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
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
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.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
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.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Oak Ridge is a small-sized city with a population of 7,138 people. At 77%, the majority of the Oak Ridge population is White; this is followed by 9% Black and 8% Asian. Oak Ridge has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 75% of the population is classified as married and 43% have kids. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Oak Ridge, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Oak Ridge and in the areas around Oak Ridge is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Oak Ridge has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 90th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Oak Ridge is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Oak Ridge also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Oak Ridge has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and education (A+). Oak Ridge does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The Oak Ridge unemployment rate of 1.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Oak Ridge, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Oak Ridge has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Oak Ridge are simply unattainable. The median home price for Oak Ridge homes is $721,911, which is 149.4% higher than the North Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oak Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 4.9% lower than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Oak Ridge | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.9% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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