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.
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
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.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Forest City is a smaller city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 4,267 inhabitants. At 91%, the majority of the Forest City population is White; this is followed by 3% Asian and 2% Black. Forest City tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Forest City population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Forest City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Forest City, Iowa could be a fulfilling 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. Finding the best places to live in Forest City and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, education, housing and other important metrics.
Forest City has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #143 in Iowa and #2,663 in the USA. Clearly, Forest City is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Forest City scores well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A) Regrettably for Forest City, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Forest City schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Forest City an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Forest City has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Forest City. 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 Forest City are affordable. The median home price for Forest City homes is $162,284, which is 32.4% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Forest City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Forest City | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.6% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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