Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Norton Shores, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 25,151 residents. At 91%, the majority of the Norton Shores population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Norton Shores. 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.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Norton Shores is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, 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. Finding the best places to live in Norton Shores 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, commute, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Norton Shores, MI receives 69/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #308 in Michigan and #7,554 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Norton Shores has been rewarded with high marks for crime (C+), cost of living (A+), education (B-), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Norton Shores. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Norton Shores, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 192 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Norton Shores market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores. Median real estate prices in Norton Shores come in at $273,243, which is 15.9% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Norton Shores, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 12.5% lower than the Michigan 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 | Norton Shores | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Michigan
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Michigan
These are the largest cities in Michigan