Atlantic 74 Excellent
Atlantic Livability #243 ranked city in Iowa#4,561 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Atlantic

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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

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.

What's it like Living in Atlantic?

Atlantic is a smaller city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 6,807 residents. The majority of Atlantic residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Atlantic. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Atlantic is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, 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. With useful information like commute, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Atlantic and in the areas around Atlantic is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 73 out of 100, Atlantic is ranked #4,586 in the United States and #233 in Iowa. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Atlantic ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Atlantic does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Atlantic, the unemployment rate stands at 0.5%, 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.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Atlantic, the average school test scores are an impressive 69%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

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 Atlantic 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.

Assuming that Atlantic 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 Atlantic. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Atlantic are simply unattainable. The median home price for Atlantic homes is $222,233, which is 7.4% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Atlantic, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Atlantic

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Compare Atlantic, IA Livability

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      Atlantic transportation information

      Statistic Atlantic Iowa National
      Average one way commute15min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.2%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.8%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.8%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.1%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Atlantic, IA 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.