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.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
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.
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.
Rensselaer is a smaller city located in the state of Indiana. The city has a population of 6,274 residents. The majority of Rensselaer residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Rensselaer will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 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 Rensselaer is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Indiana, 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 commute, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Rensselaer and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Rensselaer to Indiana and the national average.
With a livability score of 70 out of 100, Rensselaer is ranked #6,661 in the United States and #122 in Indiana. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Rensselaer scores well for crime (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A) Rensselaer does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and education (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Rensselaer has an unemployment rate of 2.5% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Rensselaer 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rensselaer. 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 Rensselaer are affordable. The median home price for Rensselaer homes is $201,581, which is 11.2% lower than the Indiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rensselaer, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower than the Indiana 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 | Rensselaer | Indiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.7% | 83.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 18.9% | 8.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
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