Ferndale 81 Exceptional
Ferndale Livability #79 ranked city in Washington#1,471 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Ferndale

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing 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 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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Ferndale?

Ferndale is a medium-sized city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 15,070 residents. At 82%, the majority of the Ferndale population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 2% American Indian and Alaskan. Ferndale tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 33 is far below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ferndale will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Ferndale could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. 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. The best areas in Ferndale and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Ferndale, WA receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #85 in Washington and #1,571 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ferndale could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Ferndale ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Ferndale has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B-), education (B-) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Ferndale does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 104 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Ferndale boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Ferndale apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ferndale. 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 Ferndale are affordable. Median real estate prices in Ferndale come in at $596,109, which is 21.2% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ferndale, the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 16.7% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ferndale

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Compare Ferndale, WA Livability

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      Ferndale transportation information

      Statistic Ferndale Washington National
      Average one way commute21min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.9%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.1%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home3.0%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Ferndale, WA 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.