NarrowTheList Glossary
Definitions for the data, scores and comparison criteria used throughout NarrowTheList.
Understanding NarrowTheList
Match Percentage
A personalized comparison showing how closely a location aligns with the criteria selected by the user. A higher percentage indicates stronger overall alignment. It is not a guarantee that someone will like a location or a recommendation to move there.
Potential Trade-Off
A selected priority where a location is relatively weaker. A trade-off does not necessarily mean that a feature or opportunity is unavailable; it may be less common, less convenient or harder to find.
NarrowTheList Score
A comparative 1-to-10 rating used to show relative strength, availability, access, convenience or suitability for a particular factor. A low score does not necessarily mean that the feature is unavailable.
Current Data
The most recent reliable reported information available for a particular category. Reporting periods differ between sources.
12-Month Outlook
A near-term assessment covering approximately the following year where credible information is available. It is an estimate, not a guarantee.
5-Year Outlook
A longer-term indicator or projection used to provide context about possible population, employment, housing or economic direction over approximately five years.
10-Year Outlook
A longer-term indicator or projection used to provide context about possible population, employment, housing or economic direction over approximately ten years.
Nearby Access
Significant destinations outside the immediate city or metro core that materially expand the recreation, scenery, lifestyle or other opportunities available to residents.
Drive Time
An approximate travel time from the primary city to a nearby destination. Actual travel time can vary because of traffic, starting location, weather, road conditions and season.
Housing & Affordability
Annual Property Insurance
Median annual property insurance cost for owner-occupied homes with a mortgage. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS.
Effective Property Tax Rate
Estimated effective property tax rate derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS housing value and real estate tax data.
Homeownership Rate
Percentage of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, DP04.
Housing Cost
NarrowTheList calculated housing affordability score based on housing costs relative to local household income. Higher score = more affordable.
Median Home Value
Median value of owner-occupied housing units in the metro area. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS.
Median Monthly Gross Rent
Median monthly gross rent for renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, Table B25064.
Typical Lot Size
Typical residential lot size in acres within the metro area or surrounding residential market.
Climate & Environment
Annual Rainfall
Average annual precipitation based on NOAA U.S. Climate Normals.
Annual Snowfall
Average annual snowfall based on NOAA U.S. Climate Normals.
Average Summer High
Average daily high temperature during June, July and August based on NOAA U.S. Climate Normals.
Average Winter Low
Average daily low temperature during December, January and February based on NOAA U.S. Climate Normals.
Climate Type
Primary climate classification for the metro area based on the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.
Earthquake Risk
Earthquake risk category derived from FEMA National Risk Index data for counties within the metro area.
Flood Risk
Overall flood risk category derived from FEMA National Risk Index riverine and coastal flooding data for counties within the metro area.
Four Season Climate
NarrowTheList seasonal climate category derived from long-term NOAA temperature patterns, including seasonal temperature variation between summer and winter.
Humidity Level
NarrowTheList humidity category derived from long-term climate data. Higher categories indicate generally more humid conditions.
Hurricane Risk
Hurricane risk category derived from FEMA National Risk Index data for counties within the metro area.
Tornado Risk
Tornado risk category derived from FEMA National Risk Index data for counties within the metro area.
Wildfire Risk
Wildfire risk category derived from FEMA National Risk Index data for counties within the metro area.
Things to Do & Lifestyle
Arts & Culture
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to arts and cultural amenities within the metro area, including museums, galleries, performing arts and cultural institutions. Higher score = greater arts and cultural access.
Day Trip Variety
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the variety of worthwhile destinations and activities accessible as day trips from the metro area. Higher score = greater day trip variety.
Dining
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the variety and availability of dining options within the metro area. Higher score = greater dining variety and availability.
Family Entertainment
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of family-oriented entertainment and attractions within the metro area. Higher score = greater family entertainment availability.
Gaming & Casino Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to legal gaming entertainment, ranging from smaller gaming establishments to major casinos where available. Higher score = greater gaming and casino access.
Live Music
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of live music venues and performances within the metro area. Higher score = greater live music availability.
Local Pubs & Sports Bars
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of neighborhood taverns, pubs and sports bars within the metro area. Higher score = greater availability and variety.
Nightlife & Entertainment
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the variety and availability of nightlife and entertainment within the metro area. Higher score = greater nightlife and entertainment availability.
Sports & Major Events
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to professional and major college sports, large sporting events and other major spectator events within the metro area. Higher score = greater access to sports and major events.
Things to Do
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the overall variety and availability of activities, attractions and entertainment within the metro area. Higher score = more things to do.
Outdoor Recreation
Biking & Trail System
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and accessibility of biking routes and trail systems within the metro area. Higher score = greater biking and trail access.
Field & Court Sports
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to recreational field and court sports facilities within the metro area, including tennis, pickleball, basketball, soccer and similar activities. Higher score = greater access.
Fishing
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of fishing opportunities accessible from the metro area. Higher score = greater fishing access and variety.
Gardening
NarrowTheList calculated score representing overall suitability for home gardening based on measurable climate and growing conditions within the metro area. Higher score = more favorable gardening conditions.
Hiking
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of hiking opportunities accessible from the metro area. Higher score = greater hiking access and variety.
Hunting
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to hunting opportunities within reasonable travel distance of the metro area. Higher score = greater hunting access and opportunity.
Mountain Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to mountainous terrain and mountain-based recreation from the metro area. Higher score = greater mountain access.
Number of Parks
Total number of public parks within the metro area based on a consistent nationwide park dataset.
Outdoor Recreation
NarrowTheList calculated score representing overall access to outdoor recreation within the metro area, including parks, trails, water recreation and other outdoor activities. Higher score = greater outdoor recreation access.
Park System
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and accessibility of parks within the metro area. Higher score = stronger park access.
Scenery & Views
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the presence and accessibility of notable natural scenery and scenic views within and around the metro area. Higher score = greater scenic quality and access.
Small Farm & Homesteading
NarrowTheList calculated score representing suitability for small-scale farming and homesteading based on measurable land, climate and growing conditions within and around the metro area. Higher score = greater suitability.
Trail System Miles
Total miles of designated recreational trails within the metro area or its defined trail system.
Water Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to significant recreational water resources within and near the metro area, including lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Higher score = greater water access.
Water Sports
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of water-based recreation accessible from the metro area, including boating, paddling, swimming and similar activities. Higher score = greater water sports access and variety.
Family & Education
College & Higher Education
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to colleges, universities and other higher education institutions within the metro area. Higher score = greater higher education access.
Daycare Affordability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the affordability of childcare and daycare within the metro area. Higher score = more affordable childcare.
Daycare Availability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability of licensed childcare and daycare providers within the metro area. Higher score = greater childcare availability.
Family Friendly
NarrowTheList calculated score representing overall family-friendliness based on measurable education, childcare, recreation, safety and other family-related factors. Higher score = more family friendly.
Private Schools
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and quality of private school options within the metro area. Higher score = stronger private school options.
Public Schools
NarrowTheList calculated score representing public school performance and educational outcomes within the metro area. Higher score = stronger public school performance.
Youth Recreation
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of recreational activities, programs and facilities for children and teenagers within the metro area. Higher score = greater youth recreation availability.
Transportation & Access
Airport Connectivity
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the breadth and convenience of nonstop commercial air service available to metro-area residents. Higher score = better airport connectivity.
Car Friendly
1–10 score measuring how convenient everyday life is for residents who primarily drive. Consider parking, traffic congestion, road access, commute conditions and ease of reaching shopping, employment and services by car. Higher = more car friendly.
Car-Free Living
1–10 score measuring how practical it is to live without regularly owning or using a car. Consider walkability, public transit, access to employment, groceries, healthcare, dining and everyday services. Higher = easier to live car-free.
