Moving to a new city can be a daunting and exciting experience, and it’s important to do your research before you make the big decision. Here are 19 reasons why you might want to think twice before moving to Livonia, Michigan.
1. High Crime Rates
Livonia has a high crime rate compared to the national average. It’s been rated as the 8th most dangerous city in Michigan and the 11th most dangerous in the entire United States. In 2017, Livonia had a crime rate of 6.72 per 1,000 residents, which is much higher than the national average of 3.9 per 1,000.
2. Poor Air Quality
Livonia has an air quality index of 81, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. This means that those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions may be at risk of experiencing adverse health effects due to the air quality. The high levels of air pollution can be attributed to the city’s close proximity to Detroit.
3. Expensive Cost of Living
The cost of living in Livonia is significantly higher than the national average. The median home value in Livonia is $223,800, which is more than double the national median of $184,700. Other living expenses, such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are also more expensive than the national average.
4. Limited Job Opportunities
The job market in Livonia is limited, with the majority of jobs in the service and retail industries. The unemployment rate in Livonia is 5.4%, which is higher than the national average of 4.1%. Additionally, the average salary in Livonia is $46,300, which is lower than the national average of $50,620.
5. Poor School System
Livonia has a poor school system, with most schools receiving a rating of 3 or lower out of 10 from GreatSchools.org. Additionally, the student-teacher ratio is 22:1, which is higher than the national average of 15:1. The graduation rate in Livonia is also lower than the national average.
6. Lack of Things to Do
Livonia is a relatively small city, and there are limited activities and attractions available. While there are a few parks and restaurants, there are no major attractions or events that take place in the city. Additionally, the city is located away from major cities, which can make it difficult to find activities outside of Livonia.
7. Unfriendly Residents
Livonia residents have a reputation for being unfriendly and unwelcoming to newcomers. It can be difficult to make friends in the city, and it can take some time to adjust to the culture. Additionally, Livonia has a large population of elderly residents, which can make it difficult for younger people to find a community.
8. Poor Public Transportation
Public transportation in Livonia is limited and unreliable. There are a few bus routes available, but the frequency and reliability of the buses are not great. Additionally, there is no light rail or subway system, which makes it difficult to get around without a car.
9. High Property Taxes
Property taxes in Livonia are significantly higher than the national average. The average property tax rate in Livonia is 1.55%, which is higher than the national average of 1.19%. This means that homeowners in Livonia pay significantly more in taxes than those in other parts of the country.
10. Extreme Weather Conditions
Livonia has extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 90 degrees or higher. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Additionally, the city is prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
11. High Car Insurance Rates
Car insurance rates in Livonia are significantly higher than the national average. The average car insurance rate in Livonia is $2,622 per year, which is more than double the national average of $1,009 per year. This means that drivers in Livonia pay significantly more for car insurance than those in other parts of the country.
12. Poor Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Livonia is limited and not great. There are only a few hospitals and medical centers in the city, and they often have long wait times and limited services. Additionally, the quality of care is not always great, and it can be difficult to find specialists.
13. High Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Livonia is 5.4%, which is higher than the national average of 4.1%. This means that there are fewer job opportunities in the city and it can be difficult to find a job. Additionally, the average salary in Livonia is lower than the national average.
14. Poor Quality of Life
The overall quality of life in Livonia is not great. The city has a high crime rate, poor air quality, and limited job opportunities. Additionally, the cost of living is high, and there are limited activities and attractions available. These factors can make it difficult to enjoy life in Livonia.
15. Lack of Diversity
Livonia is a relatively homogenous city, with most residents being white and of European descent. Additionally, the city has a limited immigrant population, which can make it difficult to find a diverse community. This can make it difficult for those from other cultures to feel welcome in the city.
16. Limited Shopping Options
Livonia has a limited number of shopping options. There are a few malls and retail stores, but they are mostly chain stores and lack the unique shops that are found in larger cities. Additionally, there are no major grocery stores in the city, which can make it difficult to find fresh, local produce.
17. Poor Infrastructure
The infrastructure in Livonia is in need of improvement. The roads are often in disrepair, and there are frequent potholes and other road hazards. Additionally, there are few sidewalks and bike lanes, which makes it difficult to get around the city without a car.
18. Low Property Values
The median home value in Livonia is $223,800, which is lower than the national median of $184,700. Additionally, the average rent in Livonia is $1,500 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average of $1,200 per month. This means that it can be difficult to find affordable housing in the city.
19. Poor Internet Access
Internet access in Livonia is limited and unreliable. The majority of the city is served by a single provider, which means that there is limited competition and speeds can be slow. Additionally, the cost of internet service is higher than the national average, which can make it difficult to find an affordable option.
Moving to a new city is a big decision, and it’s important to do your research before you make the leap. These 19 reasons are why you may want to think twice before moving to Livonia, Michigan.