South Haven 71 Excellent
South Haven Livability #253 ranked city in Michigan#6,256 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in South Haven

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

New Real Estate Listings in South Haven Area
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What's it like Living in South Haven?

South Haven is a small-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 4,340 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (81% White). Given that fact, South Haven could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 59 years, South Haven residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. South Haven has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 70% of the population is classified as married and 20% have kids. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? South Haven offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in South Haven, Michigan could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in South Haven and in the areas around South Haven is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 72/100, South Haven is ranked #4,801 in the United States and #202 in Michigan. Based on the grades for each individual category, South Haven has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that South Haven scores poorly for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're living in South Haven, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making South Haven an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

The unemployment rate in South Haven has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.18%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. South Haven excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

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 South Haven is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in South Haven come in at $274,000, which is 114.4% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Haven, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 100% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Haven

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Haven?

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Compare South Haven, MI Livability

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      South Haven transportation information

      Statistic South Haven Michigan National
      Average one way commute19min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.4%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.5%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.1%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.7%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home10.9%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Haven, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).