Love Virginia? Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Founded in 1680 as Port Scarborough, it has been called the Coolest Town in the South by Budget Travel and the #1 Small Town in Virginia by CitiesJournal.com. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 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? Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. Moving to Virginia | Living in Virginia - Livability Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. 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. 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. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. 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. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. 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. The 20 Best Places to Live in Virginia - Money Inc 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. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. 2/15. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. 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. 3/15. The 25 best places to live on the East Coast in 2021-2022 Best Beach Towns To Live In On The East Coast 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN 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 . Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. 2022 Best Places to Live in Virginia - Niche 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. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. 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. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. 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. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina Beaches. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? Portland, Maine. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Luray. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? Portland, Maine. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 14 Best North Carolina Beaches | U.S. News Travel 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. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. Virginia Beach. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . Corolla/Currituck Beach. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. 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. Combine that with low unemployment (just 3.9% at the last count), low poverty (5.8%), and an above-average median income of $70,863, and its easy to understand why incomers are happy to lay down $312,400 for a property in this highly desirable community. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. 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. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . 46.5" 15. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Vienna. Wed love to hear from you! The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Its transforming. 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. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. Virginia Beach. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. 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. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. The 30 most charming beach towns in the USA - TravelMag 15 Best Places to Live in Virginia - The Crazy Tourist 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. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. The housing and rent is affordable for young professionals raising kids and with being a short drive from Virginia Beach and Washington D.C., youll never run out of things to do with your kiddos. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? Martinsville. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . 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. What about it do you like most? Cape May, New Jersey. The 10 Best Small Towns In Virginia For 2022 - HomeSnacks Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. 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 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. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. 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! Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). 1. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. Springfield, Massachusetts Best Places 2022-2023 Rank: 117 Metro Population: 698,537 Median Home Price: $333,741 Average Annual Salary: $55,710 Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield is. Next: 10. Eastern Shore. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. 17. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. 6. 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. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. 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. 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. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. . The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs. 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). Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. 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. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. Wrightsville Beach. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state.