Lake Tapps 66 Good
Lake Tapps Livability #308 ranked city in Washington#11,205 ranked city in the USARanks better than 61% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Lake Tapps

PROS
  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • 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

    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.

  • 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
  • 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

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

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

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What's it like Living in Lake Tapps?

Lake Tapps, Washington is a mid-sized city with a population of 12,129 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (88% White). Given that fact, Lake Tapps could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Lake Tapps entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 38 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lake Tapps, Washington could be a fulfilling 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. Finding the best places to live in Lake Tapps and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, housing and other important metrics.

Lake Tapps has a livability score of 66/100 and is ranked #308 in Washington and #10,163 in the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Lake Tapps scores well for crime (A-), education (A) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Lake Tapps scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Lake Tapps, the unemployment rate stands at 2.02%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Lake Tapps 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 78%, 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 Lake Tapps an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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 Lake Tapps 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.

Lake Tapps real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lake Tapps. The median home price for Lake Tapps homes is $475,200, which is 76.5% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Lake Tapps, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 4.7% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lake Tapps

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Lake Tapps?

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Compare Lake Tapps, WA Livability

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      Lake Tapps transportation information

      Statistic Lake Tapps Washington National
      Average one way commute38min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.4%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.7%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.5%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Lake Tapps, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).