Norwalk 76 Exceptional
Norwalk Livability #159 ranked city in Iowa#2,874 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Norwalk

PROS
  • 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.

  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Norwalk?

Norwalk is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 11,467 inhabitants. The majority of Norwalk residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Norwalk is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 23 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Norwalk is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, 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 Norwalk and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.

The livability score in Norwalk is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Norwalk would be considered a very livable city! Based on the grades for each individual category, Norwalk has received high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Norwalk does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 56 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Norwalk boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

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 Norwalk have an average test score of 81%, which is well above the US average.

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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk are affordable. The median home price for Norwalk homes is $205,000, which is 54.4% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Norwalk, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 4.2% higher than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Norwalk

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Norwalk?

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Compare Norwalk, IA Livability

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      Norwalk transportation information

      Statistic Norwalk Iowa National
      Average one way commute23min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.3%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.3%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home7.7%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Norwalk, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).