South Boston, VA Neighborhood
Is Cluster Springs / Alton a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in South Boston, 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)
Severe0
Medium1
Low0
Other5
11 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape3
Child involved2
Assault3
Other4
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical dispatch to a location near Shotwell Trail and Chippewa Road for a possible 98-year-old female with sudden left leg weakness. | Shotwell Trail, Alton, VA 24520 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving a 98-year-old female with sudden left leg weakness was reported near Shotwell Trail and Chippewa Road. | Shotwell Trail, Alton, VA 24520 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews were dispatched on mutual aid to a reported laundry room smoke alarm at a location on McGees Mill Road near Edwin Robertson Road and River End Lane. | McGhees Mill Rd, Semora, NC 27343 | Fire |
| Jun 15, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving a possible fall and leg injury occurred near Shotwell Trail at the intersection of Turberville Road and dead end. The patient appears to be a 75-year-old female and was transported by emergency services. | Shotwell Trail, Alton, VA 24520 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 15, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a fallen patient near Shotwell Trail and Turbulent Road. The patient reportedly did not want to be tranquilized. | Shotwell Trail, Alton, VA 24520 | Medical Emergency |
| May 26, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible overdose involving a 30-year-old male at Cluster Springs Road near Tram Grove and Turberville Road. | Cluster Springs Rd, Alton, VA 24520 | Medical Emergency |
Median Home Price
$187,612
Average Rent
$1,162
Vacancy Rate
17.3%
Nearby neighborhoods
Cluster Springs / Alton Overview
Cluster Springs / Alton is a remote neighborhood in South Boston, Virginia, characterized by wide open spaces and low population density with only 40 people per square mile.
The median home price is $187,612, making it more affordable than over 90% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Average rents are $1,162, which is lower than 94.2% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy rates are relatively high at 17.3%, higher than 83.7% of U.S. neighborhoods, with many vacant homes remaining empty year-round.
Affordable HousingLow Population DensityHigh Vacancy Rate
Quick Facts
| Population Density | 40 people per square mile |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 17.3% |
Housing market and real estate character
The housing stock here mainly consists of small to medium-sized single-family homes and mobile homes, with most residences owner occupied.
| Owner Occupied Rate | Most residential real estate is owner occupied |
|---|---|
| Housing Types | Medium (3-4 bedroom) to small (studio to 2 bedroom) single-family homes and mobile homes |
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1970 and 1999, with some from 1940 to 1969 |
What buyers will notice right away
Median home prices here are significantly lower than most Virginia neighborhoods, offering an affordable option for buyers.
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, indicating an established residential area.
High vacancy rates may indicate some challenges with unoccupied properties in the neighborhood.
Families and Lifestyle
Cluster Springs / Alton offers a spacious, less crowded environment with a strong presence of sales and service workers supporting the local economy.
Spacious Living — With only 40 people per square mile, residents enjoy wide open spaces and room to stretch out.
Community Language — English is the dominant language spoken by 98.9% of households, with some Italian speakers (3.6%).
| Sales and Service Workers | Higher percentage than 96.8% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|
Demographics and Culture
| Top Languages | English (98.9%), Italian (3.6%) |
|---|---|
| Top Ancestries | English (9.3%), Irish (8.3%), Puerto Rican (4.9%), German (4.4%), Italian (1.6%) |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have a relatively short commute, with many driving alone or carpooling to work.
Commute length and mode affect quality of life and expenses. Cluster Springs / Alton residents mostly drive alone or carpool, with many enjoying shorter commutes than average.
Short Commutes — 44% of residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, which is shorter than typical U.S. commute times.
Car-Dependent — Most residents rely on private automobiles, with 79.3% driving alone and 13% carpooling.
| Typical Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes (44.0% of working residents) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 79.3% |
| Carpool Rate | 13.0% |
Homes for sale near 24520
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 Cluster Springs / Alton?
The median home price is $187,612, which is less expensive than 91.2% of Virginia neighborhoods.
How affordable is renting in this neighborhood?
Average rent is $1,162, lower than 94.2% of Virginia neighborhoods.
What is the typical commute like for residents?
Most residents commute between 15 and 30 minutes, with 79.3% driving alone and 13% carpooling.
What languages are commonly spoken here?
English is spoken by 98.9% of households, with some Italian speakers (3.6%).