The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. Average Annual Rainfall. Luray, VA. 4,842. 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. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. Weve said it before and well say it again. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Sandbridge. 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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. Portland, Maine. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. By Brie Dyas. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. 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. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. 6.3 Desirability. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. And its no wonder. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. 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. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Retirables retirement calculator helps to project how much monthly retirement income your retirement nest egg can produce while ensuring your savings last as long as you need. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Los Angeles. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. 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. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. 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. . 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. Median Home Value: $87,700. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. 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. 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. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. 1. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. 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. 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. Next: 10. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. 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). Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. 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. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . 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. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in Europe, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin, The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New England, A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up, How Zac Stacy Achieved a Net Worth of $6 Million. 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. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as America's "Soft Crab Capital". Look it up. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Population. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. 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. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. 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. 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. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. 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. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. The University of Virginia. Luray. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. 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. 1. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! 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. 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 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Bald Head Island. Dont say we didnt warn you. Easton Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. Need further convincing? Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) 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. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. 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 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. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. 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 waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. 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. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. Learn how your comment data is processed. Recognized by Only in Your State as one of the best places in Virginia for millennials, Virginia Beachs vibrant urban atmosphere, ample activities, shopping opportunities, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural events make it just as big a draw to the old as it is to the young. While its median home price of $383,900 is half that of other prime locations such as Venice (more on which coming up), its close proximity to Mason Neck State Park, the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Pohick Bay Regional Park guarantees its residents the kind of overdoor lifestyle other towns would kill for. View Full Report Card. Several! 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. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state.