And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. 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?. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. With a crime rate thats among the lowest in Virginia, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, a close-knit community of 13,843, and a median income of $114,795, Falls Church scores exceptionally well across the board. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. 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 state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% . According to Home Snacks, the small town has the lowest level of poverty of any independent city or county in the United States which may explain why its residents can expect a massive $742,000 in property price from any newcomer looking to enjoy the towns attractions. Next: 10. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. 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. 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. 5/15 . The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. The only ferry to Tangier Island from the shore departs from Onancock, giving you access to yet another incredible small town on the Eastern Shore. Studded with awe-inspiring landscapes, crammed with wildlife, and blessed with some of the most diverse, vibrant cities on the continent, it offers, Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in South AfricaContinue, They say that behind every good teacher is a great leader. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. Thats roughly 165 a day. 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. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. (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). In fact, out of a list of 300 of the most populated cities in the, Read More The 20 Safest Places to Live in MarylandContinue, South Africa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. As to number 3 where do you start? 100. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Come Visit! 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. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Arlington. Kailua, Hawaii. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Oak Island. #10. The historic downtown offers an array of specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and more, along with a surprisingly large selection of local restaurants and cafes. 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. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. 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. 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. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. 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. 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. 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. Hanalei Bay, HI (Photo: Eli Duke via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0) Hawaii has enough charming beach towns to fill out this entire list twice over but Hanalei is in a league of its own. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. 3. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. Vienna. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. 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. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. 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. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 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. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. 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. The end result? Staunton is no stranger to praise. Welcome to Virginia Beach. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. 6.3 Desirability. 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. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. This experience has given me a lot of knowledge in what questions to ask when selecting a mover and how to prepare for a move. Portland, Maine. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. 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 . Luray. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Corolla/Currituck Beach. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. 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. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. 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. 2/15. Considered one of the. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. View Full Report Card. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. Need further convincing? 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. As it notes, most of the citys 45,084 strong population comprises of highly educated young professionals (thanks, no doubt, to it being the home of the illustrious University of Virginia, which over the years has educated everyone from Edgar Allan Po to Tina Fey), many of whom are activity engaged in the kind of civic causes that are turning Charlottesville into one the states most desirable destinations. Over 60,000 veterans live in Virginia Beach and the city is home to Naval Air Station Oceana which is responsible for over 60,000 military take-offs and landings each year. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Its transforming. Los Angeles. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. We went with our fur baby and had fun. 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. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. Me, just bought a teensy spot outside Boydton, n am SO excited not only about that, but the many upcoming adventures both in the County, and Coast feel very privileged to become a Virginia resident, a State with such a rich history and the folks who live here their stateSmiles to you ALL! Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. Median Annual Income. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. What's the average retirement income for 2022? Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . Low crime rates, high levels of well-being, excellent walkability, fair tax rates, a good healthcare system, and some exceptional schools are among the many reasons Alexandria ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Virginia. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. 14 Chincoteague. Named from an Algonquian Indian word meaning "at the end of the water, the town was founded in 1765 with the construction of grist mills and tobacco warehouses. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? The poverty rate may be slightly higher than some of our other entries (although at 8.0%, its still lower than the national average), but with a low unemployment rate of 5.3%, a median income of $70,500, and a median home value of $267,300, its fair to say the majority of residents are in no danger of feeling the pinch any time soon. . Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. 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. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. 18. . Bald Head Island. Where to Stay/Eat: Stay in the downtown area at the Hotel Cape Charlesor The Bay Haven Inn and get a taste of the local seafood at either The Shanty or the Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, followed by a little dessert at Brown Dog Ice Cream. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. 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. 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. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. Beaufort. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. 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 University of Virginia. 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. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. 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. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! 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. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. Median Income: $81,263. Between Richmonds aesthetic and agreeable weather, it has quickly become a hotspot for millennials looking to escape the big city life without missing out on big city opportunity. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. The history: Alexandria is home to some of the most historical sites in the state, including George Washingtons birthplace and Mount Vernon, the home of Americas first president. 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. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in 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. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Book a tour or rent a kayak to journey through Wachateagues waters with Daytrippers, where youll explore the adjacent barrier islands, dig for clams, or try your hand at fishing. 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. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. 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. 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. 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). The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. Dont say we didnt warn you. 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. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Is Virginia a good place to retire? 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. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. Kilmarnock! 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. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home, Ferry Farm. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. $102,227 17. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. 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. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. 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. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed.