What Should I Know Before Moving to Wise?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in Wise. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for Wise climate and weather.

How much does a moving company cost in Wise?

Moving within Wise usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to Wise?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in Wise. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Company in Wise Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in Wise offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from Wise, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from Wise at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wise, VA

Thinking of moving to Wise, VA? With a friendly population of just under 3,000, Wise offers affordable living—median homes are around $142,000 and average rents are about $710. The town enjoys low crime rates (violent crimes at 145 per 100K), easy commutes averaging 19.5 minutes, and access to solid education, including the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Enjoy a mild mountain climate with 60% sunny days and a welcoming, close-knit community—perfect for those seeking a slower pace and great value.

Demographics - Wise, VA

Wise, VA is home to approximately 2,970 residents, with a median age of 38.9 and a population density of 1,180 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (92.5%), and about 3.2% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting a largely homogenous but welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Population:

2,970

Density:

1,180 per sq mi

Median Age:

38.9

Gender Ratio:

88 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

3.2%

Ethnic Composition

White:

92.5%

Black:

4.1%

Asian:

1.1%

Others:

2.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wise, VA?

Living in Wise is highly affordable, with a median home value of $142,000 and average rent at $710 per month. The overall cost of living index is notably low at 78.6, meaning residents enjoy below-average prices for housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation compared to national norms.

Median House Value:

$142,000

Gross Rent:

$710

Monthly Electricity Charges:

$130

Auto Insurance:

$1,040

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

$1,010

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

$390

State Taxes:

Low:

2.0%

High:

5.75%

Cost Of Living Index:

78.6

Grocery:

92.3

Housing:

58.7

Utilities:

97.1

Transportation:

84.2

Health Care:

89.6

Miscellaneous:

85.0

Crime

Is Wise, VA a safe place to live?

Wise experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of just 145 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime (1 in 690), making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

145

Property Crimes Per 100k:

1,120

Crime Index:

1,265

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 690

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 89

Weather

What is the weather like in Wise, VA year-round?

The town enjoys a mild mountain climate, with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows around 23°F. Wise receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, providing residents with a pleasant mix of all four seasons.

Winter

Min:

23°F

Max:

42°F

Spring

Min:

40°F

Max:

68°F

Summer

Min:

60°F

Max:

83°F

Fall

Min:

42°F

Max:

70°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

44 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

60%

Neighbors

Median household income in Wise is about $43,500, with a family income of $56,800 and a poverty rate of 21.7%. Most residents have at least a high school education (82.5%), and the average commute time is a convenient 19.5 minutes, reflecting the town’s easygoing lifestyle.

Median Income:

$27,200

Household Income:

$43,500

Family Income:

$56,800

Per Capita Income:

$22,500

Income Male:

$39,100

Income Female:

$31,400

Poverty Rate:

21.7%

Non English Speakers:

3.2%

Rent:

$710

Unemployment Rate:

4.8%

Public Transport Usage:

0.4%

Commute Time:

19.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

82.5%

Bachelors or More:

22.6%

Education

How are the schools in Wise, VA?

Wise offers quality public education with favorable student-teacher ratios in its schools and is home to the University of Virginia's College at Wise, serving around 2,000 students. The presence of nearby colleges and solid K-12 options make it a good fit for families and those pursuing higher education.

Public Schools

Name:

Wise Primary School

Street:

7650 Coeburn Mountain Rd

Phone:

276-328-8017

Students:

380

Student Teacher Ratio:

13.7

Name:

L. F. Addington Middle School

Street:

221 Lake St NE

Phone:

276-328-8016

Students:

420

Student Teacher Ratio:

14.2

Name:

Central High School

Street:

5000 Warrior Dr

Phone:

276-328-3280

Students:

850

Student Teacher Ratio:

15.1

Colleges

Name:

University of Virginia's College at Wise

City:

Wise

State:

Distance:

0 miles

Students:

2,000

Name:

Mountain Empire Community College

City:

Big Stone Gap

State:

Distance:

15 miles

Students:

3,600

Healthcare

Wise residents have solid healthcare access, including proximity to Norton Community Hospital and an average of 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 90.3%, supporting a strong overall sense of well-being in the community.

Major Hospitals

Name:

Norton Community Hospital

Address:

100 15th St NW, Norton, VA 24273

Phone:

(276) 679-9600

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

1.9

Health Insurance Coverage:

90.3%

Health Care Index:

73.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wise, VA?

The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $142,000 and 62.4% owner-occupied residences. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.6%, and home values have appreciated by 3.2% in the past year, making Wise an attractive option for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price:

$142,000

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$710

Owner Occupied Rate:

62.4%

Rental Vacancy Rate:

7.6%

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

3.2%

New Construction Rate:

0.7%

Foreclosure Rate:

0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Wise are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Martinsville and comprehensive services available through the state DMV website. The DMV provides convenient access to vehicle registration, licensing, and related services for the community.

State:

Virginia

Department:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Address:

255 Commonwealth Blvd E, Martinsville, VA 24112

Phone:

1-804-497-7100

Website:

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov

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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wise, VA

Demographics - Wise, VA

Demographics - Wise, VA

Cost Of Living

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Wise, VA?

Crime

Crime

Is Wise, VA a safe place to live?

Weather

Weather

What is the weather like in Wise, VA year-round?

Neighbors

Neighbors

Education

Education

How are the schools in Wise, VA?

Healthcare

Healthcare

Housing Market

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Wise, VA?

DMV Information

DMV Information

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