South Riding 73 Excellent
South Riding Livability #169 ranked city in Virginia#5,170 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in South Riding

PROS
  • Crime 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.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • 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.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in South Riding?

South Riding is a mid-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 33,596 residents. South Riding has a population density of 4,909 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (46%) and Asian (35%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of South Riding. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 72% of the population considered married and 66% with kids under the age of 18, South Riding could be considered a very suitable city for families. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in South Riding offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 39 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in South Riding is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in South Riding and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.

Using data and statistics South Riding has received a livability score of 73/100. This score is ranked in the 84th percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. South Riding scores well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in South Riding. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

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 South Riding, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 87%, 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.

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 Riding has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Assuming that South Riding 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 South Riding. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in South Riding are simply unattainable. The median home price for South Riding homes is $999,017, which is 129.7% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Riding, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 11.1% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Riding

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Compare South Riding, VA Livability

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      South Riding transportation information

      Statistic South Riding Virginia National
      Average one way commute39min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.3%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.9%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.3%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home12.7%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The South Riding, 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.