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.
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.
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.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Indiana, Rensselaer is a smaller city with a population of 6,151 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 91% of Rensselaer residents are White, 1% Black and 1% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Rensselaer is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Rensselaer is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Indiana, 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 Rensselaer, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, education, employment and more.
With a livability score of 69/100, Rensselaer is ranked #6,923 in the United States and #123 in Indiana. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Rensselaer has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B-), cost of living (A+) and housing (B). Unfortunately for Rensselaer, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and education (D-).
The unemployment rate in Rensselaer has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.37%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Rensselaer market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Rensselaer real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Rensselaer. The median home price for Rensselaer homes is $112,700, which is 10.9% lower than the Indiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rensselaer, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 8% lower than the Indiana average.
| Statistic | Rensselaer | Indiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.7% | 83.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 18.9% | 8.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
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