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, Alabama is a mid-sized city with a population of 30,589 inhabitants. Individuals of White (53%) and Black or African American (41%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Opelika offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Opelika is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Alabama, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Opelika, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing and more.
With a livability score of 59 out of 100, Opelika is ranked #17,707 in the United States and #208 in Alabama. This is a lower than the US 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 (B). Regrettably for Opelika, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and crime (F).
The unemployment rate in Opelika has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.36%. 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 Opelika 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.
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 Opelika is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Opelika come in at $153,400, which is 19.4% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Opelika, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 3.4% higher than the Alabama average.
| 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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