Ocracoke Island. 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. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. Love Virginia? Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. 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. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. 10 Best Beach Towns in Virginia (for Your Bucket List!) Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? 14 Chincoteague. The city has a population of around 24,000 and is known for its historic downtown district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. 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. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). The 11 best coastal cities to live in after the pandemic - Business Insider The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. Best Places To Live In Virginia In 2023: Top 5 Old Dominion Cities If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. From the beautiful corners of Southwest Virginia to the far Eastern Shore, youll find some of the best and most beautiful small towns in Virginia. Wrightsville Beach. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. Named from an Algonquian Indian word meaning "at the end of the water, the town was founded in 1765 with the construction of grist mills and tobacco warehouses. 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. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. 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. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. Rock Hall. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. We know. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 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. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. 4. 6. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. 7 Best Beach Towns in America | Extra Space Storage History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. What's the average retirement income for 2022? So why the popularity? Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia The 10 Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach - Money Inc Pelican Beach, Destin. Not to mention, events like the Neptune Festival bring over 500,000 people to the city every year to spend time outside on Virginias beautiful coastline. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Where Black Americans Fare Best Economically - 2021 Study 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. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Staunton provides culture a-plenty with sites like the American Shakespeare Center and The Frontier Culture Museum and offers no shortage of sensational specialty shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. There are towns and then there are small towns. 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. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). 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. Your email address will not be published. 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). Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. What is your favorite small town? Three Virginia towns make the top The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. 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. 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. 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. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide) - Bellhop Save. Look it up. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. 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. 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. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. Portland, Maine. The Most Beautiful Towns in Virginia - Culture Trip Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. 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. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. 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. Here are the best places to live in Virginia | WAVY.com 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. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. (oh, and by way of introduction, were Bellhop movers in Virginia and particularly Richmond movers, Arlington movers, Alexandria movers, Fairfax movers, and movers throughout the country). 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. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. 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. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Next: 10. 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. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 15 Small Towns in Virginia for a Relaxing Weekend Getaway Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. Average Annual Rainfall. Dinner Recipes. Cape Hatteras. 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. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Luray, VA. 4,842. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Features. If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. 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. 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. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. 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. Virginia Beach, VA - Niche Median Home Value: $87,700. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Located just 35 minutes away from the thrills and spills of Washington DC, Herndon is a place where families can raise their kids in peace, quiet and safety, while still enjoying easy access to the sites, jobs, shopping activities, and cultural delights of the big city. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. Small Towns, Cities, and Neighborhoods - Virginia Is For Lovers The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. 1. Is Virginia a good place to retire? With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. The University of Virginia. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. First settled in the 1700s, Chincoteague gained the spotlight in the late 1940s with the publication of Misty of Chincoteague, a story about one of the islands now-famous wild ponies. 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. 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. 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. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. 6.3 Desirability. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. 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. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. 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. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. 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. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. 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. 7 Best Beach Towns to Live in Virginia - lavidanomad.com Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. Wed love to hear from you! 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. 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. Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. 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. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. 5 Small Towns on Virginia's Eastern Shore for a Quiet Coastal Retreat Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. 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. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Coastal Plain. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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.