Swannanoa 66 Good
Swannanoa Livability #277 ranked city in North Carolina#12,001 ranked city in the USARanks better than 59% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Swannanoa

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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.

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.

  • Commute 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Swannanoa?

Located in the state of North Carolina, Swannanoa is a small city with a population of 4,534 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Swannanoa could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 47% of the Swannanoa population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Swannanoa. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Swannanoa, North Carolina. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Swannanoa and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.

Using data and statistics Swannanoa has received a livability score of 64/100. This score is ranked in the 56th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Swannanoa ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Swannanoa does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Swannanoa, the unemployment rate stands at 1%, 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.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Swannanoa 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.

Assuming that Swannanoa 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 Swannanoa. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Swannanoa are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Swannanoa come in at $272,168, which is 6% lower than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Swannanoa, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 2.4% lower than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Swannanoa

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Compare Swannanoa, NC Livability

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      Swannanoa transportation information

      Statistic Swannanoa North Carolina National
      Average one way commute16min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work94.4%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.8%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home2.8%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Swannanoa, NC 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.