Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Iowa, Altoona is a mid-sized city with a population of 18,917 people. According to the most recent Census, 91% of Altoona residents are White, 4% Black and 1% Asian.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Altoona, Iowa. 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Altoona and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Altoona to Iowa and the national average.
The livability score in Altoona is 78 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Altoona could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Altoona also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Altoona ranks well for crime (B-), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Altoona scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 183 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Altoona boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Altoona, the average school test scores reached an impressive 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Altoona an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Altoona has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 Altoona is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Altoona come in at $199,600, which is 50.3% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Altoona, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 4.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Altoona | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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