Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Garden City, VA
Considering a move to Garden City, VA? With a friendly population of around 9,500, this community offers affordable living, with median home prices at $284,000 and average rents of $1,220. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 22.5 minutes, a relatively low violent crime rate (234 per 100k), and access to strong public schools and healthcare options nearby. With 59% sunny days and a mild climate, Garden City is a welcoming place for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Garden City, VA
Demographics - Garden City, VA
Garden City, VA is home to about 9,500 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.8 years. The community is predominantly White (79.2%), with notable Black and Asian populations, and nearly 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city's moderate population density offers a comfortable suburban atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
9,500
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
79.2%
Black:
12.5%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Garden City, VA?
Garden City features an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $284,000 and average rents around $1,220. The overall cost of living index is below the national average at 94.2, making housing and everyday expenses manageable for most households. Residents also benefit from relatively low state tax rates and reasonable utility costs.
Median House Value:
$284,000
Gross Rent:
$1,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.2
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
89.3
Utilities:
99.8
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Garden City, VA a safe place to live?
Garden City maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 234 incidents per 100,000 people, offering peace of mind to residents. The chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 69, which is moderate for a city of its size. Overall, the community is considered a safe place for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
234
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,440
Crime Index:
1,674
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 427
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Garden City, VA year-round?
Residents of Garden City enjoy a mild climate, with warm summers reaching up to 87°F and winters that rarely dip below 26°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 59% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering comfortable weather year-round.

Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
43°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The typical household in Garden City earns around $62,600 annually, and about 90% of adults have completed high school or higher education. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%, and the unemployment rate is a manageable 4.2%. Most residents commute about 22.5 minutes to work, reflecting the city’s balance of convenience and affordability.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$62,600
Family Income:
$72,800
Per Capita Income:
$30,400
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$34,800
Poverty Rate:
11.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.9%
Rent:
$1,220
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Garden City, VA?
Garden City offers strong educational opportunities with well-rated public schools such as Garden City Elementary and Patrick Henry High, featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education options are also nearby, including Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School and Virginia Western Community College just a few miles away. The community’s commitment to education makes it appealing for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Garden City Elementary School
Street:
3718 Garden City Blvd SE
Phone:
540-853-2976
Students:
385
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Patrick Henry High School
Street:
2102 Grandin Rd SW
Phone:
540-853-2255
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School
Street:
4120 Challenger Ave NE
Phone:
540-977-0346
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Virginia Western Community College
City:
Roanoke
State:
VA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
8,900
Name:
Roanoke College
City:
Salem
State:
VA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Garden City residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including major hospitals like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital nearby. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, the community is well-served for medical needs. The city’s healthcare index of 77.4 indicates solid local services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Address:
1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24014
Phone:
(540) 981-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Garden City, VA?
The housing market in Garden City is stable, with a median home price of $284,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 65.1%. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year, and rental options remain accessible with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,220. The area experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, signaling a healthy real estate climate.
Median Home Price:
$284,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Garden City handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, located in Richmond. Services can be accessed online or by phone, making it easy to manage driving requirements. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all standard motor vehicle needs in Virginia.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
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.