Garner 80 Exceptional
Garner Livability #56 ranked city in Iowa#1,464 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Garner

PROS
  • 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.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Garner?

Located in the state of Iowa, Garner is a small-sized city with a population of 3,060 people. At 95%, the majority of the Garner population is White; this is followed by 4% Black and 0% Asian. Garner has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 71% of the population is classified as married and 37% have kids. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Garner. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Garner is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Garner and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

With a livability score of 79/100, Garner is ranked #1,535 in the United States and #53 in Iowa. Based on this score, Garner would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Garner also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Garner ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Garner. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Garner has an unemployment rate of 0.69% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Garner, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 78%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Garner 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.

Assuming that Garner 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 Garner. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Garner are simply unattainable. The median home price for Garner homes is $124,100, which is 6.6% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Garner, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Garner

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Compare Garner, IA Livability

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      Garner transportation information

      Statistic Garner Iowa National
      Average one way commute15min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.8%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool1.0%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.4%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Garner, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).