Lake of the Woods 65 Good
Lake of the Woods Livability #335 ranked city in Virginia#12,720 ranked city in the USARanks better than 56% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Lake of the Woods

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Lake of the Woods?

Lake of the Woods is a smaller city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 8,800 people. At 77%, the majority of the Lake of the Woods population is White; this is followed by 13% Black and 6% Asian. Lake of the Woods is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 51, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Lake of the Woods has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 77% of the population is classified as married and 31% have kids. An important consideration when living in Lake of the Woods 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 35 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Lake of the Woods, Virginia could be a great 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 Lake of the Woods and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, education, housing and other important metrics.

The livability score in Lake of the Woods is 64 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 56th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we know that Lake of the Woods ranks very well for crime (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Lake of the Woods scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Lake of the Woods, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

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 Lake of the Woods 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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Lake of the Woods. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Lake of the Woods are affordable. Median real estate prices in Lake of the Woods come in at $510,760, which is 17.4% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lake of the Woods, the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 8.9% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Lake of the Woods

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Compare Lake of the Woods, VA Livability

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      Lake of the Woods transportation information

      Statistic Lake of the Woods Virginia National
      Average one way commute35min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.6%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home10.0%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Lake of the Woods, 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.