To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. The University of Virginia. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. We know. 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. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. 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. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. Cape Hatteras. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 126 Metro Population: 18,657,347 Median Home Price: $527,818 Average Annual Salary: $57,373 Los Angeles attracts many people for reasons other than access to the beach, but the proximity to the coast and warm, sunny weather year-round doesn't count against it. #10. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? Easton There are towns and then there are small towns. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. . Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Required fields are marked *. Portland, Maine. 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. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 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. 5.4 Value. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Thats roughly 165 a day. 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. 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. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. 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. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. Perfect for: Families who want to live on one income (surrounding counties) or young professionals who want to live in a historic town with a small-town feel (downtown). Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 1. So why the popularity? 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. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Topsail Island. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. #5 Places with the Best Public Schools in Virginia Blacksburg Town in Virginia 184 reviews Current Resident: Blacksburg is a classic small town with a lot of local businesses and restaurants to support. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 1. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. 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. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. Coastal Plain. Number 1: it's one of the newest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Its becoming something new. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. We are not at all surprised. Virginia Beach. 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. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. 2/15. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Potomac Shores Potomac Shores, VA Named the 2016 Community of the Year, this award-winning waterfront destination sits on the shores of the historic Potomac River, and is one of the best coastal towns in Virginia. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. 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. Were loving the renaissance taking place there as well as the affordability the city has to offer. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. For lake living you can look at Moneta and Huddleston, both near Smith Mountain Lake. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. While the en The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. Not to mention, it's an affordable place to live on the East Coastthe median home price in Virginia Beach is $262,200, and the median monthly rent is $1,258. Dinner Recipes. What's the average retirement income for 2022? 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. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. All are walking distance to restaurants and shops! Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. 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. 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. In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. When not underground in the caves . 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. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. 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 . 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. Corolla/Currituck Beach. 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. 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. $171,800.0. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Hanalei, HI. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. 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. Eastern Shore. 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. #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. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. The stunning James River actually runs through the city and during the spring, summer and fall months, residents can be seen swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking in it. Thank you! For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. While its median home price of $383,900 is half that of other prime locations such as Venice (more on which coming up), its close proximity to Mason Neck State Park, the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Pohick Bay Regional Park guarantees its residents the kind of overdoor lifestyle other towns would kill for. Moving Company Costs Explained. 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. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. The city is changing. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. 1. 1. Look it up. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. 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. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Welcome to Virginia Beach. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. Enjoy a stay in Chincoteague at the Channel Bass Inn Bed & Breakfast or the towns first boutique hotel, the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. 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. Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. 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. 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. 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. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. And the people arent the only thing thats friendly rent is awfully friendly too. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. 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. 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. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. 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. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . 7). 158,309 16. With excellent public amenities, a host of groups and organizations to join, a cost of living 7% below the national average, low-cost housing, a temperate climate, and some of the lowest crime numbers in the States, theres every reason in the world to understand why this quaint mountain town made it to Forbes Best Places to Retire for three years in a trot. The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. 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. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 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. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. Median Income: $81,263. Beaufort. 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. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. More interested in shopping? If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. 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. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. Monterey is ripe for niche tourism, with beautiful country homes, old churches, nearby hiking trails and the annual Highland Maple Festival, which takes place each March. 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. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. 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. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Already called one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and Frommers, TheCultureTrip.com has named it the Most Beautiful Small Town in Virginia as well. 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. Luray. Best North Carolina Beaches. 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Its transforming. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. 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. 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! Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. We went with our fur baby and had fun. The city known for being one of the most historical places in the United States its actually among one of our countrys oldest major cities is now taking on a completely new face. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Rock Hall. 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. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. Martinsville. 17. The end result? A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. 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. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. 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. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Virginia Beach is in Virginia Beach City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Regent University. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. Your email address will not be published.