River Falls 86 Exceptional
River Falls Livability #20 ranked city in Wisconsin#325 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in River Falls

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living 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

    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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

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

What's it like Living in River Falls?

River Falls, Wisconsin is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,442 people. According to the most recent Census, 93% of River Falls residents are White, 2% Asian and 1% Black. With an average age of 27 years old, River Falls could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. River Falls is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 38% married, this city falls well below the national average.

Are you trying to decide if living in River Falls is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around River Falls, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, health & safety, employment, housing and more.

River Falls, WI receives 87 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #18 in Wisconsin and #254 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in River Falls could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that River Falls ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. River Falls ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B+), education (A-), employment (B) and housing (A+)

If you're considering living in River Falls, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, River Falls provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of River Falls, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 128 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that River Falls has an unemployment rate of 2.1% 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 River Falls 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in River Falls is actually affordable. The median home price for River Falls homes is $406,469, which is 34.9% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in River Falls, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 16.2% higher than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around River Falls

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      River Falls transportation information

      Statistic River Falls Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute22min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.6%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.9%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk9.4%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The River Falls, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).