All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Average Annual Rainfall. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 46.5" 15. Ogunquit, Maine. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. 1. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . . . Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. 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. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. 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. #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. The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide), Be a part of the renaissance taking place in Richmond, Soak up the sun and splash in the waves at Virginia Beach, The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Suburbs in Atlanta (A 2023 Guide), Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Portland (Updated for 2023), The Best Neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL (2022), Why Moving is So Stressful (And 3 Things You Can Do About It). Re: smaller coastal towns. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. 1. 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. Updated: Jan 16, 2020. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Coastal Plain. But theres also gorgeous landscapes, sprawling metropolises, and a lot of very friendly folk who, Read More The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in WisconsinContinue, People have different criteria when choosing where to live, depending on their lifestyle, personal preference, stage of life, and employment. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. 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. 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. 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). 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%. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 3. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Every May, the town hosts the Heart of Virginia Festival, a festival where local businesses like Buffalo Creek Guitars come together with vendors and musicians from around the country to provide arts and crafts, traditional foods, music, and fireworks. 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 cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. Is Virginia a good place to retire? We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? 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. Arlington. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . 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. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. 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. The charming downtown area includes art museums and a pedestrian mall, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer all the outdoor recreation you could want. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. . Several! Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. What about it do you like most? Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. 2. 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. 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. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Martinsville. 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. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! Your email address will not be published. Ocracoke Island. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! #40 and #42. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities 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. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. 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. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 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. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. 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. 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. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. 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. (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). While the en 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 cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. 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. 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. Considered one of the. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. The jailhouse and courthouse that served as the earliest beginnings of the town in 1790 have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident), and original jail cells. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. 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? 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. 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). Best Hotels & Resorts in Virginia: 12 Amazing Places to Stay, This Candy Store In Virginia Was Ripped Straight From The Pages Of A Fairytale, Discover A Little-Known Natural Wonder In Virginia On The 1.5-Mile Mountain Lake Trail, Drinks Are Served In The Coolest Setting At Gershwins, A 1920s-Themed Virginia Tavern, These 25 Towns In Virginia Have The Best Main Streets You Gotta Visit, Here Are The 11 Best Cities In Virginia To Retire, Staunton, Virginia Was Recently Named A Top Mountain Town By Southern Living Magazine, Youll Want To Spend More Time In This Historic Crabbing Town In Virginia, Greg Vassilakos (Own work) [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. So why the popularity? Wed love to hear from you! Norfolk is a great place for families. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. 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. #3 Best Places to Live in Virginia Colonial Village Neighborhood in Arlington, VA A+ Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,895 View nearby homes Randolph-Macon Academy Front Royal, VA Private School 6-12 168 reviews Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. 1. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. 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. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? 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. Portland, Maine. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . 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 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. 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. 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.