Kentwood 73 Excellent
Kentwood Livability #198 ranked city in Michigan#4,801 ranked city in the USARanks better than 83% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Kentwood

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

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What's it like Living in Kentwood?

Kentwood is a medium-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 51,780 inhabitants. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Kentwood will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kentwood, Michigan could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Kentwood and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.

Kentwood, MI receives 75/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #136 in Michigan and #2,986 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Kentwood ranks well in multiple categories! For each of the livability categories, we know that Kentwood ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Kentwood does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Kentwood has an unemployment rate of 2.73% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

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 Kentwood 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Kentwood is actually affordable. The median home price for Kentwood homes is $169,700, which is 32.8% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kentwood, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 24% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kentwood

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Kentwood?

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Compare Kentwood, MI Livability

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      Kentwood transportation information

      Statistic Kentwood Michigan National
      Average one way commute19min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.7%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.3%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Kentwood, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).