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.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
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.
Opelika is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 31,335 people. Individuals of White (53%) and Black or African American (41%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Opelika will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Opelika, Alabama 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. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Opelika and in the areas around Opelika is a much easier task.
Opelika, AL receives 60 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #265 in Alabama and #17,997 in the USA. This is a lower than the United States average livability score as Opelika does not rank well for most categories. For each of the livability categories, we know that Opelika ranks very well for cost of living (A-) and housing (A). There are some categories that Opelika scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The unemployment rate in Opelika has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.5%. 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.
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 Opelika 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Opelika. 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 Opelika are affordable. The median home price for Opelika homes is $281,479, which is 19.5% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Opelika, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 2.8% higher than the Alabama 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 | Opelika | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.3% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.7% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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