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.
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.
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.
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.
Mena is a small city located in the state of Arkansas. The city has a population of 5,638 residents. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Mena residents are White, 1% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Mena. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Mena is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Arkansas, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Mena, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like education, employment, housing and more.
Mena, AR receives 64 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #145 in Arkansas and #13,099 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Mena ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Mena does not rank well for, including: amenities (F), crime (D-), education (D) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Mena, the cost of living is 22.19% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Mena stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.
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 Mena 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Mena. 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 Mena are affordable. The median home price for Mena homes is $153,622, which is 26.5% lower than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mena, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 21.2% lower than the Arkansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Mena | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.1% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 19.3% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.0% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
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