Several! A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Wrightsville Beach. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. Thanks to an excellent job market, two of Virginias most famous malls (Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center for the uninitiated), a close to zero crime rate, excellent schools, and a buzzing nightlife, the residents of Tysons Corner are only too aware theyre sitting on real estate dynamite. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. 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. Chincoteague, Virginia. 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. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. South Beach, Daytona and Myrtle Beach have their perks but these small towns, nominated for Best Coastal Small Town, offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas . 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 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. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Winchester. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . 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. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. 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. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Ogunquit, Maine. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. 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 best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. 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. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. While its median home price of $383,900 is half that of other prime locations such as Venice (more on which coming up), its close proximity to Mason Neck State Park, the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Pohick Bay Regional Park guarantees its residents the kind of overdoor lifestyle other towns would kill for. 6.3 Desirability. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. This is our ninth time ranking the best small 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. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. One quick Google search will lead you to hundreds of images depicting a bustling river, tall buildings sprouting up between thick green leafy trees and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. . The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. 6.4 Quality of Life. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and affordable place to live or retirees looking for a quiet and beautiful town to spend their golden years. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Learn how your comment data is processed. The end result? 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. 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. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The crime rate is so low as to be almost non-existent, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 2.9%, while the school system is one of the best in the state. Look it up. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. 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. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Luray, VA. 4,842. If you want to join the happy little community, dont expect much change from $379,900 for a single-family home- living in a town this desirable comes with a hefty price tag. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. 13 years ago. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. 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. Whether you visit a small town for outdoor loversor head to the best foodie destinations, Virginias charming small towns welcome you to discover a unique vacation experience. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a famous town in VA and one of the unique places for the best weekend getaways in Virginia. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. 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). Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. $171,800.0. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. 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. Wachapreague is a tiny Victorian-era town with a population of only 200 permanent residents, and is surrounded by farmland, woods, water, and some of the only undeveloped wetlands and barrier islands in the Mid-Atlantic. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. With a live theater, award-winning restaurants, local artists, craftsmen, sculptors, actors, dancers, musicians, and glassblowers, there's no shortage of things to see and do. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. 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. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. Best North Carolina Beaches. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). 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. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. 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. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. 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. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. 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. 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. Portland, Maine. Oak Island. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. (oh, and by way of introduction, were Bellhop movers in Virginia and particularly Richmond movers, Arlington movers, Alexandria movers, Fairfax movers, and movers throughout the country). Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. 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. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Median Home Value: $87,700. Thanks to its easy proximity to the states capital, Viennas lucky residents get to enjoy all the joys of the big city while raising their kids in a safe, peaceful environment. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. Charleston, SC. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Dont say we didnt warn you. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. In 2nd place position with a population of 5,906, a median home value of $209,200, and an unemployment rate of 3.3% is the diminutive Bridgewater. Virginia Beach. Radford. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. 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. Some of these places are very pricey! Kilmarnock! The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in Europe, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin, The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New England, A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up, How Zac Stacy Achieved a Net Worth of $6 Million. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home, Ferry Farm. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Situated on the border of Virginia and Washington, the vibrant atmosphere of Arlington makes it a hugely attractive proposition to Virginias new wave of bright young things. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. For lake living you can look at Moneta and Huddleston, both near Smith Mountain Lake. 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. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Middleburg Historic District, made up of many beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Red Fox Inn. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. 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. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. 17. Thats roughly 165 a day. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. 10. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Whether you're a history buff, art collector, wine enthusiast, beer aficionado, hiking lover, ghost hunter, bargain shopper, or anything in between, you'll find that Virginia has exactly what you're looking for. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide), Be a part of the renaissance taking place in Richmond, Soak up the sun and splash in the waves at Virginia Beach, The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide), Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL (2022), Why Moving is So Stressful (And 3 Things You Can Do About It). Eastern Shore. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. 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. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. If youre looking for somewhere that manages to combine highly rated schools, striking Victorian architecture, an almost nonexistent crime rate, a family friendly environment, and excellent civic amenities with supremely affordable house prices, you may want to take a closer look at the charming little town of Bon Air in Chesterfield Country. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. Corolla/Currituck Beach. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. 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. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. What about it do you like most? Vienna. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Middleburg. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Norfolk is a great place for families. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. 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. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. 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. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. 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". Springfield, Massachusetts Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117 Metro Population: 698,537 Median Home Price: $333,741 Average Annual Salary: $55,710 Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices.