-
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions! - Start Your Free Trial Login with existing account
Independence
Eden Index
Climate
8.2
•
Recreation
5.2
•
Community
2.1
•
Safeguard
5.6/10
Independence, Virginia, located in Grayson County, offers a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures in the 80s°F (27-32°C), while winters are cold with temperatures dipping into the 20s°F (-6 to -1°C) and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
The hydrology of Independence is characterized by the presence of the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, which offers various water-based recreational opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines for smallmouth bass, trout, and catfish. Additionally, the New River is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, providing a thrilling experience amidst picturesque landscapes.
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Independence extend beyond the river. The area boasts numerous hiking trails, such as the Grayson Highlands State Park, offering breathtaking views of the nearby Mount Rogers and opportunities to spot wild ponies. Cyclists can explore the scenic byways, while golf enthusiasts can tee off at the local courses. With its beautiful natural surroundings, Independence provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and enjoyment.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 8.2
Independence receives approximately
1029mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Independence has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Kanawha
Area Rivers
Kanawha
Snowpack Depths
Kanawha
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Kanawha
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Mountain State Park | 88 | 1,767 ft | |||
| Blue Jay - Camp Creek State Park | 13 | 2,130 ft | |||
| Mash Fork - Camp Creek State Park | 26 | 2,032 ft | |||
| Stony Fork | 74 | 2,387 ft | |||
| Comers Rock | 6 | 3,807 ft | |||
| Rural Retreat Lake | 72 | 2,575 ft | |||
| Doughton Park - Blue Ridge Parkway | None | 3,692 ft | |||
| Raven Cliff | 20 | 2,209 ft | |||
| Pipestem Resort State Park | None | 2,735 ft | |||
| New River State Park | 20 | 2,730 ft | |||
| Babcock State Park | None | 2,355 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.1
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.