Southport 76 Exceptional
Southport Livability #35 ranked city in North Carolina#3,475 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Southport

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Southport?

Southport, North Carolina is a smaller city with a population of 3,979 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Southport residents are White, 12% Black and 0% Asian. The Southport population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 60, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Southport is known to be family friendly as more than 71% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 23% of residents also have children under the age of 18. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Southport is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Southport can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of North Carolina, there are many desirable 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Southport, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and more.

Using data and statistics Southport has received a livability score of 74 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 84th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Southport has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B), employment (A-) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Southport. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Southport gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 89 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Southport, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.1% 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.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Southport has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Southport 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 Southport. The median home price for Southport homes is $451,431, which is 55.9% higher than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Southport, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 19.5% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Southport

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Compare Southport, NC Livability

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      Southport transportation information

      Statistic Southport North Carolina National
      Average one way commute19min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.8%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.7%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.1%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home15.6%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Southport, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.