University Center 79 Exceptional
University Center Livability #63 ranked city in Virginia#1,957 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in University Center

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • 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.

  • 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.

CONS
  • 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 University Center?

University Center, Virginia is a small city with a population of 3,997 residents. University Center has a population density of 4,334 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. University Center tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 37% of the University Center population is married. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in University Center is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in University Center, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in University Center and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, education and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 77/100, University Center is ranked #2,535 in the United States and #80 in Virginia. Based on this score, University Center would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that University Center also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that University Center has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (B-), crime (A+), employment (B+) and housing (B+). Regrettably for University Center, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F) and education (D).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in University Center, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in University Center undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

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 University Center 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 University Center. 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 University Center are affordable. Median real estate prices in University Center come in at $539,299, which is 24% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In University Center, the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 13.3% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around University Center

See all the best places to live around University Center

How Do You Rate The Livability In University Center?

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      University Center transportation information

      Statistic University Center Virginia National
      Average one way commute27min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.4%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.7%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home6.6%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The University Center, 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.