Brightwood, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Brightwood, VA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Brightwood Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Brightwood is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices have been increasing steadily over the past few years. Homeowners can expect to pay around 1.1% of their home’s value in property taxes annually.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. Residents of Brightwood are subject to these state income tax rates.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, public safety, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

The public transit system in Brightwood is limited, but the town's compact size and walkable neighborhoods make it relatively easy to get around without a car.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Mill Mountain Zoo
  • 🎯
    Roanoke Pinball Museum
  • 🎯
    Salem Red Sox Baseball

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of Brightwood are generally quiet and family-friendly, with tree-lined streets and plenty of outdoor spaces. The area around the town center is particularly popular, with its mix of old and new homes and easy access to local amenities.

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📊 Brightwood — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Brightwood tend to fluctuate with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas bills in the winter due to heating. However, since most homes in Brightwood are electric-only, the winter utility bills are relatively low.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 24146 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Brightwood has well-maintained sidewalks and plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, making it easy to get around with a stroller. However, the town's limited public transit system and lack of elevator access in some buildings may pose challenges for families with young children.

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