Bridgewater 72 Excellent
Bridgewater Livability #190 ranked city in Virginia#5,925 ranked city in the USARanks better than 79% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Bridgewater

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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 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.

What's it like Living in Bridgewater?

Bridgewater is a small city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 6,263 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Bridgewater could be considered less diverse than other cities. The median age of all Bridgewater residents is 31, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Bridgewater, only 49% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Bridgewater will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Bridgewater, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Bridgewater and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Bridgewater to Virginia and the national average.

Bridgewater, VA receives 72 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #186 in Virginia and #5,546 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Bridgewater ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Bridgewater, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).

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. Bridgewater shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 29 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 can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Bridgewater have an average test score of 85%, which is well above the US average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bridgewater apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater are affordable. Median real estate prices in Bridgewater come in at $456,204, which is 4.9% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bridgewater, the home price to income ratio is 4.9, which is 8.9% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bridgewater

See all the best places to live around Bridgewater

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Compare Bridgewater, VA Livability

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      Bridgewater transportation information

      Statistic Bridgewater Virginia National
      Average one way commute16min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.1%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.7%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk11.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home7.0%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Bridgewater, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.