But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. 3. It has a first-class school system, with Chantilly High School, Centreville High School, Fairfax High School, and Westfield High School all scoring an A+ under Niches assessment criteria. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. 6. 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. 2/15. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. 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 . Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Where to Stay/Eat: Stay in the downtown area at the Hotel Cape Charlesor The Bay Haven Inn and get a taste of the local seafood at either The Shanty or the Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, followed by a little dessert at Brown Dog Ice Cream. What's the average retirement income for 2022? This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. Thanks to an excellent job market, two of Virginias most famous malls (Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center for the uninitiated), a close to zero crime rate, excellent schools, and a buzzing nightlife, the residents of Tysons Corner are only too aware theyre sitting on real estate dynamite. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. 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. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. 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. 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. Some of them are right on the coast where in the summertime you can literally kick off your dress shoes after work and go for a walk along the beach. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. 3/15. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. Cape Hatteras. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Beaufort. 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. 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. 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. 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. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. 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. In the past, weve highlighted hidden gems like Chattanooga and Austin as places we recommend calling home for their breadth of opportunity, affordability, hip funky culture and loads of entertainment. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. 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. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Piedmont. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. As to number 3 where do you start? . Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. $171,800.0. The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. The jailhouse and courthouse that served as the earliest beginnings of the town in 1790 have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident), and original jail cells. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. 1. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. $102,227 17. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. Wrightsville Beach. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. 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. 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. Dinner Recipes. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Located a stone's throw away from Charlottesville, this beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities to enjoy. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Pelican Beach, Destin. Middleburg. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Best North Carolina Beaches. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. . The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. This makes it a fabulous place to live, visit and vacation with all its small towns and cities offering up something new, old and interesting to enjoy. 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. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. 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. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. 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. 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. Norfolk is a great place for families. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. 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. In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. 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. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. Considered one of the. 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. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. This isnt to say its a youngsters playground only- the excellent economy, great schools, booming job market, high home values, low crime rates and abundance of things to see and do make Arlington as equally popular with seniors and families as it is with millennials. . 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. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Look it up. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. From the beautiful corners of Southwest Virginia to the far Eastern Shore, youll find some of the best and most beautiful small towns in Virginia. Today, Chincoteague (and sister island, Assateague) is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience. Luray. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . There are towns and then there are small towns. Topsail Island. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. First settled in the 1700s, Chincoteague gained the spotlight in the late 1940s with the publication of Misty of Chincoteague, a story about one of the islands now-famous wild ponies. Regardless of the other factors people consider, everyone has a budget to which they must, Read More The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New EnglandContinue. So why the popularity? 1. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? Some of these places are very pricey! The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. 1. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. 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. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Learn more about the, Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon has been listed as #5 on CitiesJournals Top 14 Small Towns in Virginia, #5 on Frommers Top Small Towns and Villages in Virginia, and one of USA Todays Best Southern Small Towns in the U.S. nominees. 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. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! More interested in shopping? 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. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. Radford. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. 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. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. Wed love to hear from you! Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. 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). 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. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Grab a bit to eat at either the Inn Garden Caf Restaurant (which is also a charming bed and breakfast), or Mallards at the Wharf, the only waterfront restaurant in Onancock. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Sandbridge. 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. . Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. 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. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Dont say we didnt warn you. 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. Wachapreague is a tiny Victorian-era town with a population of only 200 permanent residents, and is surrounded by farmland, woods, water, and some of the only undeveloped wetlands and barrier islands in the Mid-Atlantic. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. 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. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Moving Company Costs Explained. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs.