Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a medium-sized city with a population of 29,124 inhabitants. At 80%, the majority of the Oak Ridge population is White; this is followed by 8% Black and 3% Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Oak Ridge is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 23 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oak Ridge, Tennessee could be a good 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 Oak Ridge and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Tennessee and national averages.
Using data and statistics Oak Ridge has received a livability score of 74 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Oak Ridge has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+) and housing (B+). The bad news for Oak Ridge, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (D-).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Oak Ridge, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Oak Ridge undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Oak Ridge: American Museum of Science & Energy, Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, and Southern Appalachia Railway Museum.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Oak Ridge has an unemployment rate of 2.41% 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 Oak Ridge 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.
Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge. Median real estate prices in Oak Ridge come in at $157,700, which is 8% higher than the Tennessee average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oak Ridge, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Tennessee average.
| Statistic | Oak Ridge | Tennessee | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.1% | 83.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 9.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 1.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.6% | 3.9% | 4.6% |
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