Port Jefferson 74 Excellent
Port Jefferson Livability #281 ranked city in New York#4,446 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Port Jefferson

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this 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.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Port Jefferson?

Located in the state of New York, Port Jefferson is a small city with a population of 8,248 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Port Jefferson could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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 Port Jefferson your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Port Jefferson can be a great experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of New York, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Port Jefferson, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, education, employment and more.

Port Jefferson, NY receives 74/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #250 in New York and #4,085 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Port Jefferson ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that did not score well in Port Jefferson. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Port Jefferson, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Port Jefferson schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Port Jefferson an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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 Port Jefferson 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.

Port Jefferson 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 Port Jefferson. Median real estate prices in Port Jefferson come in at $975,605, which is 93.8% higher than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Port Jefferson, the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 0% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Port Jefferson

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      Port Jefferson transportation information

      Statistic Port Jefferson New York National
      Average one way commute29min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.6%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.4%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home5.5%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Port Jefferson, NY 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.