Palmer 73 Excellent
Palmer Livability #10 ranked city in Alaska#4,670 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Palmer

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Commute

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

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What's it like Living in Palmer?

Palmer, Alaska is a small-sized city with a population of 7,359 people. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Palmer residents are White, 9% American Indian and Alaskan and 3% Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Palmer residents is 32. Palmer is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 47%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. 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 Palmer, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Palmer, Alaska. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Palmer, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, education and more.

With a livability score of 75/100, Palmer is ranked #3,429 in the United States and #9 in Alaska. Clearly, Palmer is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Palmer ranks well for amenities (B+), crime (A) and housing (A-) On a more negative note, Palmer does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (D) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Palmer, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Palmer an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Palmer 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.

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 Palmer is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Palmer come in at $215,500, which is 16.2% lower than the Alaska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Palmer, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.9% higher than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Palmer

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Palmer?

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Compare Palmer, AK Livability

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      Palmer transportation information

      Statistic Palmer Alaska National
      Average one way commute28min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.3%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool12.3%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home5.0%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Palmer, AK data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).