Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
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.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Located in the state of Tennessee, Oak Ridge is a medium-sized city with a population of 29,938 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Oak Ridge is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Oak Ridge your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Oak Ridge could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Tennessee if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Oak Ridge, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, employment and more.
The livability score in Oak Ridge is 77/100 and the city is ranked in the 91st percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, Oak Ridge ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Oak Ridge has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+).
Oak Ridge has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Oak Ridge has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: American Museum of Science & Energy, Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, and Southern Appalachia Railway Museum.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Oak Ridge, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Oak Ridge is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Oak Ridge come in at $285,444, which is 8.9% higher than the Tennessee average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oak Ridge, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 8.1% lower than the Tennessee 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 | Oak Ridge | Tennessee | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.1% | 83.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 9.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 1.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.6% | 3.9% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Tennessee
Safest States In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Tennessee
Most Dangerous States In The US