Utica 80 Exceptional
Utica Livability #104 ranked city in New York#1,589 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Utica

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • 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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • 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 Utica?

Located in the state of New York, Utica is a mid-sized city with a population of 61,299 residents. With a population density of 3,658 people per square mile, Utica is well above the nation's average density level. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 45% of the Utica population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Utica offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Utica could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New York if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Utica and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Utica to New York and the national average.

With a livability score of 78 out of 100, Utica is ranked #2,136 in the United States and #134 in New York. This is a terrific score, as Utica ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Utica also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Utica ranks well for amenities (A), cost of living (B) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Utica does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F), education (D-) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Utica has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Utica has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Utica Zoo, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, and Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

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 Utica 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.

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 Utica is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Utica come in at $181,096, which is 64% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Utica, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 48.2% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Utica

See all the best places to live around Utica

How Do You Rate The Livability In Utica?

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Compare Utica, NY Livability

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      Utica transportation information

      Statistic Utica New York National
      Average one way commute17min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.2%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.3%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.7%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.9%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home5.0%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Utica, 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.