Neighborhood Snapshot
Is Sweet Briar / Sweet Briar College a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Amherst, VA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1
Medium0
Low1
Other7
10 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape1
Child involved5
Assault5
Other2
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call was received for a sick person near West Birch in Monroe. Medic 22 was dispatched and EMS One may be the first to respond. | W Perch Rd, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency services dispatched to (number withheld) Ramsey Road for an 87-year-old female with a urinary tract infection. | Ramsey Rd, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 21, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services were dispatched for a possible severe allergic reaction at a location near Ridgecrest Drive in Monroe, Virginia. | Ridgecrest Dr, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 19, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a sick hiker is reported near Otter Creek Campground. Units are responding from Route 78 area. | Blue Ridge Pkwy, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 15, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle crash involving a deer near the 5100 block of Elon Road in Monroe. The vehicle remained in the roadway with airbags deployed. The driver was able to get out, reportedly refused medical treatment, and radiator fluid was leaking onto the road while a tow truck was requested. | Elon Rd, Monroe, VA 24574 | Traffic |
| Jun 3, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving an adult male with breathing difficulties was reported near Ridgecrest Drive. | Ridgecrest Dr, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
| May 28, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units responded to reports of an elderly man experiencing a possible stroke at a residence near Circle Brook Drive in Monroe, Virginia. | Cir Brk Dr, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
| May 26, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, firefighters from Heather and Monelison departments responded to a reported residential fire alarm near White Pine Drive in Monroe. The building was later confirmed to be unoccupied, with only the refrigerator and security system still powered. | White Pine Dr, Monroe, VA 24574 | Fire & Arson |
| Apr 17, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving a 66-year-old male with leg pain near Buffalo Springs Turnpike. | Buffalo Springs Turnpike, Monroe, VA 24574 | Medical Emergency |
Median Home Price
$317,645
Average Rent
$1,165
Vacancy Rate
9.5%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
Sweet Briar / Sweet Briar College is a remote neighborhood in Amherst, Virginia, known for its strong college presence and upper-middle income residents.
The neighborhood features a mix of medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with most housing owner occupied.
Many homes were built between 1970 and 1999, with some dating back to 1940-1969.
Vacancy is relatively high at 9.5%, indicating many homes or apartments may be empty year-round.
College-focusedUpper-middle incomeRemote neighborhoodHigh vacancy
Quick Facts
| Remote Neighborhood | Yes |
|---|---|
| College Enrollment | 15.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
Sweet Briar / Sweet Briar College's housing stock is primarily owner occupied and consists mostly of medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
| Owner Occupied Housing | Majority |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Most built 1970-1999; some 1940-1969 |
| Housing Type | Medium to small single-family homes and small apartment buildings |
What buyers will notice right away
Most homes are owner occupied, which often points to long-term residential stability.
The 9.5% vacancy rate is above average, so some homes or apartments may be empty year-round.
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is college-focused with a significant share of residents attending college and a strong presence of college-educated seniors.
Peaceful and quiet environment
Wide range of housing options
Attracts college-educated seniors
College Community — A large portion of residents are currently enrolled in college, shaping the neighborhood's character.
Retirement Friendly — The neighborhood is considered a good option for retirement with above average safety and housing variety.
| College Enrollment | 15.0% |
|---|---|
| Retirement Appeal | Ranks better for retirement than 89.2% of Virginia neighborhoods |
Demographics
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 44.7% |
|---|---|
| Upper-Middle Income | Above average income |
| Child Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| English Speaking Households | 96.6% |
| Top Ancestries | ["English (9.5%)","Irish (8.0%)","German (7.1%)","Scottish (1.9%)","Italian (1.6%)"] |
Commute
Most residents have short commutes, with a large share driving alone to work.
Sweet Briar / Sweet Briar College offers convenient commute options with many residents enjoying short travel times and high rates of solo driving.
Short Commutes — Nearly 40% of residents commute under 15 minutes, which is shorter than most U.S. neighborhoods.
Car Ownership — High rates of driving alone and carpooling indicate car ownership is common and useful for work travel.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 39.7% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 71.6% |
| Carpool Rate | 14.4% |
Homes for sale near 24574
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Sweet Briar / Sweet Briar College?
The median home price is $317,645.
How affordable is renting in this neighborhood?
Average rent is $1,165, which is lower than 94.1% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What is the typical commute time for residents?
The largest share of residents (39.7%) commute under 15 minutes to work.
Is this neighborhood suitable for retirees?
Yes, it ranks better for retirement living than 89.2% of Virginia neighborhoods and is peaceful and quiet.