Is Latham Safe, Pros and cons of living in Latham

Latham, New York, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the state capital, Albany. It presents a blend of residential tranquility and commercial activity, making it an appealing location for various demographics. The community is characterized by its well-regarded school system and a diverse job market, supported by a stable housing sector.

The area experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid, with average highs around 84°F, while winters are cold and snowy, with average lows dipping to 14°F. Spring and fall provide milder temperatures, with moderate precipitation throughout the year. Annual snowfall averages about 57 inches, and total precipitation reaches approximately 41 inches, with July being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Is it Safe to Live in Latham?

Latham presents a mixed safety profile, with overall crime rates comparable to the national average, though specific types of crime vary. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 977, which is considered about average for communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, however, is more prevalent, with a rate of 35 per thousand residents, meaning your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 29 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When examining crime in Latham, it’s important to note that the southeast part of the CDP is generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The crime rate is 21.36 per 1,000 residents annually, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 17 in the west to 1 in 99 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime specifically has a rate of 17.56 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Latham

The cost of living in Latham is approximately 10% higher than the national average, though it is about 14% less expensive than the average city in New York (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This figure is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, and healthcare costs, which tend to be higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing costs in Latham are notably higher than the national average, with a median home price of around $300,300 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median rent for an apartment is approximately $1,700 per month (as reported by Zumper). Household bills, including housing, are about 10% higher than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).

Housing Market and Rental Trends

Latham’s housing market is characterized by a median listing price of approximately $499,400, indicating a robust market for sellers (as reported by realtor.com®). The median rent across all bedroom counts and property types is around $2,100 per month, showing a slight increase year-over-year (as reported by Zillow).

The market currently shows a limited supply of homes for sale, with about 83 active listings. This tight inventory can create competition for buyers, as the area is considered a seller’s market (as reported by realtor.com®). The median price per square foot for homes is approximately $269 (as reported by realtor.com®).

Job Market and Economy

Latham’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to an average salary of approximately $70,263 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Latham is around 3%, which is favorable compared to national averages (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Major employers in the area include significant retail and service companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and Target (as reported by Indeed.com). The town of Colonie, which encompasses Latham, is home to over 5,000 business establishments that employ more than 85,000 individuals (as reported by Colonie IDA – LDC).

Climate and Weather

Latham experiences a humid continental climate, with noticeable variations between seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from a low of 61°F to a high of 83°F, while winter temperatures can drop from a high of 32°F to a low of 15°F (as reported by Plantmaps).

The area receives substantial precipitation, with an annual average of about 42.12 inches (as reported by Plantmaps). July is generally the wettest month, while January is the driest. The average annual temperature is around 49°F, with considerable variation throughout the year (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and School Ratings

Latham is served by the North Colonie Central School District, which includes highly-rated public schools. Shaker High School, Shaker Middle School, and Forts Ferry School are among the top-ranked institutions in the area (as reported by Niche).

Public schools in Latham demonstrate strong academic performance, with average math proficiency scores of 72% and reading proficiency scores of 64%, exceeding the New York state averages (as reported by Niche). The district also invests significantly in education, with an average spending of over $21,000 per student (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Demographics

Latham has a population of approximately 13,680 residents as of the 2020 census, with a projected growth to over 17,600 by 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Latham is around 41.7 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of Latham is predominantly White, making up about 74.67% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 12.01% (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income is approximately $104,899, with a poverty rate of 8.98% (as reported by World Population Review).