Jena 67 Good
Jena Livability #113 ranked city in Louisiana#10,944 ranked city in the USARanks better than 62% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Jena

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

What's it like Living in Jena?

Jena, Louisiana is a small city with a population of 3,474 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (77% White). Given that fact, Jena could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Jena residents is 33. Jena is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 48% married, this city falls well below the national average. An important consideration when living in Jena is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 38 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Jena is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Louisiana, 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. Finding the best places to live in Jena and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.

Jena has a livability score of 66 out of 100 and is ranked #109 in Louisiana and #11,080 in the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Jena has higher than average rankings for the following: education (B+). On a more negative note, Jena does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Jena 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 80%, 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 Jena an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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 Jena 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Jena. 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 Jena are affordable. Median real estate prices in Jena come in at $260,677, which is 2.8% lower than the Louisiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Jena, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 25% lower than the Louisiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Jena

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      Jena transportation information

      Statistic Jena Louisiana National
      Average one way commute38min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.4%82.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool18.3%9.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.3%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home0.8%2.6%4.6%
      Source: The Jena, LA 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.