Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Located in the state of Virginia, Forest is a mid-sized city with a population of 11,075 residents. According to the most recent Census, 79% of Forest residents are White, 7% Black and 5% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Forest. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Forest can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Forest and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute and other important metrics.
The livability score in Forest is 76 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 90th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Forest ranks well in multiple categories! Forest has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Forest ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A), education (A+), employment (A-) and housing (A+). Forest does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The unemployment rate in Forest has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.44%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
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 Forest, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 89%, 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 robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Forest 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.
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 Forest is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Forest come in at $248,000, which is 0.2% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Forest, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 13.2% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Forest | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.0% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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