South Riding 73 Excellent
South Riding Livability #149 ranked city in Virginia#4,568 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in South Riding

PROS
  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • 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.

  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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

South Riding, Virginia is a medium-sized city with a population of 32,526 inhabitants. In South Riding, there are 4,752 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (46%) and Asian (35%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of South Riding. South Riding is known to be family friendly as more than 72% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 66% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Something to be aware of when living in South Riding are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 39 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in South Riding could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. 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. The best areas in South Riding and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.

Using data and statistics South Riding has received a livability score of 73/100. This score is ranked in the 85th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that South Riding ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in South Riding. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In South Riding, the average school test scores are an impressive 87%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

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 South Riding 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 South Riding is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in South Riding come in at $549,100, which is 121.1% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Riding, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 13.2% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Riding

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Compare South Riding, VA Livability

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      South Riding transportation information

      Statistic South Riding Virginia National
      Average one way commute39min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.3%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.9%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.3%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home12.7%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Riding, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).