Johnson City 75 Excellent
Johnson City Livability #12 ranked city in Tennessee#3,824 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Johnson City

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

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

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

What's it like Living in Johnson City?

Johnson City is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Tennessee. The city has a population of 69,135 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Johnson City is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Johnson City is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 49%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Johnson City will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Johnson City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Tennessee, 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 Johnson City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Tennessee and national averages.

Johnson City has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #15 in Tennessee and #3,695 in the USA. Clearly, Johnson City is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Johnson City ranks very well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Johnson City does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (D-) and employment (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Johnson City, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Johnson City undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Hands On! Regional Museum, Fun Expedition, and Freedom Hall Civic Center.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Johnson City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Johnson City 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 Johnson City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Johnson City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Johnson City come in at $305,405, which is 16.5% higher than the Tennessee average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Johnson City, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 35.1% higher than the Tennessee average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Johnson City

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      Johnson City transportation information

      Statistic Johnson City Tennessee National
      Average one way commute18min25min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.2%83.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.4%9.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.2%1.4%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%3.9%4.6%
      Source: The Johnson City, TN 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.