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. Features. 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. 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. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. Situated right at the top of Virginia and bordering the Potomac River, which separates it from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is one of the most historical cities in the state. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. 6.4 Quality of Life. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. 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. #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. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. 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. 5.4 Value. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. 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. 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. 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. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. 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. One quick Google search will lead you to hundreds of images depicting a bustling river, tall buildings sprouting up between thick green leafy trees and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Studded with awe-inspiring landscapes, crammed with wildlife, and blessed with some of the most diverse, vibrant cities on the continent, it offers, Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in South AfricaContinue, They say that behind every good teacher is a great leader. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Your email address will not be published. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. 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. If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. #10. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? We know. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 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. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. 4. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We went with our fur baby and had fun. 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. 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. In fact, out of a list of 300 of the most populated cities in the, Read More The 20 Safest Places to Live in MarylandContinue, South Africa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. 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. 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. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. The University of Virginia. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. 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. 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. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Ocracoke Island. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. . Its transforming. Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. 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. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Thanks to its easy proximity to the states capital, Viennas lucky residents get to enjoy all the joys of the big city while raising their kids in a safe, peaceful environment. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Some of them are right on the coast where in the summertime you can literally kick off your dress shoes after work and go for a walk along the beach. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 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. Your email address will not be published. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. Oak Island. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. 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. 1. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. 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. 2/15. 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. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Martinsville. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. By Brie Dyas. Portland, Maine. (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). Here are the best places to live in Virginia. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. 17. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . 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. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. 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. 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. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. 158,309 16. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. 1. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. Eastern Shore. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Learn how your comment data is processed. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . 1. 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. $171,800.0. 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. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. 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. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. Me, just bought a teensy spot outside Boydton, n am SO excited not only about that, but the many upcoming adventures both in the County, and Coast feel very privileged to become a Virginia resident, a State with such a rich history and the folks who live here their stateSmiles to you ALL! Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. 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. 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 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. But Williamsburg personifies the answer to the question, is Virginia a good place to live? Youll get access to museums, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as a growing over-65 population. 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. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. Love Virginia? Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. 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. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city 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. 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). Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. 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. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Luray, VA. 4,842. Not to mention, events like the Neptune Festival bring over 500,000 people to the city every year to spend time outside on Virginias beautiful coastline. 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 area is perhaps best known as home to Virginia Tech University, which gives you the amenities typically found in a college town without the chaos of the big city. Kailua, Hawaii. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. 4/15. 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. 6. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. 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. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city.