Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. 3. 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. The University of Virginia. 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. 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. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. . Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. 2. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. 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. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. 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 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). Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. 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. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. Norfolk is a great place for families. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. Median Annual Income. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . Need further convincing? 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. Next: 10. Norfolk is also home to an impressive art scene and to a massive 220,000 square-foot art museum called the Chrysler Museum of Art. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. 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. What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. 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. 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. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. And its no wonder. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. View Full Report Card. 1. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Being that Norfolk is surrounded by the sea, legend has it that mermaids would actually guide battle-weary sailors back to safety after a war at sea. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. We went with our fur baby and had fun. 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. 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. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. 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. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. 1. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! I fully agree, I was born here and still here. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Local tip: Summer means root-beer floats at Durding's Store (5742 N. Main St.; 410-778-7957), an old-time ice-cream parlor in a building that dates to the 1870s. 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. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. 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. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. The end result? Your email address will not be published. #40 and #42. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . 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. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. These beautiful animals were made famous in the book and subsequent movie, Misty of Chincoteague, and the town houses a museum that tells the true story behind the ponies. Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. 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%. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. 5.9 Job Market. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. 7). 17. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. Beaufort. 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. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. While the en Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. 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. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. 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. 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. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. 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. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. Some of these places are very pricey! The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. 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. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. We know. But Williamsburg personifies the answer to the question, is Virginia a good place to live? Youll get access to museums, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as a growing over-65 population. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Oak Island. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. As it notes, most of the citys 45,084 strong population comprises of highly educated young professionals (thanks, no doubt, to it being the home of the illustrious University of Virginia, which over the years has educated everyone from Edgar Allan Po to Tina Fey), many of whom are activity engaged in the kind of civic causes that are turning Charlottesville into one the states most desirable destinations. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. Middleburg. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. 5/15 . If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. $51,747.0. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history 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. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. 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. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. 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. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. 14 Chincoteague. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Thats roughly 165 a day. Perfect for retirees or anyone looking for culture combined with a low cost of living. Welcome to Virginia Beach. #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. These watermen have been working the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay for generations, and their deep roots are apparent in the unique dialect spoken on the island, a form of English not heard anywhere else in the world. Required fields are marked *. How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? 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. 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. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. 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. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Ogunquit, Maine. Providing you dont have a pointy hat, a broomstick, and a black cat at your heels, youre likely to be left spellbound by the pretty little city of Salem. The region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Middleburg. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Vienna. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. 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. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . 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! A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Book a tour or rent a kayak to journey through Wachateagues waters with Daytrippers, where youll explore the adjacent barrier islands, dig for clams, or try your hand at fishing. Founded in 1732, this lovely little town in the Shenandoah Valley offers historic architecture, culture, and a friendly down-home atmosphere that makes its place in the rankings well-deserved. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. 2/15. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 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.
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