houghton Lake homes is $110,500, which is 13.5% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Houghton Lake, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 16% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Houghton Lake | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 65.1% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 23.2% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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