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.
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.
Muscle Shoals is a mid-sized city located in the state of Alabama. The city has a population of 14,379 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Muscle Shoals is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Muscle Shoals 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.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Muscle Shoals, Alabama could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Muscle Shoals and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Muscle Shoals is 66/100 and the city is ranked in the 64th percentile of all cities across America. Based on the scores for each individual category, Muscle Shoals has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). Unfortunately for Muscle Shoals, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
The Muscle Shoals unemployment rate of 1.54% 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Muscle Shoals schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Muscle Shoals an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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 Muscle Shoals 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Muscle Shoals. 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 Muscle Shoals are affordable. Median real estate prices in Muscle Shoals come in at $151,300, which is 17.7% higher than the Alabama average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Muscle Shoals, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 3.4% lower than the Alabama average.
| Statistic | Muscle Shoals | Alabama | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.0% | 85.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 2.2% | 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 | 0.0% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.1% | 2.9% | 4.6% |
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