Wake Forest 84 Exceptional
Wake Forest Livability #7 ranked city in North Carolina#542 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Wake Forest

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • 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.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.

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What's it like Living in Wake Forest?

Located in the state of North Carolina, Wake Forest is a medium-sized city with a population of 44,068 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Wake Forest is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. An important consideration when living in Wake Forest is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Wake Forest is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in North Carolina, 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. Finding the best places to live in Wake Forest and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

Wake Forest, NC receives 83/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #7 in North Carolina and #621 in the USA. Based on this score, Wake Forest would be considered a very livable city! Wake Forest has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Wake Forest scores well for crime (A+), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+)

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 115 crimes per 100,000 residents, Wake Forest has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wake Forest 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.

Assuming that Wake Forest meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Wake Forest. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wake Forest are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Wake Forest come in at $314,200, which is 100% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wake Forest, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 6.1% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wake Forest

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Compare Wake Forest, NC Livability

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      Wake Forest transportation information

      Statistic Wake Forest North Carolina National
      Average one way commute31min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.4%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home13.1%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Wake Forest, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).