Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
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.
Nothing Found
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
Dumfries is a smaller city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 5,559 inhabitants. Dumfries has a population density of 3,622 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (43%) and Black or African American (33%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Dumfries are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 36% of the population also speak Spanish. The median age of all Dumfries residents is 29, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Dumfries population is married. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Dumfries offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 40 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Dumfries is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Dumfries and in the areas around Dumfries is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 84 out of 100, Dumfries is ranked #529 in the United States and #23 in Virginia. Clearly, Dumfries is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Dumfries has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Dumfries ranks very well for crime (A+), education (B), employment (B+) and housing (A+).
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Dumfries 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 79%, 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 Dumfries an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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 Dumfries 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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dumfries is real estate affordability. The median home price for Dumfries homes is $214,800, which is 13.5% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dumfries, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 18.4% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Dumfries | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 40min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.3% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.9% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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