c.1905 Four Bedroom New York Victorian Under $100K

30 Westlake Ave, Auburn, NY 13021     $99,900

• Contact Realtor: Brooke Hopler
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Pros

1. Relatively affordable housing and cost of living

   • Auburn’s cost of living index is around 90 (with 100 = U.S. average).

   • Housing is especially inexpensive: median home value around $114,000 in one estimate.

   • Rent is modest: for example, average rent for a one-bedroom is ~$769 per month. 
     This makes Auburn attractive for someone seeking affordability in New York state.

2. Good regional location with access to amenities

   • Auburn is located in the Finger Lakes region and sits ~25 miles west of Syracuse, NY.

   • It has historical and cultural assets: e.g., the William H. Seward House Museum, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, downtown revitalization efforts. 
     So if you like smaller-city scale living but still want access to regional centers, Auburn offers a nice balance.

3. Shorter commutes / manageable transportation for many

   • The average commute time is about 19-20 minutes.

   • For many residents, being in a modest size city means you spend less time driving than in sprawling metro areas.
     This is a plus if you value more personal time and less traffic.

4. Strong sense of history and character

   • Auburn has historic architecture, a downtown that is undergoing revitalization.

   • Its location in the Finger Lakes region adds natural beauty and potential for outdoor recreation.
     If you like places with character and sense of place, Auburn has that.

 Cons

1. Economic / income challenges

   • Median household income is modest: ~$49,377 (2023 estimate).

   • Poverty rate is higher than average: around 18‐20%.

   • Unemployment has been elevated in some reports.
     So if you’re seeking high income growth or booming economic conditions, Auburn may lag some larger metro areas.

2. Crime / safety concerns

   • The overall crime rate is slightly above national average: ~2,378 crimes per 100K people in one estimate.

   • Violent crime data show rates above the U.S. average in recent years. 
     While this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe everywhere, you’ll likely want to research specific neighborhoods carefully.

3. Stagnant or slowly declining population

   • The population of Auburn is declining slowly (e.g., a ~5% drop from 2010 to 2023).

   • A declining population can affect growth of businesses, amenities, and services in the future.
     If you’re looking for a fast-growing community, this might be a drawback.

4. Smaller scale / fewer amenities compared to big metros

   • As a smaller city, Auburn doesn’t have all the amenities of very large cities (in terms of large corporate job base, high-end shopping, extremely diverse cultural offerings).

   • Education attainment is relatively modest: e.g., only ~20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree in one source.
     If you prefer a vibrant, high-energy environment with lots of big-city options, you may find Auburn less dynamic.

5. Weather / climate trade-offs

   • Auburn gets significant snowfall: one source says ~101 inches per year.

   • Winters can be long and cold, which may be a con for some people.
     So if you prefer milder winters, this is something to consider.