South Boston 75 Excellent
South Boston Livability #116 ranked city in Virginia#3,494 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in South Boston

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

New Real Estate Listings in South Boston Area
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What's it like Living in South Boston?

South Boston, Virginia is a small city with a population of 7,676 residents. Individuals of White (36%) and Black or African American (59%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in South Boston, only 45% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? South Boston offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in South Boston is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Boston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Boston to Virginia and the national average.

South Boston has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #139 in Virginia and #4,155 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, South Boston has received high marks for cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in South Boston. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and employment (F).

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In South Boston, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 78%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, South Boston has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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 South Boston is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in South Boston come in at $128,300, which is 48.3% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Boston, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 15.8% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Boston

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Boston?

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Compare South Boston, VA Livability

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      South Boston transportation information

      Statistic South Boston Virginia National
      Average one way commute14min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.7%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home1.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Boston, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).