2/15. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Kayakers learn about aquaculture practices and tour a working clam farm, then hand pick their own clams straight from the Bay waters to sample the tasty results. 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. 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. . You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. 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. 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. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Eastern Shore. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. Coastal Plain. 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. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. 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. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. 18. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? Perfect for: Families who want a close-knit community feel or nature lovers who want to live in a beautiful setting. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Learn how your comment data is processed. Best beach towns in Virginia - 010110010101101 - Shutterstock But the Commonwealth is also home to many beach towns that are, more or less, beach cities, like Norfolk and VA Beach. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in 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. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Although it only takes up 6 blocks and boasts a population under 1,000, this town is packed with history and surrounded by some of the most beautiful horse-country anywhere in the nation. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. 1. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. 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. Ocracoke Island. 5.4 Value. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. In 2nd place position with a population of 5,906, a median home value of $209,200, and an unemployment rate of 3.3% is the diminutive Bridgewater. 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. Perfect for retirees or anyone looking for culture combined with a low cost of living. 7). 3/15. This sleepy coastal town is well known for sport fishing, bringing enthusiasts from around the world to fish in the vast and plentiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 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. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. 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. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. Radford. 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. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Your email address will not be published. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. 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. With that said, if youre wanting to call Virginia Beach home, you better be okay with maneuvering around tourists in the summertime, it comes with the territory of living in a vacation hot spot. Its an exciting metamorphosis that can be felt in the air and heard in passing conversation at trendy coffee shops and breweries like Lamplighter and The Veil. 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. The small-town feel: With a population of just over 1,000, Clifton has a strong sense of community, and the residents are committed to preserving the areas natural beauty. Median Annual Income. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 2. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). Winchester. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Cape May, New Jersey. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. 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. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. 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. 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? Here are the best places to live in Virginia. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. Regent University. 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. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. 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. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! The University of Virginia. 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. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Topsail Island. 13 years ago. 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.