More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Considered one of the. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Arlington. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. 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. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 2/15. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Despite competing with the best of them when it comes to amenities, Bon Airs property prices are among the lowest on our list, with the average cost of a three-bedroom single-family home standing at a very reasonable $212,900. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. 2022 2. 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. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Located a stone's throw away from Charlottesville, this beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. 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. 1. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. 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. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! 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. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. . Corolla/Currituck Beach. Come Visit! Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. 100. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. Median Annual Income. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. 6.4 Quality of Life. 46.5" 15. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. Dont say we didnt warn you. The city is changing. 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. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Sandbridge. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Situated on the border of Virginia and Washington, the vibrant atmosphere of Arlington makes it a hugely attractive proposition to Virginias new wave of bright young things. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. 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. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? And its no wonder. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. 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. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. Then get saving. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This small town is known for the Martinsville . Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Virginia and we would love to help! The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. 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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 6.3 Desirability. 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. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. 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. Wed love to hear from you! View Full Report Card. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. As to number 3 where do you start? 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. Median Home Value: $87,700. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. 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. 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. 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. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 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. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. 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. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Piedmont. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. . What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. 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. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Me, just bought a teensy spot outside Boydton, n am SO excited not only about that, but the many upcoming adventures both in the County, and Coast feel very privileged to become a Virginia resident, a State with such a rich history and the folks who live here their stateSmiles to you ALL! 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. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. 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. Some of these places are very pricey! If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. 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. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Its a city for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs looking to escape the big bustling cities and replace it with a hidden gem with plenty of historic charm in the midst of a renaissance. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. 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. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . 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%. Your email address will not be published. Norfolk is a great place for families. 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. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Martinsville. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. 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. 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. Radford. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as Americas Soft Crab Capital. 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. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. The University of Virginia. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . Vienna. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. 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. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . 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. 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. 3. Hanalei Bay, HI (Photo: Eli Duke via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0) Hawaii has enough charming beach towns to fill out this entire list twice over but Hanalei is in a league of its own. Dinner Recipes. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. $51,747.0. 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. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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 . Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. There are towns and then there are small towns. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. #40 and #42. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining.