New Bern 69 Good
New Bern Livability #147 ranked city in North Carolina#8,134 ranked city in the USARanks better than 72% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in New Bern

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment

    In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.

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

New Bern is a medium-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 29,985 people. New Bern is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (57%) and Black or African American (31%). If you prefer shorter commutes, living in New Bern will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in New Bern, North Carolina could be a great 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. The best areas in New Bern and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.

New Bern has a livability score of 67/100 and is ranked #166 in North Carolina and #8,660 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, New Bern has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-). There is at least one category that did not score well in New Bern. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), crime (D-), education (D) and employment (F).

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 New Bern 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern are affordable. Median real estate prices in New Bern come in at $160,500, which is 2.2% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In New Bern, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 12.1% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around New Bern

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How Do You Rate The Livability In New Bern?

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Compare New Bern, NC Livability

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      New Bern transportation information

      Statistic New Bern North Carolina National
      Average one way commute19min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.5%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.9%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The New Bern, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).