Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. The area is perhaps best known as home to Virginia Tech University, which gives you the amenities typically found in a college town without the chaos of the big city. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. 6.3 Desirability. The city known for being one of the most historical places in the United States its actually among one of our countrys oldest major cities is now taking on a completely new face. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . The towns most popular place to dine is the Wachapreague Island House Restaurant, and for an overnight stay you can either book a room at the Wachapreague Inn or travel just a few miles up the road to the Garrison Bed & Breakfast. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. Situated right at the top of Virginia and bordering the Potomac River, which separates it from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is one of the most historical cities in the state. But Williamsburg personifies the answer to the question, is Virginia a good place to live? Youll get access to museums, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as a growing over-65 population. It has a first-class school system, with Chantilly High School, Centreville High School, Fairfax High School, and Westfield High School all scoring an A+ under Niches assessment criteria. 20 Cities with the Worst Weather in the U.S. How Eiza Gonzalez Achieved a Net Worth of $5 Million, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. Corolla/Currituck Beach. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Middleburg. Aesthetically, you couldnt ask for a prettier city than Richmond and with four fairly mild seasons, youll be able to enjoy the citys beauty year around without finding yourself too hot in the summertime nor freezing come winter. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. This small town is known for the Martinsville . You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. By Brie Dyas. Today, art is just as much a part of Richmond as its history is, tattoos can be spotted on hipster skin as frequent as murals on the citys walls and coffee and craft beer flow with as much ferocity as the James River. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. 14 Chincoteague. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. Vienna. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. For the residents, the booming tourist trade translates to an abundance of excellent recreational and leisure pursuits (including the famous Busch Gardens amusement park), a high median home value, excellent job opportunities, and a place at number 13 on our list. We are not at all surprised. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. . As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. Other than the excellent school system and abundance of local amenities, Purcellville residents enjoy both the 2nd highest median income ($128,017 per household) in the state and the 2nd lowest crime figures. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. Best Hotels & Resorts in Virginia: 12 Amazing Places to Stay, This Candy Store In Virginia Was Ripped Straight From The Pages Of A Fairytale, Discover A Little-Known Natural Wonder In Virginia On The 1.5-Mile Mountain Lake Trail, Drinks Are Served In The Coolest Setting At Gershwins, A 1920s-Themed Virginia Tavern, These 25 Towns In Virginia Have The Best Main Streets You Gotta Visit, Here Are The 11 Best Cities In Virginia To Retire, Staunton, Virginia Was Recently Named A Top Mountain Town By Southern Living Magazine, Youll Want To Spend More Time In This Historic Crabbing Town In Virginia, Greg Vassilakos (Own work) [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. In addition, what makes Virginia especially interesting is its military influence. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs. Sandbridge. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. When it comes to recognition, few things could be nicer than to be named one of Americas Happiest Seaside Towns. But thats exactly what Coastal Living called Smithfield in 2015. We know. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. The small-town feel: With a population of just over 1,000, Clifton has a strong sense of community, and the residents are committed to preserving the areas natural beauty. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as America's "Soft Crab Capital". The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. In an article by ALT Daily, a Norfolk native writes, People friend you on Facebook before connecting with you on LinkedIn, and when you meet new people, not every conversation begins with, So, what do you do for a living?. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Norfolk is also home to an impressive art scene and to a massive 220,000 square-foot art museum called the Chrysler Museum of Art. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. Median Home Value: $87,700. Abingdon, named after Martha Washingtons ancestral home in England, became a town in 1778 and today its historic downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the historic Barter Theatre, as well as galleries, museums, and markets. What's the average retirement income for 2022? Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. #10. For the time being, here are a few of the most charming towns in Virginia that have garnered national and statewide praise for their community, beauty, and all-around livability. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. Best Overall City - Arlington Cliff / flickr Matthew Hurst / flickr Arlington sits just at the border of Virginia and Washington, D.C. so it's no wonder this vibrant city scores so high in terms of things to do, economy and livability. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. Perfect for: Families who want to live on one income (surrounding counties) or young professionals who want to live in a historic town with a small-town feel (downtown). Every May, the town hosts the Heart of Virginia Festival, a festival where local businesses like Buffalo Creek Guitars come together with vendors and musicians from around the country to provide arts and crafts, traditional foods, music, and fireworks. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The remote island is only accessible by plane or boat, with a ferry bringing visitors from Onancock on the Eastern Shore and Reedville from the mainland, and the islands inhabitants travel Tangiers short series of roads by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. 2/15. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. #40 and #42. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Wed love to hear from you! If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. With that said, if youre wanting to call Virginia Beach home, you better be okay with maneuvering around tourists in the summertime, it comes with the territory of living in a vacation hot spot. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. The idea of kicking off your shoes after work and walking along the beach is pretty appealing to us and we imagine it is to you too. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a master's degree or higher, 34% have a bachelor's degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. Arlington. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. The charming downtown area includes art museums and a pedestrian mall, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer all the outdoor recreation you could want. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Dont say we didnt warn you. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. What about it do you like most? . But along with the charmingly quaint historic communities of Williamsburg and Chantilly, youll find enough vibrant, fast-paced, hedonistic destinations to please even the most forward-thinking city slicker. With excellent public amenities, a host of groups and organizations to join, a cost of living 7% below the national average, low-cost housing, a temperate climate, and some of the lowest crime numbers in the States, theres every reason in the world to understand why this quaint mountain town made it to Forbes Best Places to Retire for three years in a trot. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. As Niche notes, most residents are highly educated (21% have a masters degree or higher, 31% have a bachelors degree, and a further 23% have a college or associates degree), while those that havent yet completed their education stand a very good chance of progressing to the same level thanks to an excellent, well-funded school system that comprises of such well regarded schools as Loudoun County High School, Evergreen Elementary School, and Heritage High School. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Topsail Island. Weve said it before and well say it again. Best North Carolina Beaches. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. 18. Founded in 1732, this lovely little town in the Shenandoah Valley offers historic architecture, culture, and a friendly down-home atmosphere that makes its place in the rankings well-deserved. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Local tip: Summer means root-beer floats at Durding's Store (5742 N. Main St.; 410-778-7957), an old-time ice-cream parlor in a building that dates to the 1870s. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. Come Visit! In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. If youre in the mood for a little adventure, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard from Burnham Guides, located in the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. $102,227 17. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. 3/15. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Required fields are marked *. With relatively low taxes, a moderate climate, plenty of beaches, and easy access to much of the East Coast, Virginia is a great place to retire or raise a family. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. Ogunquit, Maine. Winchester. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. And, as always, if you find yourself needing a helping hand as youre packing for your big move, dont hesitate to give us a call. Not to mention, events like the Neptune Festival bring over 500,000 people to the city every year to spend time outside on Virginias beautiful coastline. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. Here, we take a look at the best places to live in Virginia: whether youre a 20 something millennial or a 60 something baby boomer, youd be thrilled to call any one of these 20 hotspots your home. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. If youre convinced enough of Viennas merits to make it your next home, youd better start saving: thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the town, its average property price stands at a hefty $662,200. These watermen have been working the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay for generations, and their deep roots are apparent in the unique dialect spoken on the island, a form of English not heard anywhere else in the world. And, while the resort city will certainly have plenty of vacationers laying out on one of its massive public beaches, locals know some nice quiet spots where you wont see a tourist anywhere in sight. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Dinner Recipes. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. 100. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 1. Pelican Beach, Destin. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there.