History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. 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? Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Portland, Maine. 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. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. 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. 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. View Full Report Card. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Floridaand all have. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The city known for being one of the most historical places in the United States its actually among one of our countrys oldest major cities is now taking on a completely new face. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Sandbridge. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. 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. Wrightsville Beach. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. 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. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Several! Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. If youre in the mood for a little adventure, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard from Burnham Guides, located in the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 1. 158,309 16. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. $51,747.0. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. 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. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. Median Home Value: $87,700. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Thats roughly 165 a day. 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. Re: smaller coastal towns. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Between Richmonds aesthetic and agreeable weather, it has quickly become a hotspot for millennials looking to escape the big city life without missing out on big city opportunity. Best North Carolina Beaches. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. 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. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. 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. Required fields are marked *. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. 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 city is home to a variety of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home, Ferry Farm. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. . Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Its becoming something new. More interested in shopping? 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. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. Save. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. 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. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. 3/15. 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. Best Overall City - Arlington Cliff / flickr Matthew Hurst / flickr Arlington sits just at the border of Virginia and Washington, D.C. so it's no wonder this vibrant city scores so high in terms of things to do, economy and livability. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. 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. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. 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. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. 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. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. 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. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. 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. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. 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. 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. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? 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. This small town is known for the Martinsville . But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. There are towns and then there are small towns. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Virginia and we would love to help! Arlington. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . As to number 3 where do you start? Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Pelican Beach, Destin. The University of Virginia. Los Angeles. These watermen have been working the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay for generations, and their deep roots are apparent in the unique dialect spoken on the island, a form of English not heard anywhere else in the world. 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. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. Considered one of the. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Learn how your comment data is processed. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. 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. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. 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. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 2/15. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. 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. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. Chincoteague, Virginia. When not underground in the caves,. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 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. 4/15. 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. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. . Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Eastern Shore. Emerald Isle. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. Some of these places are very pricey! Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. Being that Norfolk is surrounded by the sea, legend has it that mermaids would actually guide battle-weary sailors back to safety after a war at sea. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget.