It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. 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. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. 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. The small town draws visitors looking for a quiet coastal beach experience as well as space travel enthusiasts, as the NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, NASAs primary facility for suborbital missions, is just south of the island. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. Emerald Isle. 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. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. 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. 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. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! 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. Check out the web site or call them +1 800-221-5059. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. 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. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Middleburg. 1. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Median Income: $81,263. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. With all of these favorable factors considered, it's easy to see why Virginia is frequently recognized as one of the best places to live or retire in the Southeast. Incorporated in 1810 and named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County was listed as the 8th highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. 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. 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. Martinsville. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The University of 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. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. 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. 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. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as America's "Soft Crab Capital". #40 and #42. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Thank you! There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. 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. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. 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. The cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing quickly racks up, especially when youre living on a single income. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Living in Norfolk is roughly half of what it costs to live in Washington D.C. A one bedroom spot in Washington D.C. is going to cost you about $2,000, whereas a one bedroom in Norfolk is going run just $1,000/month. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. Moving Company Costs Explained. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. Piedmont. And, while the resort city will certainly have plenty of vacationers laying out on one of its massive public beaches, locals know some nice quiet spots where you wont see a tourist anywhere in sight. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. 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. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. 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. Need further convincing? 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. . Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Luray. Despite competing with the best of them when it comes to amenities, Bon Airs property prices are among the lowest on our list, with the average cost of a three-bedroom single-family home standing at a very reasonable $212,900. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. We are not at all surprised. 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. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. Come Visit! Save. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. . The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. . The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Kailua, Hawaii. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. 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. 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. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? What was once a small farming community is now a thriving community of 24,384. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Considered one of the. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Your email address will not be published. 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. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. Eastern Shore. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. By Brie Dyas. 3. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! 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. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. Staunton is no stranger to praise. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. Combine that with low unemployment (just 3.9% at the last count), low poverty (5.8%), and an above-average median income of $70,863, and its easy to understand why incomers are happy to lay down $312,400 for a property in this highly desirable community. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. 100. Required fields are marked *. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Floridaand all have. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. 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. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. 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. #10. In fact, out of a list of 300 of the most populated cities in the, Read More The 20 Safest Places to Live in MarylandContinue, South Africa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. 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, 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. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. 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. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. 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. Not to mention, events like the Neptune Festival bring over 500,000 people to the city every year to spend time outside on Virginias beautiful coastline. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Virginia has the 11th highest per-capita income in America, and it homes four of the 10 wealthiest U.S. counties: Loudoun County, Falls Church City and Fairfax County (scooped first three positions based on survey by Code Black Group), as well as Arlington County (No. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. This suburb of Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to retire in Virginia for those who like access to shops and restaurants. 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 towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. For the time being, here are a few of the most charming towns in Virginia that have garnered national and statewide praise for their community, beauty, and all-around livability. 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 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. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. #3 Best Places to Live in Virginia Colonial Village Neighborhood in Arlington, VA A+ Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,895 View nearby homes Randolph-Macon Academy Front Royal, VA Private School 6-12 168 reviews Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people.