Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Shady Side, Maryland is a small-sized city with a population of 4,885 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Shady Side residents are White, 11% Black and 2% Asian. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Shady Side offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 42 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Shady Side is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Maryland, 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 Shady Side and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Maryland and national averages.
The livability score in Shady Side is 65 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 61st percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Shady Side ranks well for crime (B-) and housing (A+) Regrettably for Shady Side, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
The unemployment rate in Shady Side has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.47%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
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 Shady Side 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Shady Side is real estate affordability. The median home price for Shady Side homes is $339,000, which is 16.7% higher than the Maryland average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shady Side, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 18.4% lower than the Maryland average.
| Statistic | Shady Side | Maryland | National |
| Average one way commute | 42min | 32min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.2% | 73.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.6% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 8.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.0% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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