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.
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.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Garden City, South Carolina is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,193 residents. According to the most recent Census, 95% of Garden City residents are White, 2% Black and 2% American Indian and Alaskan. With an average age of 61 years, Garden City residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Garden City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Garden City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in South Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Garden City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Carolina and national averages.
Using data and statistics Garden City has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Garden City would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Garden City ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Garden City has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A). There are some categories that Garden City scores poorly for, including: crime (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look 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 Garden City, the unemployment rate stands at 1.03%, 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.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Garden City, the average school test scores are an impressive 73%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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, Garden City 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 Garden City is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Garden City come in at $146,300, which is 1.9% higher than the South Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Garden City, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 3.2% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | Garden City | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.9% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.4% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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