Coastal Plain. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. Dont say we didnt warn you. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. The idea of kicking off your shoes after work and walking along the beach is pretty appealing to us and we imagine it is to you too. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Portland, Maine. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. 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. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. 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. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Cape May, New Jersey. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. 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 Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? 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. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. The University of Virginia. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. 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. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. 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. Your email address will not be published. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. 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. #5 Places with the Best Public Schools in Virginia Blacksburg Town in Virginia 184 reviews Current Resident: Blacksburg is a classic small town with a lot of local businesses and restaurants to support. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) With relatively low taxes, a moderate climate, plenty of beaches, and easy access to much of the East Coast, Virginia is a great place to retire or raise a family. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. 2. Population. 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. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . 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. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. 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. 13 years ago. 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". Arlington. Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 126 Metro Population: 18,657,347 Median Home Price: $527,818 Average Annual Salary: $57,373 Los Angeles attracts many people for reasons other than access to the beach, but the proximity to the coast and warm, sunny weather year-round doesn't count against it. 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. Median Home Value: $87,700. Middleburg. 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 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. 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. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 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. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. 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. Middleburg. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. So why the popularity? In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. 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. 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. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. This suburb of Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to retire in Virginia for those who like access to shops and restaurants. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. 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. 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. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is 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. 6. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. 100. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. 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. Luray. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. 7). 1. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Another great kayaking trip is the Paddle Your Glass Off tour, a guided paddling expedition through the Bay waters to Chatham Vineyards, where youll take a scenic break for a little wine tasting. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. 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. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. In addition, what makes Virginia especially interesting is its military influence. To narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, we looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. As to number 3 where do you start? 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. 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. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. 18. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? Your email address will not be published. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Beaufort. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. 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. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. 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. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. 6.3 Desirability. 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. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 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. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. The waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . If you want to live in one of the best beach towns in the U.S. with tons of unique shops, art galleries on every corner, beaches you can relax on, and restaurants to fit any food mood, then living in Laguna Beach might be perfect for you! It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? 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. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. These beautiful animals were made famous in the book and subsequent movie, Misty of Chincoteague, and the town houses a museum that tells the true story behind the ponies. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Dinner Recipes. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 2022 2. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. 6.4 Quality of Life. Oak Island. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. In the past, weve highlighted hidden gems like Chattanooga and Austin as places we recommend calling home for their breadth of opportunity, affordability, hip funky culture and loads of entertainment. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. 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. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? 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. 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. Norfolk is a great place for families. 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. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. 46.5" 15. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. 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. 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. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. 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?. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Its transforming. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. Come Visit! Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. 1. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. #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. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. The end result? Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. While the en This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. 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. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Chincoteague is an island town on Virginia's northeast side that boasts a more straightforward way of life with well-manicured streets and unspoiled natural environments. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. 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. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. 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. But along with the charmingly quaint historic communities of Williamsburg and Chantilly, youll find enough vibrant, fast-paced, hedonistic destinations to please even the most forward-thinking city slicker. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. 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). 1. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. 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. Save. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot.