Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Virginia, Big Stone Gap is a smaller city with a population of 5,403 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (72% White). Given that fact, Big Stone Gap could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Big Stone Gap your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Big Stone Gap, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Big Stone Gap has a livability score of 67/100 and is ranked #282 in Virginia and #9,738 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Big Stone Gap has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+). Big Stone Gap does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Big Stone Gap shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 118 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
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 Big Stone Gap, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 89%, 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 Big Stone Gap 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Big Stone Gap. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Big Stone Gap are affordable. The median home price for Big Stone Gap homes is $225,467, which is 48.2% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Big Stone Gap, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 15.6% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Big Stone Gap | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.9% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 22.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.3% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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