Major Airport Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing convenient access to a major commercial airport from the metro area. Higher score = better major airport access.
Parking Convenience
1–10 score measuring how easy it is to find and use parking throughout the metro area. Consider parking availability, garages, street parking, permit restrictions, downtown difficulty and event-related congestion. Higher = easier parking.
Parking Cost
1–10 score measuring the affordability of parking throughout the metro area, with emphasis on downtown and major activity centers. Consider garage rates, meters, permits and availability of free parking. Higher = less expensive parking.
Public Transit
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and accessibility of public transportation within the metro area. Higher score = greater public transit access.
Traffic & Congestion
NarrowTheList calculated score representing ease of driving based on traffic and congestion conditions within the metro area. Higher score = less traffic and congestion.
Walkability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing how easily residents can reach common destinations and amenities on foot within the metro area. Higher score = greater walkability.
Employment & Growth
Career Opportunity Variety
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the variety of career opportunities across different occupations and industries within the metro area. Higher score = greater career opportunity variety.
Economic Diversity
NarrowTheList calculated score representing how broadly employment is distributed across different industries within the metro area. Higher score = a more diversified employment base with less dependence on a small number of industries.
Economic Growth
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the strength of recent metro-area economic growth based on measurable economic and employment data. Higher score = stronger economic growth.
Employment Opportunities
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and strength of employment opportunities within the metro area. Higher score = greater employment opportunities.
Future Outlook
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the metro area's forward-looking economic outlook based on measurable employment, population and economic trends. Higher score = stronger future outlook.
Job Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in total nonfarm employment within the metro area. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Statistics (CES).
Population Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in metro-area population based on U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. Negative values indicate population decline.
Strong Employment Industries
Select industries with a significant employment presence or concentration within the metro area based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
Unemployment Rate
Current metro-area unemployment rate. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).
Healthcare & Senior Living
Healthcare Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to healthcare providers, hospitals and medical services within the metro area. Higher score = greater healthcare access.
Healthcare Quality
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the overall quality of healthcare available within the metro area based on measurable healthcare quality indicators. Higher score = higher healthcare quality.
Major Medical Center Access
Approximate distance in miles from the metro area's primary population center to a major medical center or hospital system.
Senior Living
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of senior living options within the metro area. Higher score = greater senior living availability and choice.
Senior Services
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and accessibility of services and resources for older adults within the metro area. Higher score = greater senior services availability.
Safety & Crime
Crime Trend
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the recent trend in violent and property crime rates within the metro area. Higher score = more favorable crime trends, including declining crime rates.
Overall Safety
NarrowTheList calculated score representing overall public safety based on violent crime, property crime and recent crime trends. Higher score = greater overall safety.
Property Crime
NarrowTheList calculated score based on property crimes per 100,000 residents. Higher score = lower property crime and greater safety.
Violent Crime
NarrowTheList calculated score based on violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Higher score = lower violent crime and greater safety.
Community & Social Fit
Community Diversity
NarrowTheList calculated diversity score derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS demographic data. Higher score indicates greater population diversity.
Community Engagement
NarrowTheList calculated score representing community involvement and civic participation. Higher score indicates greater community engagement.
Places of Worship
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability and variety of places of worship within the metro area. Higher score indicates greater availability and variety.
Political Lean
Political leaning category derived from recent official election results for counties within the metro area.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Clean Energy Availability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to clean and renewable energy within the metro area. Higher score = greater clean energy availability.
Cost of Living
NarrowTheList calculated cost of living score derived primarily from U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for metropolitan areas. Higher score = lower cost of living.
Grocery Cost
NarrowTheList calculated score comparing typical grocery costs across metro areas. Higher score = lower grocery costs.
Sales Tax Rate
Combined state and local general sales tax rate for the metro area's primary city.
Solar Energy Potential
NarrowTheList calculated score comparing solar energy potential across metro areas based on long-term solar resource data. Higher score = greater solar potential.
State Income Tax Rate
Top marginal state individual income tax rate on ordinary wage and salary income. States with no individual income tax = 0%.
Transportation Cost
NarrowTheList calculated score comparing typical transportation costs across metro areas. Higher score = lower transportation costs.
Utility Cost
NarrowTheList calculated score comparing typical residential utility costs across metro areas. Higher score = lower utility costs.
Pets & Animal Friendly
Dog Parks & Trails
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to dog parks, dog-friendly trails and other outdoor recreation suitable for dogs. Higher score = greater access.
Equestrian Community
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the presence and accessibility of equestrian activities, facilities and communities within the metro area. Higher score = stronger equestrian community.
Equestrian Trails & Facilities
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to equestrian trails, riding facilities and related horse recreation within the metro area. Higher score = greater access.
Horse Property Availability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability of residential properties suitable for keeping horses within the metro area. Higher score = greater horse-property availability.
Pet Friendly
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the overall pet-friendliness of a metro area based on measurable pet-related amenities, services, recreation and housing. Higher score = more pet friendly.
Pet Housing Availability
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the availability of pet-friendly rental housing within the metro area. Higher score = greater pet-friendly housing availability.
Veterinary Care Access
NarrowTheList calculated score representing access to veterinary care within the metro area. Higher score = greater veterinary care access.
Real Estate & Investment
Foreclosure Opportunity
NarrowTheList calculated score representing the relative opportunity to find distressed and foreclosure properties within the metro area. Higher score = greater foreclosure opportunity.
Home Price Growth
NarrowTheList calculated score representing recent residential home price appreciation based on historical metro-level home price data. Higher score = stronger recent price growth.
Real Estate Opportunity
NarrowTheList calculated score representing overall residential real estate opportunity based on measurable housing affordability, market conditions, economic strength and growth. Higher score = greater opportunity.
Rental Demand
NarrowTheList calculated score representing residential rental demand based on measurable rental-market, housing and demographic conditions. Higher score = stronger rental demand.
Rental Investment
NarrowTheList calculated score representing residential rental investment conditions based on measurable housing costs, rents, rental demand and local economic conditions. Higher score = more favorable rental investment conditions.
Modern Conveniences
Delivery Service Availability
1–10 score measuring access to restaurant, grocery and general merchandise delivery services. Consider availability and coverage of major delivery platforms throughout the metro area. Higher = better delivery availability.
Everyday Services Convenience
1–10 score measuring convenient access to everyday services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banking, shipping, household services and other routine needs. Higher = greater everyday convenience.
Modern Convenience
1–10 overall score measuring access to modern on-demand conveniences including delivery services, rideshare, same-day shopping and readily accessible everyday services. Higher = greater convenience.
Same-Day & Rapid Delivery
1–10 score measuring access to same-day and rapid delivery from major retailers and online services. Consider urban, suburban and outlying metro coverage. Higher = better rapid-delivery access.
Home Setting & Property Features
Beach Access
Score representing practical access to usable beaches from residential areas within or near the metro.
City & Skyline Views
Score representing availability of notable city, downtown or skyline views from residential areas or properties.
Lake Views
Score representing availability of residential properties or neighborhoods with meaningful lake views.
Mountain Views
NarrowTheList score representing how commonly mountain views are available from residential areas or properties in and around the metro. Higher score = greater availability of mountain-view living.
Ocean Views
Score representing availability of residential properties or neighborhoods with ocean or coastal views.
Private Dock Potential
Score representing relative availability of residential properties where private dock access is practical or common.
Swimming Pool Property
NarrowTheList score representing the relative availability of residential properties with private swimming pools in and around the metro area. Higher score = pools are more common or easier to find.
Waterfront Living
Score representing availability of homes directly on lakes, rivers, oceanfront or other significant waterfront settings.