Fredericksburg 67 Good
Fredericksburg Livability #305 ranked city in Virginia#10,744 ranked city in the USARanks better than 63% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Fredericksburg

PROS
  • Employment 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 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Commute 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 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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.

What's it like Living in Fredericksburg?

Fredericksburg is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 29,849 inhabitants. Fredericksburg could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 31 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Fredericksburg, only 42% of the population is married. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Fredericksburg entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Fredericksburg, 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 amenities, commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Fredericksburg and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Fredericksburg to Virginia and the national average.

Fredericksburg has a livability score of 67/100 and is ranked #292 in Virginia and #10,147 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Fredericksburg ranks very well for education (A), employment (A-) and housing (B+). The bad news for Fredericksburg, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (F).

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Fredericksburg, the average school test scores reached an impressive 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Fredericksburg an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Fredericksburg market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 Fredericksburg is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Fredericksburg come in at $674,264, which is 55% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fredericksburg, the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 44.4% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fredericksburg

See all the best places to live around Fredericksburg

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Compare Fredericksburg, VA Livability

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      Fredericksburg transportation information

      Statistic Fredericksburg Virginia National
      Average one way commute30min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.9%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.5%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.6%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home6.1%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Fredericksburg, 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.