Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as Americas Soft Crab Capital. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. 5.4 Value. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. 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. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. #40 and #42. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. 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. While the en Portland, Maine. 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. 7). Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. 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. Required fields are marked *. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. . The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. 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. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 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. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. Its becoming something new. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Norfolk is a great place for families. 2022 2. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. 10. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. We know. Save. Come Visit! 17. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. $51,747.0. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? 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. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Dont say we didnt warn you. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. 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. 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. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. Your email address will not be published. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. When not underground in the caves,. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. 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 youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. Piedmont. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. 100. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. With just 4.1% unemployment, a poverty rate of 4.9%, a median home value of $394,000, a median income of $105,844, and a healthy population of 51,012, the historic town of Leesburg makes it to 6th place position on our list. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Thats roughly 165 a day. 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". If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. The University of Virginia. 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 tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. What about it do you like most? Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. Emerald Isle. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We are not at all surprised. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! $102,227 17. Perfect for: Families who want to live on one income (surrounding counties) or young professionals who want to live in a historic town with a small-town feel (downtown). 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. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. The city is changing. 2/15. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Cape Hatteras. 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. 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. As to number 3 where do you start? 6.4 Quality of Life. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. Los Angeles. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? 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. 4/15. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. 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. 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. If you want to join the happy little community, dont expect much change from $379,900 for a single-family home- living in a town this desirable comes with a hefty price tag. 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. Book a tour or rent a kayak to journey through Wachateagues waters with Daytrippers, where youll explore the adjacent barrier islands, dig for clams, or try your hand at fishing. The jailhouse and courthouse that served as the earliest beginnings of the town in 1790 have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident), and original jail cells. 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. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. . 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. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 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. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? 1. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. Incorporated in 1810 and named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County was listed as the 8th highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. Here, we take a look at the best places to live in Virginia: whether youre a 20 something millennial or a 60 something baby boomer, youd be thrilled to call any one of these 20 hotspots your home. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. 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. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Average Annual Rainfall. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. South Beach, Daytona and Myrtle Beach have their perks but these small towns, nominated for Best Coastal Small Town, offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas . "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Beaufort. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. Features. 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. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). 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. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 5.9 Job Market. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . 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. By Brie Dyas. With a live theater, award-winning restaurants, local artists, craftsmen, sculptors, actors, dancers, musicians, and glassblowers, there's no shortage of things to see and do. 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. 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. 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. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Virginia and we would love to help! Rock Hall. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 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. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. Luray, VA. 4,842. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Re: smaller coastal towns. Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. 3/15. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. What's the average retirement income for 2022? Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history 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. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. 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.