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.
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.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the 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.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of Virginia, Great Falls is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,140 people. According to the most recent Census, 73% of Great Falls residents are White, 22% Asian and 1% Black. Based on an average age of 48, Great Falls appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Great Falls might be a good fit as 75% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 37% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. An important consideration when living in Great Falls 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 36 minutes, far surpassing 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 Great Falls could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to look. 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. Finding the best places to live in Great Falls and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, education, housing and other important metrics.
Great Falls has a livability score of 64 out of 100 and is ranked #352 in Virginia and #13,541 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Great Falls ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+) There are some categories that Great Falls scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The Great Falls unemployment rate of 2.4% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Great Falls, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 94%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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 Great Falls 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.
Great Falls real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Great Falls. Median real estate prices in Great Falls come in at $1,989,273, which is 357.4% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Great Falls, the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 22.2% higher than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Great Falls | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 36min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.8% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 22.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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