Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Located in the state of Virginia, Dahlgren is a smaller city with a population of 3,528 inhabitants. Individuals of White (58%) and Black or African American (33%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Dahlgren residents is 31. Something to be aware of when living in Dahlgren are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 34 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Dahlgren could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Dahlgren, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, employment and more.
Dahlgren, VA receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #111 in Virginia and #3,056 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Dahlgren ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Dahlgren ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Dahlgren, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Dahlgren, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.5% 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Dahlgren 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 85%, 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 Dahlgren an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Dahlgren has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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 Dahlgren is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Dahlgren come in at $285,700, which is 15% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dahlgren, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 23.7% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Dahlgren | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 34min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.0% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.0% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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