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.
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.
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.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Red Oak is a small-sized city with a population of 3,517 residents. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Red Oak residents are White, 10% Black and 0% Asian. The Red Oak population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 57, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Red Oak is known to be family friendly as more than 76% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 26% of residents also have children under the age of 18. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Red Oak 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, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Red Oak, North Carolina could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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 Red Oak 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, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in Red Oak is 66 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 61st percentile of all cities across America. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Red Oak ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Red Oak does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Red Oak, the unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, 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.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Red Oak excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Assuming that Red Oak meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Red Oak. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Red Oak are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Red Oak come in at $367,056, which is 26.8% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Red Oak, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 17.1% lower than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Red Oak | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.8% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.2% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.3% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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