In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. 2/15. Thank you! Pelican Beach, Destin. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. 11 Quaint + Charming Historic Virginia Towns (That You Haven't Visited If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. . There are towns and then there are small towns. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Located just 35 minutes away from the thrills and spills of Washington DC, Herndon is a place where families can raise their kids in peace, quiet and safety, while still enjoying easy access to the sites, jobs, shopping activities, and cultural delights of the big city. The 8 Best Beaches in Virginia for Avoiding Crowds - Livability 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. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Living in Virginia Beach, VA | U.S. News Best Places $51,747.0. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. 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. 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. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. 158,309 16. Its worth mentioning that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit, so while weve provided a list of some of the best towns in Virginia, its by no means an exhaustive list. 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. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. 14 Best North Carolina Beaches | U.S. News Travel Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. 18. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. 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. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 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. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. America's Most Affordable Beach Towns, 2019 Edition - realtor.com 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. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. If youre looking for somewhere that manages to combine highly rated schools, striking Victorian architecture, an almost nonexistent crime rate, a family friendly environment, and excellent civic amenities with supremely affordable house prices, you may want to take a closer look at the charming little town of Bon Air in Chesterfield Country. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% 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. What Is The Safest Coastal Town In North Carolina? - CLJ You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. Easton With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. 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. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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). It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. 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. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. 6.3 Desirability. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Wrightsville Beach. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. This isnt to say its a youngsters playground only- the excellent economy, great schools, booming job market, high home values, low crime rates and abundance of things to see and do make Arlington as equally popular with seniors and families as it is with millennials. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). 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. Emerald Isle. Re: smaller coastal towns. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. Winchester. Then get saving. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . 10 Best Beach Towns in Virginia (for Your Bucket List!) Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. Welcome to Virginia Beach. 7 Best Beach Towns in America | Extra Space Storage Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. 12 Cutest Small Towns In Virginia - Southern Trippers This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. 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. 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. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Several! Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. 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. 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. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . 1. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. 1. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Portland, Maine. Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is a famous town in VA and one of the unique places for the best weekend getaways in Virginia. Portland, Maine. Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. View Full Report Card. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 12 Best Cities in Virginia to Live and Visit - Touropia Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. 1. 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 . Low crime rates, high levels of well-being, excellent walkability, fair tax rates, a good healthcare system, and some exceptional schools are among the many reasons Alexandria ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Virginia. 4/15. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. 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. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. If you want to live in one of the best beach towns in the U.S. with tons of unique shops, art galleries on every corner, beaches you can relax on, and restaurants to fit any food mood, then living in Laguna Beach might be perfect for you! Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. Staunton is no stranger to praise. Average Annual Rainfall. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. Come Visit! Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. 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. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. 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. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Considered one of the. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Middleburg. Perfect for: Families who want a close-knit community feel or nature lovers who want to live in a beautiful setting. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 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. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. . 14 Of The Most Beautiful Towns In Virginia You Should Visit Luray. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. 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. 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. 10 Best Places to Live in Virginia for Families | HOMEiA Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. . 1. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. 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. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. What about it do you like most? Virginia Beach, VA - Niche Here are the best places to live in Virginia | WAVY.com Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Vote- Best Coastal Small Town Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' Choice 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. Between Richmonds aesthetic and agreeable weather, it has quickly become a hotspot for millennials looking to escape the big city life without missing out on big city opportunity. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast - Cond Nast Traveler 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. 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. Best Coastal Cities for Retirement - moneywise.com 15 Small Towns in Virginia for a Relaxing Weekend Getaway Features. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. The waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Potomac Shores Potomac Shores, VA Named the 2016 Community of the Year, this award-winning waterfront destination sits on the shores of the historic Potomac River, and is one of the best coastal towns in Virginia. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Small Towns, Cities, and Neighborhoods - Virginia Is For Lovers 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. When not underground in the caves . With excellent outdoor activities on its doorstep (including excellent hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, winter skiing and snow-tubing opportunities at Shenandoah National Park) and an abundance of first-class restaurants, boutiques, wineries, and other recreational pursuits, we anticipate an even higher position on our list for the popular town in the years to come. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. 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. Rock Hall. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. 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. 1. 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. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. 9 Best Beach Towns in Virginia - Southern Trippers Founded in 1680 as Port Scarborough, it has been called the Coolest Town in the South by Budget Travel and the #1 Small Town in Virginia by CitiesJournal.com. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. 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. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? 15 Things to Know About Living in Virginia Beach Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 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 history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. The Most Beautiful Towns in Virginia - Culture Trip 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. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. 5/15 . But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. 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. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike.