St. James 74 Excellent
St. James Livability #298 ranked city in New York#4,527 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in St. James

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities 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.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in St. James?

St. James, New York is a mid-sized city with a population of 13,838 people. In St. James, there are 3,034 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, St. James could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in St. James entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 37 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in St. James, New York could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in St. James and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare St. James to New York and the national average.

With a livability score of 73 out of 100, St. James is ranked #5,005 in the United States and #302 in New York. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that St. James has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B+), education (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, St. James does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In St. James, the average school test scores are an impressive 76%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their St. James apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that St. James 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 St. James. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in St. James are simply unattainable. The median home price for St. James homes is $863,066, which is 71.4% higher than the New York average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in St. James, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 16.1% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around St. James

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How Do You Rate The Livability In St. James?

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Compare St. James, NY Livability

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      St. James transportation information

      Statistic St. James New York National
      Average one way commute37min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.1%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.9%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.6%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home5.4%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The St. James, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.