Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Elkins, West Virginia is a smaller city with a population of 7,017 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Elkins is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. In Elkins, only 42% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Elkins offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Elkins is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in West Virginia, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Elkins and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Elkins to West Virginia and the national average.
Elkins has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #25 in West Virginia and #4,047 in the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Elkins has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (B-), crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (B+). Elkins does not do well for the following: employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're considering living in Elkins, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Elkins provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
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, Elkins has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 Elkins is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Elkins come in at $120,100, which is 11.8% higher than the West Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Elkins, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 24% higher than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Elkins | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.9% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.0% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.4% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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