Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Altavista, VA
Altavista, VA is a welcoming small town of about 3,400 residents, offering affordable living with a median home price around $144,000 and average rents near $780. Enjoy a relaxed pace with an average 22-minute commute, low violent crime rates (129 per 100K), and plenty of sunny days (62% annually). The local school system is close-knit, and you’ll find convenient access to healthcare and beautiful seasonal weather. Altavista is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle in a friendly, close-knit community.
Demographics - Altavista, VA
Demographics - Altavista, VA
Altavista is a small, close-knit town with a population of 3,400 and a median age of 44.2, reflecting a mature community. The town is predominantly White (75.5%), with a significant Black population (20.1%), and features a slightly higher number of females than males. Residents enjoy a moderate population density and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
3,400
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.5%
Black:
20.1%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Altavista, VA?
Living in Altavista is highly affordable, with a median home value of $144,000 and average gross rent at $780, making it attractive for budget-conscious families. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, and monthly utilities and insurance costs remain manageable. Residents benefit from reasonable state taxes and accessible everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.3
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
53.2
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
86.3
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
82.1
Crime
Is Altavista, VA a safe place to live?
Altavista experiences low rates of violent crime, with only 129 incidents per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate that is also below national averages. The odds of experiencing violent crime are relatively low, contributing to the town’s reputation for safety. This quiet environment is ideal for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
129
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,084
Crime Index:
1,213
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 775
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Altavista, VA year-round?
Altavista enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 29°F and warm summers reaching highs of 88°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny days 62% of the year. This pleasant climate supports an active, outdoor lifestyle throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $42,500 and a poverty rate of 19.2%, reflecting a range of economic backgrounds. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. The town values education, with nearly 88% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$28,300
Household Income:
$42,500
Family Income:
$51,600
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$40,700
Income Female:
$28,800
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
20.1%
Education
How are the schools in Altavista, VA?
Altavista offers a supportive educational environment with public and private school options, including Altavista Combined School with a student-teacher ratio of 13.5. Higher education is accessible within a short drive, with Central Virginia Community College and the University of Lynchburg nearby. Families appreciate the close-knit school community and access to quality learning resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Altavista Combined School
Street:
904 Bedford Ave
Phone:
434-369-4768
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Dillon's School
Street:
209 7th St
Phone:
434-369-5457
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Central Virginia Community College
City:
Lynchburg
State:
VA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
4,800
Name:
University of Lynchburg
City:
Lynchburg
State:
VA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Altavista is strong, with major hospitals like Centra Bedford Memorial and Centra Lynchburg General nearby, both offering emergency services. The area has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of the population is covered by health insurance. Residents benefit from responsive healthcare options and solid coverage rates.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital
Address:
1613 Oakwood St, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone:
(540) 586-2441
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
Address:
1901 Tate Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone:
(434) 200-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Altavista, VA?
Altavista’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $144,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom at $800. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a healthy home appreciation rate of 3.1% annually. The market is stable, with low rates of foreclosure and new construction.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Altavista residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Richmond. The DMV provides comprehensive licensing, registration, and vehicle services both in-person and online. Assistance is readily available via their website or customer service phone line.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone:
804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.