South Boston 74 Excellent
South Boston Livability #142 ranked city in Virginia#4,531 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in South Boston

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Housing 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

What's it like Living in South Boston?

South Boston is a small city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 7,916 inhabitants. Individuals of White (36%) and Black or African American (59%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. In South Boston, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, South Boston is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in South Boston, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Boston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Boston to Virginia and the national average.

Using data and statistics South Boston has received a livability score of 75/100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in South Boston could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. South Boston scores well for education (B) and housing (A+) There are some categories that South Boston does not rank well for, including: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that South Boston 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 78%, 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 South Boston an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, South Boston has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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 South Boston is real estate affordability. The median home price for South Boston homes is $233,116, which is 46.4% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Boston, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 13.3% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Boston

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Boston?

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Compare South Boston, VA Livability

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      South Boston transportation information

      Statistic South Boston Virginia National
      Average one way commute14min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.7%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.1%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home1.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Boston, 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.