Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Located in the state of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie is a moderately-sized city with a population of 13,819 residents. At 73%, the majority of the Sault Ste. Marie population is White; this is followed by 12% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Black. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Sault Ste. Marie, only 42% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Sault Ste. Marie will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Sault Ste. Marie is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Sault Ste. Marie, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, education and more.
The livability score in Sault Ste. Marie is 68 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 71st percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Sault Ste. Marie ranks very well for crime (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Sault Ste. Marie. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), education (D) and employment (F).
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Sault Ste. Marie market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Sault Ste. Marie are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Sault Ste. Marie come in at $179,422, which is 23.9% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sault Ste. Marie, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 15.6% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Sault Ste. Marie | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.6% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.9% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.0% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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