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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in the state of Virginia, Wise is a small city with a population of 3,031 residents. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Wise residents are White, 2% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Wise. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wise, Virginia could be a positive 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Wise, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute and more.
Wise has a livability score of 77/100 and is ranked #87 in Virginia and #2,735 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Wise could be a great choice! Wise has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Wise ranks very well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). Regrettably for Wise, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Wise has a violent crime rate of 70 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The Wise unemployment rate of 1.5% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Wise, the average school test scores are an impressive 89%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wise apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 Wise is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Wise come in at $201,750, which is 53.6% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wise, 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 | Wise | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.8% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.6% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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