America's Most Affordable Beach Towns, 2019 Edition - realtor.com Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 10. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . What's the average retirement income for 2022? Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Portland, Maine. 7). 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. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Best Beach Towns To Live In On The East Coast Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Beaufort. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. The 20 Best Places to Live in Virginia - Money Inc Required fields are marked *. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. 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. 11 Charming Small Towns to Explore Along the Chesapeake Bay We know. In addition, what makes Virginia especially interesting is its military influence. 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. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. 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. Features. 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. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. 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. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. 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. The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide) - Bellhop The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. 11 Quaint + Charming Historic Virginia Towns (That You Haven't Visited Corolla/Currituck Beach. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN 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. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to its easy proximity to the states capital, Viennas lucky residents get to enjoy all the joys of the big city while raising their kids in a safe, peaceful environment. 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. With just 4.1% unemployment, a poverty rate of 4.9%, a median home value of $394,000, a median income of $105,844, and a healthy population of 51,012, the historic town of Leesburg makes it to 6th place position on our list. Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. . 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. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. If you want to live in one of the best beach towns in the U.S. with tons of unique shops, art galleries on every corner, beaches you can relax on, and restaurants to fit any food mood, then living in Laguna Beach might be perfect for you! Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. 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. 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. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). 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. 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. When not underground in the caves . The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Median Income: $81,263. 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. Best Places to Live in Virginia - Ramsey - Ramsey Solutions 5.9 Job Market. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. $51,747.0. Virginia Beach, Virginia. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. What Is The Safest Coastal Town In North Carolina? - CLJ Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Kilmarnock! 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? 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. If you want to join the happy little community, dont expect much change from $379,900 for a single-family home- living in a town this desirable comes with a hefty price tag. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. Considered one of the. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. What about it do you like most? The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. 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. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. That depends on your budget and preferences. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? 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. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The 10 Best Cities to Live in Virginia - UpNest 12 Best Cities in Virginia to Live and Visit - Touropia A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. 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. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. Sandbridge Beach 1,472 Beaches By HERE-AND-THERE-302 Excellent parking, good price, super sand, clean beach, great waves, family oriented, bath rooms, shower, perfect day. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. 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. As Niche notes, most residents are highly educated (21% have a masters degree or higher, 31% have a bachelors degree, and a further 23% have a college or associates degree), while those that havent yet completed their education stand a very good chance of progressing to the same level thanks to an excellent, well-funded school system that comprises of such well regarded schools as Loudoun County High School, Evergreen Elementary School, and Heritage High School. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. #10. Kailua, Hawaii. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats.