Sunset Beach 66 Good
Sunset Beach Livability #246 ranked city in North Carolina#11,214 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Sunset Beach

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Housing 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Sunset Beach?

Sunset Beach is a smaller city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 4,096 inhabitants. The majority of Sunset Beach residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Sunset Beach is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 64, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Sunset Beach has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 77% of the population is classified as married and 9% have kids.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Sunset Beach, North Carolina could be a good 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Sunset Beach and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Sunset Beach to North Carolina and the national average.

Using data and statistics Sunset Beach has received a livability score of 66/100. This score is ranked in the 61st percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Sunset Beach ranks well for crime (A+), employment (B-) and housing (B+) On a less positive note, Sunset Beach does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Sunset Beach gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 107 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Sunset Beach, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Sunset Beach can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Sunset Beach. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Sunset Beach are affordable. Median real estate prices in Sunset Beach come in at $458,506, which is 58.4% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sunset Beach, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 22% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sunset Beach

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Sunset Beach?

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Compare Sunset Beach, NC Livability

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      Sunset Beach transportation information

      Statistic Sunset Beach North Carolina National
      Average one way commute22min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.2%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool0.6%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home21.5%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Sunset Beach, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.