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. 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. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% Martinsville. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. Your email address will not be published. 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! For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. 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. (oh, and by way of introduction, were Bellhop movers in Virginia and particularly Richmond movers, Arlington movers, Alexandria movers, Fairfax movers, and movers throughout the country). Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. We know. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Its transforming. 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. 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 housing and rent is affordable for young professionals raising kids and with being a short drive from Virginia Beach and Washington D.C., youll never run out of things to do with your kiddos. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and friendly town to raise their children or young professionals who want to live near a large university. Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. Coastal Plain. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Of its population of 74,627, 23% have a masters degree or higher, 34% have a bachelors degree, and a further 21% have a college or associate degree. Oak Island. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. 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. With a population of just over 8,000, this charming small town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the start (or finish, depending on your direction) of the. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. . Dinner Recipes. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. When not underground in the caves . Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . 2. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. . Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . Pelican Beach, Destin. 1. 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. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Staunton is no stranger to praise. 13 years ago. 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. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. By Brie Dyas. And its no wonder. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. Town Center of Virginia Beach and Lynnhaven Mall. Save. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. 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. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. Required fields are marked *. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Emerald Isle. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. Middleburg. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Recognized by Only in Your State as one of the best places in Virginia for millennials, Virginia Beachs vibrant urban atmosphere, ample activities, shopping opportunities, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural events make it just as big a draw to the old as it is to the young. 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. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. 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. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums. 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. To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. 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. This sleepy coastal town is well known for sport fishing, bringing enthusiasts from around the world to fish in the vast and plentiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in Europe, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin, The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New England, A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up, How Zac Stacy Achieved a Net Worth of $6 Million. Providing you dont have a pointy hat, a broomstick, and a black cat at your heels, youre likely to be left spellbound by the pretty little city of Salem. Considered one of the. Some of these places are very pricey! They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. 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?. 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. 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. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Perhaps one of the most obvious is that you can thrive in a great city while also being just a 30-minute drive away from Virginia Beach. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. Winchester. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? Its becoming something new. 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. 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. 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. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. Topsail Island. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach, Virginia. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Come Visit! 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. Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. Norfolk is also home to an impressive art scene and to a massive 220,000 square-foot art museum called the Chrysler Museum of Art. 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 youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. Love 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. 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. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. That depends on your budget and preferences. 2/15. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. . Next: 10. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . We went with our fur baby and had fun. Bird watching is also a big draw, especially during spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds take flight through the region. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 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. 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. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. 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. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. 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). Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. Middleburg. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. In Virginia Beach there are a lot of restaurants, coffee . 1. 6.4 Quality of Life. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. 6. NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Perfect for retirees or anyone looking for culture combined with a low cost of living. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. With its impressive variety of landscapes, countless activities, adventures to be had, food to be eaten, and memories to be made, Virginia is a true gem. 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. 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. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. 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. #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 end result? 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. Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. The city is home to a variety of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home, Ferry Farm. But along with the charmingly quaint historic communities of Williamsburg and Chantilly, youll find enough vibrant, fast-paced, hedonistic destinations to please even the most forward-thinking city slicker. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. 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. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . Norfolk is a great place for families. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 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 . This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state.