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. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. For lake living you can look at Moneta and Huddleston, both near Smith Mountain Lake. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. 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. 10. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. And, while the resort city will certainly have plenty of vacationers laying out on one of its massive public beaches, locals know some nice quiet spots where you wont see a tourist anywhere in sight. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. 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. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! More interested in shopping? Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. 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). There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. 1. Wed love to hear from you! It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. $51,747.0. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to Home Snacks, the small town has the lowest level of poverty of any independent city or county in the United States which may explain why its residents can expect a massive $742,000 in property price from any newcomer looking to enjoy the towns attractions. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. View Full Report Card. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. #40 and #42. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Your email address will not be published. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. 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. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. 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. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% 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? Is Virginia a good place to retire? 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. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. While the en . 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. 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. We are not at all surprised. 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. . 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. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. So why the popularity? 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. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Weve said it before and well say it again. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. 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. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 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. 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 facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. 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. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Thats roughly 165 a day. 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. Cape Hatteras. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. With excellent public amenities, a host of groups and organizations to join, a cost of living 7% below the national average, low-cost housing, a temperate climate, and some of the lowest crime numbers in the States, theres every reason in the world to understand why this quaint mountain town made it to Forbes Best Places to Retire for three years in a trot. 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. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Winchester. Already called one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and Frommers, TheCultureTrip.com has named it the Most Beautiful Small Town in Virginia as well. 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. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. Bald Head Island. 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. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. 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. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. With that said, if youre wanting to call Virginia Beach home, you better be okay with maneuvering around tourists in the summertime, it comes with the territory of living in a vacation hot spot. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. 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. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. 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. 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. Abingdon, named after Martha Washingtons ancestral home in England, became a town in 1778 and today its historic downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the historic Barter Theatre, as well as galleries, museums, and markets. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. 13 years ago. Virginia Beach. 4/15. 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. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. . But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. 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. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Rich with history, this small town was once home to the Cherokee Nation and by the mid-18th century, had been explored by the likes of William Byrd and Daniel Boone. 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. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 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. 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. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). 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. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Kilmarnock! 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. We know. 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 the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? If youre convinced enough of Viennas merits to make it your next home, youd better start saving: thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the town, its average property price stands at a hefty $662,200. With a crime rate thats among the lowest in Virginia, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, a close-knit community of 13,843, and a median income of $114,795, Falls Church scores exceptionally well across the board. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. Sandbridge. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. 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. 2/15. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Luray, VA. 4,842. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. Need further convincing? 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. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. Living in Norfolk is roughly half of what it costs to live in Washington D.C. A one bedroom spot in Washington D.C. is going to cost you about $2,000, whereas a one bedroom in Norfolk is going run just $1,000/month. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. 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. Virginia Beach, 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. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. 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. This suburb of Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to retire in Virginia for those who like access to shops and restaurants. 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. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. Free beaches and state parks, decent home prices with the perks of living in a big city, and lots of fun things to do for families and singles. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. 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. 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. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. Your email address will not be published. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. 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. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. 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. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. 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. . 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. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. 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. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. 6. 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 is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. 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. 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. The University of Virginia. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. 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. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in 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). 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. 1. 1. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. 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. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. 1. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. Population. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. Its transforming. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. 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. There are towns and then there are small towns. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains.
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