Anniston 58 Below average
Anniston Livability #348 ranked city in Alabama#20,680 ranked city in the USARanks better than 29% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Anniston

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute 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 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.

  • Employment Employment

    A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.

  • Schools Schools

    Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.

What's it like Living in Anniston?

Anniston, Alabama is a medium-sized city with a population of 22,178 inhabitants. Individuals of White (44%) and Black or African American (52%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Anniston population is married. 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 Anniston your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Anniston, Alabama could be a positive 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 Anniston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alabama and national averages.

With a livability score of 58/100, Anniston is ranked #20,425 in the United States and #345 in Alabama. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Anniston scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) On a more negative note, Anniston does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Anniston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Anniston is actually affordable. The median home price for Anniston homes is $215,520, which is 8.5% lower than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Anniston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 2.8% lower than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Anniston

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Compare Anniston, AL Livability

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      Anniston transportation information

      Statistic Anniston Alabama National
      Average one way commute25min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.9%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool17.2%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home4.9%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Anniston, AL 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.