Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
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.
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.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the 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.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Health & Safety
A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.
Great Falls, Virginia is a moderately-sized city with a population of 14,793 inhabitants. At 73%, the majority of the Great Falls population is White; this is followed by 22% Asian and 1% Black. Based on an average age of 48, Great Falls appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. 75% of the people in Great Falls (over the age of 15) are married and 37% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Great Falls entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 36 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Great Falls, Virginia could be a fulfilling 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. The best areas in Great Falls and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.
Great Falls, VA receives 63 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #366 in Virginia and #13,256 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Great Falls has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Great Falls. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
The unemployment rate in Great Falls has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.31%. 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.
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 Great Falls, the average school test scores are an impressive 94%, 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.
Assuming that Great Falls 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 Great Falls. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Great Falls are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Great Falls come in at $1,128,300, which is 354.2% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Great Falls, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 23.7% higher than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Great Falls | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 36min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.7% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.8% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 22.0% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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