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. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. 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. 1. Virginia Beach, Virginia. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. So why the popularity? Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. 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?. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. 10. 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. 14 Chincoteague. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. 13 years ago. 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. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. Moving Company Costs Explained. 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". The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Next: 10. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. 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. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. 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. How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. 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 . Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . 5.9 Job Market. Staunton is no stranger to praise. 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). In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. 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. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. If you need any more convincing as to why this suburb of Arlington deserves a place on our list, why not try its low crime rate, excellent walkability, and abundance of local amenities for size? 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. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. 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. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. Portland, Maine. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. We know. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. 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. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. 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. 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. Bald Head Island. Best beach towns in Virginia - 010110010101101 - Shutterstock But the Commonwealth is also home to many beach towns that are, more or less, beach cities, like Norfolk and VA Beach. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents. Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and only 35 minutes from Dulles Airport, it provides a perfect blend of new and old, urban and historical. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. Corolla/Currituck Beach. . This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. 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. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 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. 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. 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. 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. Middleburg. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. 3. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. Vienna. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. 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 city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. 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. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. Come Visit! The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. 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. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. 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. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. 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. 1. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. 1. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. 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. 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. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. Virginia Beach. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. 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. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. 1. 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. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Oak Island. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs.