Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. With a population of just over 8,000, this charming small town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the start (or finish, depending on your direction) of the. While the en The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. 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. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. 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. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The 10 Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach - Money Inc 1. 3/15. . With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. 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. Rock Hall. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. 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. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 The Best Places to Live By the Beach in the U.S. - Yahoo! News The end result? The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. 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. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Best Places to Live or Retire in Virginia - VA Cities & Regions 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. 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! Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. Virginia has the 11th highest per-capita income in America, and it homes four of the 10 wealthiest U.S. counties: Loudoun County, Falls Church City and Fairfax County (scooped first three positions based on survey by Code Black Group), as well as Arlington County (No. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. 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. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history 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. The close-knit residents of this easy-going town are known for their community spirit, which is out on full display every year at the charmingly quirky Herndon Festival. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Thank you! 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. The Most Beautiful Towns in Virginia - Culture Trip Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Learn more about the, Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon has been listed as #5 on CitiesJournals Top 14 Small Towns in Virginia, #5 on Frommers Top Small Towns and Villages in Virginia, and one of USA Todays Best Southern Small Towns in the U.S. nominees. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. 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. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. Portland, Maine. Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Charleston, SC. Learn how your comment data is processed. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. 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. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Residents benefit from a booming economy, an unemployment rate of 3.6%, a health-conscious culture, and the lowest tax rate in the Hampton Roads region. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 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. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 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. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. 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. 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. 4/15. What about it do you like most? Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. 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. Vienna. Features. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. 15 Best Places to Live in Virginia - The Crazy Tourist Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. 10 Best Cities to Retire in Virginia in 2023 - Retirable The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Middleburg. Welcome to Virginia Beach. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. 5/15 . Here are the best places to live in Virginia. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. 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. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia - SmartAsset Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Come Visit! Save. We know. Luray, VA. 4,842. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. 18. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. #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. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 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. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. 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. 1. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. The city is changing. Perfect for: Families who want a close-knit community feel or nature lovers who want to live in a beautiful setting. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. 10 best coastal small towns across the United States - USA TODAY 10Best 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 best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. 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. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. 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. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. Virginia Beach. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). 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 8 Best Beaches in Virginia for Avoiding Crowds - Livability 20 Cities with the Worst Weather in the U.S. How Eiza Gonzalez Achieved a Net Worth of $5 Million, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. THE 10 BEST Virginia Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Ogunquit, Maine. 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. 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. . Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. $102,227 17. 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. #10. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? Moving to Virginia | Living in Virginia - Livability Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. The 25 best places to live on the East Coast in 2021-2022 Radford. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. The 12 Best Small Towns in Virginia to Add to Your Travel List Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) Your email address will not be published. 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. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. 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. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Median Annual Income. 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. The 10 Best Places To Live In Virginia For 2022 - HomeSnacks By Brie Dyas. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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 . Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Arlington. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. 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. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. We are not at all surprised. Virginia Beach, VA - Niche The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Best Beach Towns To Live In On The East Coast 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. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? 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. Vote- Best Coastal Small Town Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. 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. There are towns and then there are small towns. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. 1. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. 11 Charming Small Towns You Need to Explore On Your - Washingtonian To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. 25 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S. | Far & Wide Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. 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. 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. 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. 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. Oak Island. 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. With all of these favorable factors considered, it's easy to see why Virginia is frequently recognized as one of the best places to live or retire in the Southeast. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. Best Places To Live In Virginia In 2023: Top 5 Old Dominion Cities If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. 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. 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. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. 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. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. 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. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. 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. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk.