Staunton 80 Exceptional
Staunton Livability #57 ranked city in Virginia#1,521 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Staunton

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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

Located in the state of Virginia, Staunton is a medium-sized city with a population of 24,660 people. The majority of Staunton residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian.

Are you trying to decide if living in Staunton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating 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 commute, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Staunton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Staunton to Virginia and the national average.

The livability score in Staunton is 78/100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Staunton ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Staunton also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Staunton has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B), cost of living (A), education (A) and housing (B).

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 141 crimes per 100,000 residents, Staunton has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Staunton, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.25% 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 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 Staunton, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 70%, 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.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Staunton market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Staunton 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 Staunton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Staunton are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Staunton come in at $171,600, which is 30.9% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Staunton, 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 Staunton

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Compare Staunton, VA Livability

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      Staunton transportation information

      Statistic Staunton Virginia National
      Average one way commute22min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.4%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.9%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home4.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Staunton, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).