Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Aiken, South Carolina is a moderately-sized city with a population of 32,110 people. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Aiken your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Aiken is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in South 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 Aiken and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 68/100, Aiken is ranked #8,624 in the United States and #75 in South Carolina. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Aiken ranks well for amenities (B), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Aiken. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F).
If you're considering living in Aiken, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Aiken provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, and Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum.
The unemployment rate in Aiken has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.4%. 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.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Aiken 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 Aiken. 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 Aiken are affordable. The median home price for Aiken homes is $354,645, which is 36.3% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Aiken, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 10.5% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | Aiken | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.4% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.5% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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