7). Recognized by Only in Your State as one of the best places in Virginia for millennials, Virginia Beachs vibrant urban atmosphere, ample activities, shopping opportunities, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural events make it just as big a draw to the old as it is to the young. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. 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. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. Emerald Isle. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Grab a bit to eat at either the Inn Garden Caf Restaurant (which is also a charming bed and breakfast), or Mallards at the Wharf, the only waterfront restaurant in Onancock. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. 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. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. 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. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! 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. 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. 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. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. 13 years ago. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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 downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? 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. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. 4.9 Net Migration. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Love Virginia? Winchester. 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. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. 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. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Wrightsville Beach. If youre looking for somewhere that manages to combine highly rated schools, striking Victorian architecture, an almost nonexistent crime rate, a family friendly environment, and excellent civic amenities with supremely affordable house prices, you may want to take a closer look at the charming little town of Bon Air in Chesterfield Country. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. 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. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. 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. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Ocracoke Island. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Easton 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. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. 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. 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%. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. 3/15. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Your email address will not be published. When not underground in the caves,. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. 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. 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. 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. The towns most popular place to dine is the Wachapreague Island House Restaurant, and for an overnight stay you can either book a room at the Wachapreague Inn or travel just a few miles up the road to the Garrison Bed & Breakfast. 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. With excellent public amenities, a host of groups and organizations to join, a cost of living 7% below the national average, low-cost housing, a temperate climate, and some of the lowest crime numbers in the States, theres every reason in the world to understand why this quaint mountain town made it to Forbes Best Places to Retire for three years in a trot. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. 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. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. #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. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. 100. What's the average retirement income for 2022? People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. 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?. 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. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Population: 23,204 Home Price: $1,390,500 median purchase price; $2,028 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of cities in the U.S. 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. 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". Rich with history, this small town was once home to the Cherokee Nation and by the mid-18th century, had been explored by the likes of William Byrd and Daniel Boone. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? Retirables retirement calculator helps to project how much monthly retirement income your retirement nest egg can produce while ensuring your savings last as long as you need. 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. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. 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. 1. Middleburg. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Median Home Value: $87,700. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Rock Hall. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. Look it up. 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. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . 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. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. 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. Your email address will not be published. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. 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. . We are not at all surprised. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. That depends on your budget and preferences. Wed love to hear from you! Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. 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 large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. But, more specifically, its for the individual that wants access to beautiful beaches, while still getting to enjoy all four seasons (without freezing to death in the winter). Chincoteague, Virginia. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. More interested in shopping? 5.4 Value. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . 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. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. Radford. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and affordable place to live or retirees looking for a quiet and beautiful town to spend their golden years. 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. 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. 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. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. 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. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. 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. 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. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. 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. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. Why its one of the best places to live in Virginia: The scenery: Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 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. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. While the word "literally" is often used incorrectly, in this case, Farmville sits just south of the geographic center of the state, meaning that it is "literally" in the heart of Virginia. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Some of these places are very pricey! More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. 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. We know. 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. 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. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. 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. 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. 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. 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. Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. 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. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Re: smaller coastal towns. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. 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. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. Sandbridge. 6.4 Quality of Life. Updated: Jan 16, 2020. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. 2/15. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. 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. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. 2. 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. Cape May, New Jersey. The University of Virginia. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small 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. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. Eastern Shore. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. 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.