Gadsden 59 Below average
Gadsden Livability #335 ranked city in Alabama#20,131 ranked city in the USARanks better than 31% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Gadsden

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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.

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.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Gadsden?

Gadsden is a medium-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 36,146 inhabitants. Gadsden is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (56%) and Black or African American (37%). Gadsden is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 46%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Gadsden is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Gadsden, Alabama could be a positive 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Gadsden, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education and more.

Using data and statistics Gadsden has received a livability score of 59 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 33rd percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the national average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Gadsden has higher than average grades for the following: housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Gadsden. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F).

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Gadsden 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.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Gadsden is real estate affordability. The median home price for Gadsden homes is $147,620, which is 37.3% lower than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Gadsden, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 19.4% lower than the Alabama average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gadsden

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Compare Gadsden, AL Livability

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      Gadsden transportation information

      Statistic Gadsden Alabama National
      Average one way commute20min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.1%85.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%1.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.0%2.9%4.6%
      Source: The Gadsden, AL 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.