North Kensington 88 Exceptional
North Kensington Livability #4 ranked city in Maryland#170 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in North Kensington

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in North Kensington?

North Kensington, Maryland is a smaller city with a population of 9,130 residents. With a population density of 6,009 people per square mile, North Kensington is well above the nation's average density level. Something to be aware of when living in North Kensington are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 34 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in North Kensington, Maryland could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time 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 North Kensington and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.

North Kensington, MD receives 87 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #8 in Maryland and #245 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, North Kensington ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! North Kensington also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that North Kensington has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (B+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in North Kensington. The following was graded with a disappointing score: cost of living (F).

Living in North Kensington offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, North Kensington provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that North Kensington has an unemployment rate of 1.7% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

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 North Kensington 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 North Kensington 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 North Kensington. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in North Kensington are simply unattainable. The median home price for North Kensington homes is $818,826, which is 58.2% higher than the Maryland average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in North Kensington, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 10.9% higher than the Maryland average.

Best Places to Live in and Around North Kensington

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      North Kensington transportation information

      Statistic North Kensington Maryland National
      Average one way commute34min32min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.4%73.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.8%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit13.4%8.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.4%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home9.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The North Kensington, MD 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.