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.
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.
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.
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.
Sterling, Virginia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 30,872 inhabitants. Sterling has a population density of 5,661 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Sterling identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 41% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Sterling, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.
Living in Sterling can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many amazing 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. Finding the best places to live in Sterling and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 79/100, Sterling is ranked #1,598 in the United States and #62 in Virginia. Clearly, Sterling is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Sterling also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Sterling ranks well for amenities (B), crime (A-), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+) On a more negative note, Sterling does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Sterling has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Sterling has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
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 Sterling, the average school test scores reached an impressive 75%, 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 Sterling an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Sterling 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.
Assuming that Sterling 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 Sterling. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Sterling are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Sterling come in at $378,700, which is 52.5% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sterling, the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 0% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Sterling | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 28min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.0% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.9% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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