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
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
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.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Laurel is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 18,202 residents. Laurel has a population density of 3,378 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Laurel is mostly populated by White (53%) and Black or African American (31%) ethnic groups. Laurel is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 42% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Laurel. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Laurel, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Laurel and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Laurel to Virginia and the national average.
Using data and statistics Laurel has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 82nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Laurel has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (B+) and housing (A+).
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 Laurel, 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 Laurel undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
The unemployment rate in Laurel has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Laurel excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Laurel. 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 Laurel are affordable. The median home price for Laurel homes is $384,811, which is 11.5% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Laurel, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 2.2% higher than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Laurel | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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