And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. From the beautiful corners of Southwest Virginia to the far Eastern Shore, youll find some of the best and most beautiful small towns in Virginia. 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. This small town is known for the Martinsville . Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. While the word "literally" is often used incorrectly, in this case, Farmville sits just south of the geographic center of the state, meaning that it is "literally" in the heart of Virginia. The stunning James River actually runs through the city and during the spring, summer and fall months, residents can be seen swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking in it. Although it only takes up 6 blocks and boasts a population under 1,000, this town is packed with history and surrounded by some of the most beautiful horse-country anywhere in the nation. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. The best neighborhoods to live in Alexandria include those listed below: Taylor Run (Average Home Value: $275,000 to $1+ million) Taylor Run is an attractive area for families and young professionals with parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Median Home Value: $87,700. #3 Best Places to Live in Virginia Colonial Village Neighborhood in Arlington, VA A+ Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,895 View nearby homes Randolph-Macon Academy Front Royal, VA Private School 6-12 168 reviews Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. This makes it a fabulous place to live, visit and vacation with all its small towns and cities offering up something new, old and interesting to enjoy. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Sandbridge Beach 1,472 Beaches By HERE-AND-THERE-302 Excellent parking, good price, super sand, clean beach, great waves, family oriented, bath rooms, shower, perfect day. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. 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. We know. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Located a stone's throw away from Charlottesville, this beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. Portland, Maine. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. 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 median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. 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. The small town draws visitors looking for a quiet coastal beach experience as well as space travel enthusiasts, as the NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, NASAs primary facility for suborbital missions, is just south of the island. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% The location: Clifton is close enough to Washington DC for a quick commute but far enough away that you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Best North Carolina Beaches. This sleepy coastal town is well known for sport fishing, bringing enthusiasts from around the world to fish in the vast and plentiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 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. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. Today, Chincoteague (and sister island, Assateague) is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This isnt to say its a youngsters playground only- the excellent economy, great schools, booming job market, high home values, low crime rates and abundance of things to see and do make Arlington as equally popular with seniors and families as it is with millennials. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Its worth mentioning that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit, so while weve provided a list of some of the best towns in Virginia, its by no means an exhaustive list. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. 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. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Average Annual Rainfall. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The city is changing. 13 years ago. If you need any more convincing as to why this suburb of Arlington deserves a place on our list, why not try its low crime rate, excellent walkability, and abundance of local amenities for size? We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. 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. 2022 2. Living in Norfolk is roughly half of what it costs to live in Washington D.C. A one bedroom spot in Washington D.C. is going to cost you about $2,000, whereas a one bedroom in Norfolk is going run just $1,000/month. The city has a population of around 24,000 and is known for its historic downtown district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. With excellent outdoor activities on its doorstep (including excellent hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, winter skiing and snow-tubing opportunities at Shenandoah National Park) and an abundance of first-class restaurants, boutiques, wineries, and other recreational pursuits, we anticipate an even higher position on our list for the popular town in the years to come. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. 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. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Moving Company Costs Explained. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Granted, Richmond may not be the best for families or seniors, but if youre an up and coming member of Generation Y, youll find its vibrant nightlife, affordable housing, excellent job prospects (at the last count, the city was home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, while the government, finance, and higher education sectors all offer some exceptional job prospects), stunning parks and excellent transportation network combine to make a very attractive proposition indeed. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. Norfolk is a great place for families. Chincoteague, Virginia. 6.4 Quality of Life. 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. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? Kayakers learn about aquaculture practices and tour a working clam farm, then hand pick their own clams straight from the Bay waters to sample the tasty results. 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. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Providing you dont have a pointy hat, a broomstick, and a black cat at your heels, youre likely to be left spellbound by the pretty little city of Salem. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. First settled in the 1700s, Chincoteague gained the spotlight in the late 1940s with the publication of Misty of Chincoteague, a story about one of the islands now-famous wild ponies. 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. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. That might be true, but even great leaders can get tired of low salaries, high living costs, and kids whod rather be anywhere else, Read More The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S.Continue, Life as a single mom isnt always easy. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. Arlington. 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. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. With its impressive variety of landscapes, countless activities, adventures to be had, food to be eaten, and memories to be made, Virginia is a true gem. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. More interested in shopping? The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. 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. What's the average retirement income for 2022? 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. . A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. So why the popularity? 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. Middleburg. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . But theres also gorgeous landscapes, sprawling metropolises, and a lot of very friendly folk who, Read More The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in WisconsinContinue, People have different criteria when choosing where to live, depending on their lifestyle, personal preference, stage of life, and employment. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. With just 4.1% unemployment, a poverty rate of 4.9%, a median home value of $394,000, a median income of $105,844, and a healthy population of 51,012, the historic town of Leesburg makes it to 6th place position on our list. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. Being that Norfolk is surrounded by the sea, legend has it that mermaids would actually guide battle-weary sailors back to safety after a war at sea. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Incorporated in 1810 and named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County was listed as the 8th highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Perhaps one of the most unique areas within the state of Virginia is the town of Luray, which houses Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the East Coast. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Need further convincing? The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. The waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. While the Nutmeg State may not be known first and foremost as a beach destination, vacationers and house hunters will be delighted to see the selection it has by the water. The jailhouse and courthouse that served as the earliest beginnings of the town in 1790 have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident), and original jail cells. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Its an exciting metamorphosis that can be felt in the air and heard in passing conversation at trendy coffee shops and breweries like Lamplighter and The Veil. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Look it up. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. Los Angeles. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Floridaand all have. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. The end result? 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 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. 4/15. Luray, VA. 4,842. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. And then theres schooling, safety, job opportunities, and more, Read More The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in EuropeContinue, Theres more to Wisconsin than cheese curds. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. . Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. Radford. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history