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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Learn how your comment data is processed. Rock Hall. Ogunquit, Maine. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. Love Virginia? (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). http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. 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. 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. 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. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. 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. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 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. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. 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. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Portland, Maine. Considered one of the. 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). Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Corolla/Currituck Beach. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Granted, Richmond may not be the best for families or seniors, but if youre an up and coming member of Generation Y, youll find its vibrant nightlife, affordable housing, excellent job prospects (at the last count, the city was home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, while the government, finance, and higher education sectors all offer some exceptional job prospects), stunning parks and excellent transportation network combine to make a very attractive proposition indeed. 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. Martinsville. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. 158,309 16. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). . Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? 17. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. 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. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. 1. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 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. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. 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. Portland, Maine. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Wrightsville Beach. The best neighborhoods to live in Alexandria include those listed below: Taylor Run (Average Home Value: $275,000 to $1+ million) Taylor Run is an attractive area for families and young professionals with parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. 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. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. 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. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. By Brie Dyas. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. Some of these places are very pricey! Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. Bald Head Island. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. 6. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. 3. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. 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. Coastal Plain. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. While the Nutmeg State may not be known first and foremost as a beach destination, vacationers and house hunters will be delighted to see the selection it has by the water. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. The historic town square may only cover six square blocks, but it is home to over 100 shops and restaurants, making Occoquan a small town with big-town convenience. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. 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. Founded in 1680 as Port Scarborough, it has been called the Coolest Town in the South by Budget Travel and the #1 Small Town in Virginia by CitiesJournal.com. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. 20 Cities with the Worst Weather in the U.S. How Eiza Gonzalez Achieved a Net Worth of $5 Million, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million. #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. Virginia Beach. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. Piedmont. Situated on the border of Virginia and Washington, the vibrant atmosphere of Arlington makes it a hugely attractive proposition to Virginias new wave of bright young things. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. 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. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 126 Metro Population: 18,657,347 Median Home Price: $527,818 Average Annual Salary: $57,373 Los Angeles attracts many people for reasons other than access to the beach, but the proximity to the coast and warm, sunny weather year-round doesn't count against it. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. 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. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. $171,800.0. The towns most popular place to dine is the Wachapreague Island House Restaurant, and for an overnight stay you can either book a room at the Wachapreague Inn or travel just a few miles up the road to the Garrison Bed & Breakfast. 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. When not underground in the caves . Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. 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. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. 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%. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. Located a stone's throw away from Charlottesville, this beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Virginia and we would love to help! 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. 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. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. 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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. 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. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. 6.4 Quality of Life. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. 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. 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. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. More interested in shopping? Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Eastern Shore. 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. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. Average Annual Rainfall. 1. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. For the time being, here are a few of the most charming towns in Virginia that have garnered national and statewide praise for their community, beauty, and all-around livability. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 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". 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. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. Its transforming. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. 100. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. 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. The location: Clifton is close enough to Washington DC for a quick commute but far enough away that you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Regardless of the other factors people consider, everyone has a budget to which they must, Read More The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New EnglandContinue. The end result? 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. This experience has given me a lot of knowledge in what questions to ask when selecting a mover and how to prepare for a move. Aesthetically, you couldnt ask for a prettier city than Richmond and with four fairly mild seasons, youll be able to enjoy the citys beauty year around without finding yourself too hot in the summertime nor freezing come winter. Your email address will not be published. 3/15. The poverty rate may be slightly higher than some of our other entries (although at 8.0%, its still lower than the national average), but with a low unemployment rate of 5.3%, a median income of $70,500, and a median home value of $267,300, its fair to say the majority of residents are in no danger of feeling the pinch any time soon. 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. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Virginia Beach. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. 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. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. Look it up. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Whether you're a history buff, art collector, wine enthusiast, beer aficionado, hiking lover, ghost hunter, bargain shopper, or anything in between, you'll find that Virginia has exactly what you're looking for. That might be true, but even great leaders can get tired of low salaries, high living costs, and kids whod rather be anywhere else, Read More The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S.Continue, Life as a single mom isnt always easy. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. 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. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. From the beautiful corners of Southwest Virginia to the far Eastern Shore, youll find some of the best and most beautiful small towns in Virginia. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Grab a bit to eat at either the Inn Garden Caf Restaurant (which is also a charming bed and breakfast), or Mallards at the Wharf, the only waterfront restaurant in Onancock. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. 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. 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. That depends on your budget and preferences. A small Atlantic island tucked away on the northeastern corner of Virginias Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is best known for the wild ponies found in the bordering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The only ferry to Tangier Island from the shore departs from Onancock, giving you access to yet another incredible small town on the Eastern Shore. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. Best North Carolina Beaches. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? 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?. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers.