Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
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.
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.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Rensselaer is a small-sized city located in the state of New York. The city has a population of 9,223 people. According to the most recent Census, 80% of Rensselaer residents are White, 9% Asian and 5% Black. Rensselaer is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Rensselaer, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Rensselaer could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New York if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Rensselaer and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New York and national averages.
Rensselaer has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #200 in New York and #2,905 in the USA. Clearly, Rensselaer is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Rensselaer also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Rensselaer scores well for amenities (B-), cost of living (B-) and housing (A+)
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.
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 Rensselaer is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Rensselaer come in at $155,200, which is 45.8% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rensselaer, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 40.4% lower than the New York average.
| Statistic | Rensselaer | New York | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 33min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.1% | 53.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.2% | 6.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.9% | 28.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 6.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.7% | 4.0% | 4.6% |
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