Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Located in the state of Virginia, Gainesville is a medium-sized city with a population of 16,391 inhabitants. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Gainesville entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 39 minutes.
Living in Gainesville can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many incredible 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 crime, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Gainesville and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Gainesville to Virginia and the national average.
Using data and statistics Gainesville has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 90th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Gainesville is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Gainesville ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Gainesville does not rank well for, including: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Gainesville, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.62% 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.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Gainesville have an average test score of 86%, which is well above the US average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Gainesville can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Gainesville real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Gainesville. Median real estate prices in Gainesville come in at $512,800, which is 106.4% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gainesville, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 5.3% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Gainesville | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 39min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.4% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.7% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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