Berkley 92 Exceptional
Berkley Livability #1 ranked city in Michigan#33 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Berkley

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • 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.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

CONS
  • Nothing Found Nothing Found

    No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.

What's it like Living in Berkley?

Located in the state of Michigan, Berkley is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,712 residents. In Berkley, there are 6,009 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Berkley could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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 Berkley your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Berkley can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Berkley, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety and more.

With a livability score of 91/100, Berkley is ranked #29 in the United States and #2 in Michigan. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Berkley could be a great choice! Berkley also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Berkley ranks well for amenities (A), crime (A+), cost of living (B+) and education (A+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Berkley, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Berkley undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

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 34 crimes per 100,000 residents, Berkley has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Berkley, the unemployment rate stands at 1.7%, 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.

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 Berkley 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 Berkley 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 Berkley. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Berkley are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Berkley come in at $406,388, which is 72.3% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Berkley, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 9.4% lower than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Berkley

See all the best places to live around Berkley

How Do You Rate The Livability In Berkley?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Berkley, MI Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Berkley transportation information

      Statistic Berkley Michigan National
      Average one way commute23min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.3%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.9%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home7.5%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Berkley, MI 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.