Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Look it up. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. Pelican Beach, Destin. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. 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 . Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. 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. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as Americas Soft Crab Capital. Rich with history, this small town was once home to the Cherokee Nation and by the mid-18th century, had been explored by the likes of William Byrd and Daniel Boone. Virginia Beach. 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. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. 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. Charleston, SC. Martinsville. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. 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. Radford. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. 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. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. 158,309 16. The historic town square may only cover six square blocks, but it is home to over 100 shops and restaurants, making Occoquan a small town with big-town convenience. Required fields are marked *. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. 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. Despite its tiny size, Bridgewater has more to its name than many towns twice its size, with enough by way of leisure and recreational facilities to keep even the most demanding city slicker happy. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. Monterey is ripe for niche tourism, with beautiful country homes, old churches, nearby hiking trails and the annual Highland Maple Festival, which takes place each March. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. 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. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Best beach towns in Virginia - 010110010101101 - Shutterstock But the Commonwealth is also home to many beach towns that are, more or less, beach cities, like Norfolk and VA Beach. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. . The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. 6.4 Quality of Life. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Moving Company Costs Explained. 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. Located next to High Bridge Trail State Park and home to Longwood University, one of the nations oldest public institutions, Farmville is filled with history, quaint charm, friendly people, and high quality of life. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Topsail Island. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. 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. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. 4. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Retirables retirement calculator helps to project how much monthly retirement income your retirement nest egg can produce while ensuring your savings last as long as you need. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. Norfolk is a great place for families. The charming town of Chantilly in Fairfax County is home to just under 24,000 people, all of whom can expect low crime rates, a smorgasbord of local attractions (including the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, the Sully Plantation, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center), great schools, an above-average median household income, and an almost permanent place on any compilation of the best place to live in Virginia. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. . Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. Some of them are right on the coast where in the summertime you can literally kick off your dress shoes after work and go for a walk along the beach. 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. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Easton 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. 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. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Arlington. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. #10. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. Despite competing with the best of them when it comes to amenities, Bon Airs property prices are among the lowest on our list, with the average cost of a three-bedroom single-family home standing at a very reasonable $212,900. Emerald Isle. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Thats roughly 165 a day. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. 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). . North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. $171,800.0. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Already called one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and Frommers, TheCultureTrip.com has named it the Most Beautiful Small Town in Virginia as well. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. 6. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Staunton provides culture a-plenty with sites like the American Shakespeare Center and The Frontier Culture Museum and offers no shortage of sensational specialty shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities. 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. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 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? She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? 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. Thank you! It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a masters degree or higher, 34% have a bachelors degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. 18. 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. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 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. Los Angeles. Recognized by Only in Your State as one of the best places in Virginia for millennials, Virginia Beachs vibrant urban atmosphere, ample activities, shopping opportunities, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural events make it just as big a draw to the old as it is to the young. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Is Virginia a good place to retire? 17. Regardless of the other factors people consider, everyone has a budget to which they must, Read More The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New EnglandContinue. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and friendly town to raise their children or young professionals who want to live near a large university. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Oak Island. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. A small Atlantic island tucked away on the northeastern corner of Virginias Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is best known for the wild ponies found in the bordering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Median Home Value: $87,700. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Kailua, Hawaii. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. 3/15. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! 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. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. 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. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. 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. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. 1. 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. 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. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. 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. Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and only 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, it provides a perfect blend of new and old, urban and historical. 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. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. 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. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home, Ferry Farm. 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. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Come Visit! With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. 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. When not underground in the caves . Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Your email address will not be published. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active.