Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Virginia, Blue Ridge is a small city with a population of 3,169 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (96% White). Given that fact, Blue Ridge could be considered less diverse than other cities. 73% of the people in Blue Ridge (over the age of 15) are married and 27% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Blue Ridge, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Living in Blue Ridge can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Blue Ridge and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Blue Ridge to Virginia and the national average.
The livability score in Blue Ridge is 70/100 and the city is ranked in the 77th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Blue Ridge ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Blue Ridge does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Blue Ridge, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.62% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Blue Ridge, the average school test scores reached an impressive 87%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Blue Ridge an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge is real estate affordability. The median home price for Blue Ridge homes is $195,800, which is 21.2% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Blue Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 34.2% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Blue Ridge | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.6% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.5% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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