. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. Median Home Value: $87,700. We know. 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. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. Pelican Beach, Destin. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. The remote island is only accessible by plane or boat, with a ferry bringing visitors from Onancock on the Eastern Shore and Reedville from the mainland, and the islands inhabitants travel Tangiers short series of roads by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. 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. 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. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. #40 and #42. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Oak Island. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. 6.3 Desirability. View Full Report Card. . 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. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. This small town is known for the Martinsville . What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. Virginia Beach. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Dont say we didnt warn you. That depends on your budget and preferences. Population. 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. 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. Other than the excellent school system and abundance of local amenities, Purcellville residents enjoy both the 2nd highest median income ($128,017 per household) in the state and the 2nd lowest crime figures. 2/15. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Need further convincing? Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. The towns most popular place to dine is the Wachapreague Island House Restaurant, and for an overnight stay you can either book a room at the Wachapreague Inn or travel just a few miles up the road to the Garrison Bed & Breakfast. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. 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. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. 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. 2. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. 1. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Thats roughly 165 a day. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. Best North Carolina Beaches. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. 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. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. 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. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. 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. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Corolla/Currituck Beach. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. 10. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. 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. Come Visit! Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. 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 . Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Luray. 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. Cape May, New Jersey. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. And its no wonder. By Brie Dyas. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . The historic downtown offers an array of specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and more, along with a surprisingly large selection of local restaurants and cafes. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. 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. Thank you! Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. The close-knit residents of this easy-going town are known for their community spirit, which is out on full display every year at the charmingly quirky Herndon Festival. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. 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. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Portland, Maine. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. Martinsville. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs. 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. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. 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. 4/15. 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. 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. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. 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. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Connecticut has 96 miles (618 miles according to the NOAA) of idyllic New England shoreline, complete with small islands, lighthouses, and top East Coast beach towns. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. Cape Hatteras. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. 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 average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Wed love to hear from you! Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as Americas Soft Crab Capital. . 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach 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. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. Welcome to Virginia Beach. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. In an article by ALT Daily, a Norfolk native writes, People friend you on Facebook before connecting with you on LinkedIn, and when you meet new people, not every conversation begins with, So, what do you do for a living?. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. 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. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. Arlington. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. 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. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Beaufort. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. 1. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. 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. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. When not underground in the caves,. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. More interested in shopping? Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. Several! Median Annual Income. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. 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. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. Regent University. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. 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. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. Learn how your comment data is processed. As to number 3 where do you start? And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. Winchester. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. 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. 14 Chincoteague. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. 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. While the en Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Average Annual Rainfall. 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. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. Coastal Plain. 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. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. 17. 6.4 Quality of Life. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. Emerald Isle. 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. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Love Virginia? The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. 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. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. 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. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. Its transforming. Kilmarnock! Some of these places are very pricey! Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. 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.