What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Another great kayaking trip is the Paddle Your Glass Off tour, a guided paddling expedition through the Bay waters to Chatham Vineyards, where youll take a scenic break for a little wine tasting. 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. 3. This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. 11 Quaint + Charming Historic Virginia Towns (That You Haven't Visited 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). Best Places to Live or Retire in Virginia - VA Cities & Regions in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Luray. 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. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? With relatively low taxes, a moderate climate, plenty of beaches, and easy access to much of the East Coast, Virginia is a great place to retire or raise a family. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and friendly town to raise their children or young professionals who want to live near a large university. 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. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Some of these places are very pricey! Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. The end result? In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. Ogunquit, Maine. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). 1. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The University of Virginia. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . 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. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. $102,227 17. 46.5" 15. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. 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. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. 12 Cutest Small Towns In Virginia - Southern Trippers 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. Vienna. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. 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. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. The Best Beach Towns to Retire in the U.S. - US News & World Report 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. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Today, Chincoteague (and sister island, Assateague) is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience. The 46 Best Coastal Towns in America - Best Beaches and Beach Towns in Arlington. Your email address will not be published. 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. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. 1. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. 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. 9 Best Beach Towns in Virginia - Southern Trippers Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. 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. Population: 23,204 Home Price: $1,390,500 median purchase price; $2,028 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of cities in the U.S. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 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. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). 2/15. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kailua, Hawaii. The 10 Best Cities to Live in Virginia - UpNest 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. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. 15 Best Places to Live in Virginia - The Crazy Tourist Hanalei, HI. 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. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. The Best Virginia Beach Neighborhood for Retirees - Movoto Real Estate . Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. Coastal Plain. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. 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". Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. This makes it a fabulous place to live, visit and vacation with all its small towns and cities offering up something new, old and interesting to enjoy. 6.4 Quality of Life. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. 18. Wrightsville Beach. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. Next: 10. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. When not underground in the caves,. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. Staunton is no stranger to praise. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Hanalei Bay, HI (Photo: Eli Duke via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0) Hawaii has enough charming beach towns to fill out this entire list twice over but Hanalei is in a league of its own. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. 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Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise 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. Here are the best places to live in Virginia | WAVY.com Save. 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). 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. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. 1. Features. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. 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. (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). And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. 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. 3/15. 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia - SmartAsset Pelican Beach, Destin. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. The 8 Best Beaches in Virginia for Avoiding Crowds - Livability 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. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Chincoteague, Virginia. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. What's the average retirement income for 2022? Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. There are towns and then there are small towns. Radford. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. 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. 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. #3 Best Places to Live in Virginia Colonial Village Neighborhood in Arlington, VA A+ Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,895 View nearby homes Randolph-Macon Academy Front Royal, VA Private School 6-12 168 reviews Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. 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! Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Sandbridge. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Dont say we didnt warn you. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Living in Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. News Best Places In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. 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. 9 Best Beach Towns to Live in Connecticut - lavidanomad.com Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. 6. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Wed love to hear from you! And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Best Waterfront Communities in Virginia - PrivateCommunities.com 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. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. America's Most Affordable Beach Towns, 2019 Edition - realtor.com 10. But, more specifically, its for the individual that wants access to beautiful beaches, while still getting to enjoy all four seasons (without freezing to death in the winter). Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. Thanks to an excellent job market, two of Virginias most famous malls (Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center for the uninitiated), a close to zero crime rate, excellent schools, and a buzzing nightlife, the residents of Tysons Corner are only too aware theyre sitting on real estate dynamite. 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. 4/15. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. 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. Emerald Isle. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Median Home Value: $87,700. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. 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. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. 11 Charming Small Towns to Explore Along the Chesapeake Bay Your email address will not be published. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. . Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. 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. Middleburg. Best North Carolina Beaches.