If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Your email address will not be published. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. 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. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). 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. 2022 2. 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 median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. 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. 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 best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Norfolk is also home to an impressive art scene and to a massive 220,000 square-foot art museum called the Chrysler Museum of Art. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Weve said it before and well say it again. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . 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. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. 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. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Low crime rates, high levels of well-being, excellent walkability, fair tax rates, a good healthcare system, and some exceptional schools are among the many reasons Alexandria ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Virginia. Some of these places are very pricey! Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Located next to High Bridge Trail State Park and home to Longwood University, one of the nations oldest public institutions, Farmville is filled with history, quaint charm, friendly people, and high quality of life. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. 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 home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. 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. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. 100. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Chincoteague, Virginia. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. Your email address will not be published. View Full Report Card. Middleburg. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. 1. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 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. 1. Living in Norfolk is roughly half of what it costs to live in Washington D.C. A one bedroom spot in Washington D.C. is going to cost you about $2,000, whereas a one bedroom in Norfolk is going run just $1,000/month. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. 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. 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. Population. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a masters degree or higher, 34% have a bachelors degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. Cape Hatteras. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. . Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. 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. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. 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. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 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. 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. Local tip: Summer means root-beer floats at Durding's Store (5742 N. Main St.; 410-778-7957), an old-time ice-cream parlor in a building that dates to the 1870s. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. Luray. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. 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). The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. 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. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a master's degree or higher, 34% have a bachelor's degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. We know. What's the average retirement income for 2022? 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. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. What about it do you like most? But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Luray, VA. 4,842. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Piedmont. 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The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. The charming town of Chantilly in Fairfax County is home to just under 24,000 people, all of whom can expect low crime rates, a smorgasbord of local attractions (including the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, the Sully Plantation, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center), great schools, an above-average median household income, and an almost permanent place on any compilation of the best place to live in Virginia. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. 46.5" 15. 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. 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. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. Already called one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and Frommers, TheCultureTrip.com has named it the Most Beautiful Small Town in Virginia as well. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining.