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.
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, Gainesville is a moderately-sized city with a population of 16,819 people. An important consideration when living in Gainesville is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 39 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Gainesville, Virginia could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Gainesville and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Gainesville has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Gainesville ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Gainesville ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Gainesville. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (D) and cost of living (F).
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Gainesville 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 86%, 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 Gainesville an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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 Gainesville 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.
Assuming that Gainesville meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Gainesville. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Gainesville are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Gainesville come in at $900,401, which is 107% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gainesville, the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 8.9% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Gainesville | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 39min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.4% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.4% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.7% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 11.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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