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.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
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.
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, Blue Ridge is a small city with a population of 3,254 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Blue Ridge is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 73% of the population considered married and 27% with kids under the age of 18, Blue Ridge could be considered a very suitable city for families. 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 Blue Ridge, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Blue Ridge is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving 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. Finding the best places to live in Blue Ridge and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 70/100, Blue Ridge is ranked #6,787 in the United States and #212 in Virginia. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Blue Ridge ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Blue Ridge. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).
The Blue Ridge unemployment rate of 1.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Blue Ridge schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 87%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Blue Ridge an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Blue Ridge excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Blue Ridge is actually affordable. The median home price for Blue Ridge homes is $357,988, which is 17.7% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Blue Ridge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 31.1% lower than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Blue Ridge | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.6% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.5% | 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 | 4.9% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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