Pella 89 Exceptional
Pella Livability #5 ranked city in Iowa#88 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Pella

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Commute

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

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What's it like Living in Pella?

Pella, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 10,279 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Pella population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Pella will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 12 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Pella is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Pella and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Pella to Iowa and the national average.

Pella has a livability score of 89 out of 100 and is ranked #4 in Iowa and #57 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Pella ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Pella also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Pella ranks well for amenities (B), crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Pella, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Pella undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Pella shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 140 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Pella, the unemployment rate stands at 0.96%, 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.

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 Pella, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 84%, 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, Pella has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Pella real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Pella. The median home price for Pella homes is $210,600, which is 58.6% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Pella, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 16.7% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Pella

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Compare Pella, IA Livability

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      Pella transportation information

      Statistic Pella Iowa National
      Average one way commute12min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.9%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk11.6%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home4.9%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Pella, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).