Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Fort Payne is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 14,063 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 83% of Fort Payne residents are White, 3% Black and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Fort Payne is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Fort Payne could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Alabama 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Fort Payne, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment and more.
Using data and statistics Fort Payne has received a livability score of 62 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 48th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Fort Payne has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). There are some categories that Fort Payne ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (D-), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out 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 148 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Fort Payne boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
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 Fort Payne 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fort Payne. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fort Payne are affordable. The median home price for Fort Payne homes is $130,400, which is 1.5% higher than the Alabama average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Payne, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 6.9% higher than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Fort Payne | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.1% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 16.4% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.4% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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