West Memphis 57 Below average
West Memphis Livability #296 ranked city in Arkansas#21,008 ranked city in the USARanks better than 28% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in West Memphis

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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What's it like Living in West Memphis?

West Memphis is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Arkansas. The city has a population of 24,656 residents. Individuals of White (36%) and Black or African American (59%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. With an average age of 33 years old, West Memphis could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In West Memphis, only 44% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in West Memphis will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in West Memphis can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Arkansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in West Memphis and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arkansas and national averages.

West Memphis has a livability score of 59/100 and is ranked #222 in Arkansas and #17,863 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in West Memphis may not be a pleasant experience. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that West Memphis has higher than average rankings for the following: education (B) and housing (B-). There are some categories that West Memphis scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in West Memphis, the cost of living is 21.14% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, West Memphis stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.

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 West Memphis 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.

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 West Memphis is real estate affordability. The median home price for West Memphis homes is $86,100, which is 24.9% lower than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Memphis, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 3.7% lower than the Arkansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around West Memphis

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How Do You Rate The Livability In West Memphis?

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Compare West Memphis, AR Livability

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      West Memphis transportation information

      Statistic West Memphis Arkansas National
      Average one way commute19min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.0%82.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.6%10.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%1.7%2.8%
      Working from home3.5%3.2%4.6%
      Source: The West Memphis, AR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).