And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. 10. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. Coastal Plain. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Piedmont. 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. Aesthetically, you couldnt ask for a prettier city than Richmond and with four fairly mild seasons, youll be able to enjoy the citys beauty year around without finding yourself too hot in the summertime nor freezing come winter. 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. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Chincoteague is an island town on Virginia's northeast side that boasts a more straightforward way of life with well-manicured streets and unspoiled natural environments. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Population. 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. This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. 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. Wed love to hear from you! 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. Average Annual Rainfall. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a masters degree or higher, 34% have a bachelors degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. 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. As to number 3 where do you start? Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 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. The city known for being one of the most historical places in the United States its actually among one of our countrys oldest major cities is now taking on a completely new face. 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. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. For the residents, the booming tourist trade translates to an abundance of excellent recreational and leisure pursuits (including the famous Busch Gardens amusement park), a high median home value, excellent job opportunities, and a place at number 13 on our list. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. 6. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. While the en in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. Why its one of the best places to live in Virginia: The scenery: Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. The crime rate is so low as to be almost non-existent, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 2.9%, while the school system is one of the best in the state. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Kailua, Hawaii. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. Bald Head Island. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. 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. 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. 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 . Eastern Shore. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. To narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, we looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. With a live theater, award-winning restaurants, local artists, craftsmen, sculptors, actors, dancers, musicians, and glassblowers, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. 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. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Come Visit! Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. 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. Portland, Maine. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. $102,227 17. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. 5.9 Job Market. 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. 1. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. The city is changing. By Brie Dyas. 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. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. Pelican Beach, Destin. 158,309 16. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Features. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. 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. 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. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. 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. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. What is the most scenic town 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. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Easton 7). . Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. 1. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach 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. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. 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. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. 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. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Abingdon, named after Martha Washingtons ancestral home in England, became a town in 1778 and today its historic downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the historic Barter Theatre, as well as galleries, museums, and markets. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Martinsville. 6.4 Quality of Life. The best neighborhoods to live in Alexandria include those listed below: Taylor Run (Average Home Value: $275,000 to $1+ million) Taylor Run is an attractive area for families and young professionals with parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. 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 large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. 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. 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. Cape Hatteras. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. 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. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. 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. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. 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. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. 1. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). 4/15. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. Middleburg. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. 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. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. 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. 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. 1. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. . This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. 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! Love Virginia? Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? 3/15. #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. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Virginia Beach. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. Ocracoke Island. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts.