Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sweet Briar, VA
Thinking of moving to Sweet Briar, VA? This small community of about 700 residents offers a tranquil setting with affordable housing—median home prices are around $210,000 and average rents at $950. Sweet Briar’s low crime rates and short average commute of 20 minutes add to its appeal, while the presence of Sweet Briar College gives the town a youthful vibe. The area enjoys mild weather with 60% sunny days and access to good schools, making it a charming spot for students and families alike.
Demographics - Sweet Briar, VA
Demographics - Sweet Briar, VA
Sweet Briar is a close-knit community of about 700 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 20.5 due to the presence of Sweet Briar College. The population is predominantly White, with a significant percentage of Black and Asian residents, and nearly one in ten speaks a language other than English at home. The area has a distinctly skewed gender ratio, with 16 males per 100 females, reflecting its college-town character.
Population:
700
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
20.5
Gender Ratio:
16 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.0%
Black:
14.0%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
11.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sweet Briar, VA?
Living in Sweet Briar is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92 and housing costs particularly low—median home values are $210,000 and monthly rents average $950. Utilities and transportation costs remain reasonable, and Virginia's state tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%. Residents benefit from manageable homeowner expenses, especially for those without a mortgage.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Sweet Briar, VA a safe place to live?
Sweet Briar boasts low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at just 110 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below urban averages. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is only 1 in 900, making this a reassuringly safe community for newcomers. Overall, the town’s crime index reflects a secure environment for families and students alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,310
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Sweet Briar, VA year-round?
Sweet Briar enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant springs and falls—summer highs reach around 87°F while winter lows rarely dip below 27°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and experiences 60% sunny days, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Seasonal changes are gentle, making it comfortable for residents of all ages.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents in Sweet Briar enjoy a welcoming, small-town atmosphere, with a median household income of $58,000 and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. Most adults have completed high school, and over 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the influence of the local college. Commute times average just over 20 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, supporting a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
15.0%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
41.0%
Education
How are the schools in Sweet Briar, VA?
Education is a community highlight in Sweet Briar, featuring local public schools like Amherst County High School and Amherst Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The town is home to Sweet Briar College, contributing to the community’s vibrant academic atmosphere, while larger institutions like Liberty University are just a short drive away. Families and students benefit from strong educational options at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Amherst County High School
Street:
139 Lancer Ln
Phone:
434-946-2898
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Amherst Middle School
Street:
165 Learning Ln
Phone:
434-946-0691
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Colleges
Name:
Sweet Briar College
City:
Sweet Briar
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
475
Name:
Liberty University
City:
Lynchburg
State:
VA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Sweet Briar, with two major hospitals located nearby in Lynchburg and a high health insurance coverage rate of over 91%. The community benefits from 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely medical care. The healthcare index of 76 indicates reliable services for both routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
Address:
1901 Tate Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone:
(434) 200-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital
Address:
3300 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503
Phone:
(434) 200-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sweet Briar, VA?
Sweet Briar’s housing market features affordability and stability, with median home prices at $210,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $950. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area enjoys a healthy 6.4% annual home appreciation rate. Rental vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making the market attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Sweet Briar are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive services available online and at the main office in Richmond. The DMV provides essential licensing, registration, and vehicle services for new arrivals and locals alike. For more information, the Virginia DMV’s website offers convenient access to forms and resources.
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.