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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Houghton Lake, Michigan is a small city with a population of 5,798 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (98% White). Given that fact, Houghton Lake could be considered less diverse than other cities. The Houghton Lake population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 56, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Houghton Lake, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Houghton Lake could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Michigan 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Houghton Lake and in the areas around Houghton Lake is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 64/100, Houghton Lake is ranked #12,660 in the United States and #467 in Michigan. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Houghton Lake ranks well for crime (B) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Houghton Lake does not rank well for, including: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Houghton Lake market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Houghton Lake is actually affordable. The median home price for Houghton Lake homes is $203,777, which is 13.6% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Houghton Lake, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 12.5% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Houghton Lake | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 65.1% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 23.2% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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