Royal Oak 82 Exceptional
Royal Oak Livability #47 ranked city in Michigan#958 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Royal Oak

PROS
  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.

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What's it like Living in Royal Oak?

Royal Oak, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 59,256 residents. Royal Oak has a population density of 5,025 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Royal Oak residents are White, 5% Black and 4% Asian. In Royal Oak, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Royal Oak is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 25 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Royal Oak is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Michigan, 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Royal Oak and in the areas around Royal Oak is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 82 out of 100, Royal Oak is ranked #925 in the United States and #47 in Michigan. Based on this score, Royal Oak would be considered a very livable city! Royal Oak has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Royal Oak scores well for crime (A+), cost of living (B+), education (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+)

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Royal Oak shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 128 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Royal Oak, the unemployment rate stands at 2.14%, 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. Royal 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.

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 Royal Oak is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Royal Oak come in at $236,600, which is 85.1% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Royal Oak, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 12% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Royal Oak

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Royal Oak?

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Compare Royal Oak, MI Livability

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      Royal Oak transportation information

      Statistic Royal Oak Michigan National
      Average one way commute25min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.7%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.8%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.6%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home9.1%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Royal Oak, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).