Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Located in the state of Arkansas, Mena is a smaller city with a population of 5,524 residents. At 94%, the majority of the Mena population is White; this is followed by 1% Asian and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Mena is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Mena, Arkansas. 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. Finding the best places to live in Mena and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Mena is 63/100 and the city is ranked in the 56th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Mena ranks very well for crime (B-), cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). The bad news for Mena, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F).
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 Mena 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 Mena. 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 Mena are affordable. Median real estate prices in Mena come in at $87,200, which is 24% lower than the Arkansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mena, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 14.8% lower than the Arkansas average.
| Statistic | Mena | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.1% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 19.3% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.6% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.0% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
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