Ocean Shores 61 Average
Ocean Shores Livability #427 ranked city in Washington#17,158 ranked city in the USARanks better than 41% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Ocean Shores

PROS
  • 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.

  • Ratings 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

What's it like Living in Ocean Shores?

Located in the state of Washington, Ocean Shores is a smaller city with a population of 6,432 people. The majority of Ocean Shores residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. In Ocean Shores, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 62, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. An important consideration when living in Ocean Shores is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 40 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Ocean Shores, Washington could be a positive 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 Ocean Shores and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute and other important metrics.

Ocean Shores, WA receives 61/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #423 in Washington and #17,605 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Ocean Shores has received high marks for housing (A-). There are some categories that Ocean Shores ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

The unemployment rate in Ocean Shores has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.1%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Ocean Shores can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ocean Shores. 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 Ocean Shores are affordable. The median home price for Ocean Shores homes is $450,097, which is 8.5% lower than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ocean Shores, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 16.7% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ocean Shores

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Ocean Shores?

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Compare Ocean Shores, WA Livability

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      Ocean Shores transportation information

      Statistic Ocean Shores Washington National
      Average one way commute40min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.1%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.0%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.8%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home16.6%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Ocean Shores, WA 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.