Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
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.
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.
Located in the state of Virginia, Forest is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,470 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Forest could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Forest. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Forest is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Forest, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and more.
The livability score in Forest is 76/100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Forest would be considered a very livable city! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Forest has been rewarded with high marks for crime (B-), cost of living (B+), education (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Forest, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Forest, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Forest 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 89%, 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 Forest 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. Forest 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.
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 Forest is real estate affordability. The median home price for Forest homes is $444,467, which is 2.2% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Forest, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 11.1% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Forest | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.0% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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