Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
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.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
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.
Health & Safety
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Mills River is a small city with a population of 7,319 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Mills River could be considered less diverse than other cities.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Mills River, North Carolina. 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Mills River, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing and more.
Mills River has a livability score of 65 out of 100 and is ranked #256 in North Carolina and #11,393 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Mills River ranks well for crime (B), cost of living (B-), education (B), employment (A-) and housing (A) On a less positive note, Mills River does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The Mills River unemployment rate of 1.07% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Mills River have an average test score of 68%, which is well above the US average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Mills River market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Mills River real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Mills River. Median real estate prices in Mills River come in at $285,600, which is 81.8% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mills River, the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 30.3% higher than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Mills River | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.4% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.5% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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