Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
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.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Galax, Virginia is a smaller city with a population of 6,402 residents. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Galax residents are White, 10% Black and 1% Native Hawaiian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Galax offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Galax could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like crime, commute, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Galax and in the areas around Galax is a much easier task.
Galax, VA receives 66 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #304 in Virginia and #10,179 in the USA. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Galax ranks well for education (B+). Galax does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Galax schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 84%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Galax an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Assuming that Galax meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Galax. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Galax are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Galax come in at $97,400, which is 60.8% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Galax, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 26.3% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Galax | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 72.9% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 20.4% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 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 | 4.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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