With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. In an article by ALT Daily, a Norfolk native writes, People friend you on Facebook before connecting with you on LinkedIn, and when you meet new people, not every conversation begins with, So, what do you do for a living?. Dinner Recipes. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Kailua, Hawaii. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. 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 cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. 3. 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. 2. 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. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. . You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. When it comes to recognition, few things could be nicer than to be named one of Americas Happiest Seaside Towns. But thats exactly what Coastal Living called Smithfield in 2015. Is Virginia a good place to retire? I fully agree, I was born here and still here. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Winchester. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. $51,747.0. 4. Thats roughly 165 a day. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. Look it up. Its an exciting metamorphosis that can be felt in the air and heard in passing conversation at trendy coffee shops and breweries like Lamplighter and The Veil. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. 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. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. So why the popularity? The historic downtown offers an array of specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and more, along with a surprisingly large selection of local restaurants and cafes. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. And its no wonder. 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. Martinsville. 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. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Martinsville. 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. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). 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. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Easton 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. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. In the past, weve highlighted hidden gems like Chattanooga and Austin as places we recommend calling home for their breadth of opportunity, affordability, hip funky culture and loads of entertainment. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Then get saving. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. 4.9 Net Migration. Founded in 1732, this lovely little town in the Shenandoah Valley offers historic architecture, culture, and a friendly down-home atmosphere that makes its place in the rankings well-deserved. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. Los Angeles. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . But along with the charmingly quaint historic communities of Williamsburg and Chantilly, youll find enough vibrant, fast-paced, hedonistic destinations to please even the most forward-thinking city slicker. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. 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. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Residents benefit from a booming economy, an unemployment rate of 3.6%, a health-conscious culture, and the lowest tax rate in the Hampton Roads region. 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. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Charleston, SC. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. The crime rate is so low as to be almost non-existent, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 2.9%, while the school system is one of the best in the state. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Virginia Beach. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. 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. Considered one of the. Emerald Isle. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . 1. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? Thank you! #10. 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. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs. Moving Company Costs Explained. 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. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 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. 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. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. 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. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Middleburg. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. 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. The small town draws visitors looking for a quiet coastal beach experience as well as space travel enthusiasts, as the NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, NASAs primary facility for suborbital missions, is just south of the island. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. What about it do you like most? And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Topsail Island. Required fields are marked *. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. 1. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. 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. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. 1. 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. Population. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. One quick Google search will lead you to hundreds of images depicting a bustling river, tall buildings sprouting up between thick green leafy trees and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. Bald Head Island. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. 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. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! 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 first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. 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. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. As Niche notes, most residents are highly educated (21% have a masters degree or higher, 31% have a bachelors degree, and a further 23% have a college or associates degree), while those that havent yet completed their education stand a very good chance of progressing to the same level thanks to an excellent, well-funded school system that comprises of such well regarded schools as Loudoun County High School, Evergreen Elementary School, and Heritage High School. We know. . Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. Lined with historic homes and buildings, the streets of Lexington retain the beauty of days gone by, making it easy to see why this town has been recognized by both Frommers and CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns.

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