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.
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.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the 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.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Alabama, Valley is a smaller city with a population of 9,429 people. Valley is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (59%) and Black or African American (38%). With an average age of 32 years old, Valley could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Valley offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Valley could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Alabama if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Valley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.
Using data and statistics Valley has received a livability score of 62 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 47th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Valley ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Valley, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F) and education (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Valley, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.1% 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.
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 Valley 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.
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 Valley is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Valley come in at $166,963, which is 29.1% lower than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Valley, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 38.9% lower than the Alabama average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Valley | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 92.7% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.2% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.1% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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