Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Shenandoah, Virginia is a small city with a population of 3,003 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Shenandoah could be considered less diverse than other cities. Shenandoah could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 31 years old is below the nation’s average. 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 Shenandoah entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 36 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Shenandoah, 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. With useful information like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Shenandoah and in the areas around Shenandoah is a much easier task.
Shenandoah, VA receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #304 in Virginia and #10,795 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Shenandoah has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Shenandoah. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Shenandoah shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 121 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Shenandoah, the unemployment rate stands at 2%, 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.
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 Shenandoah, 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 Shenandoah an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Shenandoah can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Shenandoah are simply unattainable. The median home price for Shenandoah homes is $273,516, which is 37.1% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shenandoah, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 26.7% lower than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Shenandoah | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 36min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.5% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 22.8% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.1% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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