Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Merriam is a medium-sized city located in the state of Kansas. The city has a population of 11,191 people. The majority of Merriam residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Merriam, only 47% of the population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Merriam. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Merriam is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Kansas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Merriam, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, education, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Merriam has received a livability score of 74/100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Merriam ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Merriam does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Merriam 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.
Assuming that Merriam 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 Merriam. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Merriam are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Merriam come in at $187,500, which is 38.6% higher than the Kansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Merriam, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 20% higher than the Kansas average.
| Statistic | Merriam | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.1% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.5% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.2% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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