Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Elkins is a small-sized city located in the state of West Virginia. The city has a population of 7,267 people. The majority of Elkins residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Elkins, only 42% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Elkins offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Elkins could be a positive experience compared to other cities in West Virginia if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Elkins and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Elkins to West Virginia and the national average.
Elkins has a livability score of 75/100 and is ranked #22 in West Virginia and #3,721 in the USA. Based on this score, Elkins would be considered a very livable city! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Elkins scores well for amenities (B-), crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Elkins does not have favorable grades for the following: employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're living in Elkins, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Elkins an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Elkins 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 Elkins. 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 Elkins are affordable. The median home price for Elkins homes is $215,436, which is 12.1% higher than the West Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Elkins, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 19.4% higher than the West Virginia average.
| Statistic | Elkins | West Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 82.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.9% | 9.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.0% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.4% | 3.1% | 4.6% |
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