Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 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. Connecticut has 96 miles (618 miles according to the NOAA) of idyllic New England shoreline, complete with small islands, lighthouses, and top East Coast beach towns. Its worth mentioning that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit, so while weve provided a list of some of the best towns in Virginia, its by no means an exhaustive list. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) . This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. 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. We are not at all surprised. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. If youre convinced enough of Viennas merits to make it your next home, youd better start saving: thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the town, its average property price stands at a hefty $662,200. Get more stories delivered right to your email. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Is Virginia a good place to retire? The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. 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. 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. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. 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. 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. 2/15. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. 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. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. Sandbridge. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. With its impressive variety of landscapes, countless activities, adventures to be had, food to be eaten, and memories to be made, Virginia is a true gem. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. 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. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. 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. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. 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. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. 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). The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . $171,800.0. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. 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. 1. 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. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. Emerald Isle. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 100. 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. 17. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. 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. 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. 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. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. 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. 1. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Vienna. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Come Visit! The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. The stunning James River actually runs through the city and during the spring, summer and fall months, residents can be seen swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking in it. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 1. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. 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. Dinner Recipes. Other than the excellent school system and abundance of local amenities, Purcellville residents enjoy both the 2nd highest median income ($128,017 per household) in the state and the 2nd lowest crime figures. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. 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. Luray. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. 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. 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. 5.9 Job Market. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. 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. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Pelican Beach, Destin. 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. The city is changing. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Its transforming. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. . 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. Median Income: $81,263. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). 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. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. 18. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Potomac Shores Potomac Shores, VA Named the 2016 Community of the Year, this award-winning waterfront destination sits on the shores of the historic Potomac River, and is one of the best coastal towns in Virginia. 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! These are river towns and not very touristy at all. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia.