Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Shields is a small city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 7,301 residents. The majority of Shields residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Based on an average age of 48, Shields appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average.
Living in Shields can be a good experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Shields and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, employment and other important metrics.
Shields, MI receives 80 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #63 in Michigan and #1,300 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Shields ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Shields also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the grades for each individual category, Shields has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), education (A), employment (A) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Shields does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Shields, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.94% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Shields 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Shields is real estate affordability. The median home price for Shields homes is $139,700, which is 9.3% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shields, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 20% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Shields | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.9% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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