Wakefield 73 Excellent
Wakefield Livability #177 ranked city in Virginia#5,374 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wakefield

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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Wakefield?

Located in the state of Virginia, Wakefield is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,787 residents. With a population density of 3,124 people per square mile, Wakefield is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 69% of Wakefield residents are White, 20% Asian and 5% Black. Wakefield is known to be family friendly as more than 71% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 47% of residents also have children under the age of 18. 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 Wakefield offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 33 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wakefield, Virginia could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time 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 crime, cost of living, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Wakefield and in the areas around Wakefield is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 73/100, Wakefield is ranked #5,033 in the United States and #162 in Virginia. For each of the livability categories, we know that Wakefield ranks very well for crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). Wakefield does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Wakefield, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.2% 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.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Wakefield excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Wakefield 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 Wakefield. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wakefield are simply unattainable. The median home price for Wakefield homes is $1,137,977, which is 161.6% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wakefield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 4.4% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wakefield

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Wakefield?

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Compare Wakefield, VA Livability

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      Wakefield transportation information

      Statistic Wakefield Virginia National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.3%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.7%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home15.1%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Wakefield, 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.