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.
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.
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 is a medium-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 31,816 people. In Sterling, there are 5,834 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. 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. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Sterling, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Sterling 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. The best areas in Sterling and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, 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.
Sterling, VA receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #65 in Virginia and #1,926 in the USA. Clearly, Sterling is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Sterling ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Sterling ranks well for amenities (B), crime (B), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Sterling scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Sterling, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Sterling undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
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 Sterling, the average school test scores are an impressive 75%, 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.
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.
Sterling real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sterling. Median real estate prices in Sterling come in at $676,359, which is 55.5% 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 4.4, which is 2.2% 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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