Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Norton Shores is a medium-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 24,557 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Norton Shores could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Norton Shores will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Norton Shores, Michigan could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Norton Shores and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Norton Shores to Michigan and the national average.
Norton Shores has a livability score of 69 out of 100 and is ranked #297 in Michigan and #7,140 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Norton Shores ranks very well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). Norton Shores does not fare well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
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 Norton Shores 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.
Assuming that Norton Shores meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Norton Shores. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Norton Shores are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Norton Shores come in at $151,000, which is 18.2% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Norton Shores, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 8% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Norton Shores | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Michigan
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Michigan
See the best places to live in Norton Shores
Safest Cities In The US