How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). Save. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. 1. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. 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. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs. 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. 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. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. 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. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. View Full Report Card. 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. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. There are towns and then there are small towns. 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. 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. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. 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. Norfolk is a great place for families. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Staunton provides culture a-plenty with sites like the American Shakespeare Center and The Frontier Culture Museum and offers no shortage of sensational specialty shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities. Cape Hatteras. Famous for its historic charm, young professionals can feel right at home in cozy apartments in old beautifully renovated brick buildings and factories without paying an arm and a leg at an average rent of $1,000 for a two bedroom, Richmond is very doable (especially if youre cool with having a roommate). What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. 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. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. 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. And like most of the best places to retire in Virginia, Vienna provides several opportunities to bask in nature and stay active. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. 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. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. 1. 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. 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. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. 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. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. 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. Cape May, New Jersey. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. 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. 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! 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. Median Annual Income. Median Home Value: $87,700. 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 facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. $171,800.0. Eastern Shore. Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but its still a great place to call home. 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. 5/15 . 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. 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. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . 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. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. 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. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. Easton In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66. 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. This small town is known for the Martinsville . 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. Corolla/Currituck Beach. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. 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. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. For lake living you can look at Moneta and Huddleston, both near Smith Mountain Lake. Book a tour or rent a kayak to journey through Wachateagues waters with Daytrippers, where youll explore the adjacent barrier islands, dig for clams, or try your hand at fishing. 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 . If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . However, the competition was fierce to say the least. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Los Angeles. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Located just 35 minutes away from the thrills and spills of Washington DC, Herndon is a place where families can raise their kids in peace, quiet and safety, while still enjoying easy access to the sites, jobs, shopping activities, and cultural delights of the big city. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. 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. But, more specifically, its for the individual that wants access to beautiful beaches, while still getting to enjoy all four seasons (without freezing to death in the winter). Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. 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. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. We are not at all surprised. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. According to Home Snacks, the small town has the lowest level of poverty of any independent city or county in the United States which may explain why its residents can expect a massive $742,000 in property price from any newcomer looking to enjoy the towns attractions. Portland, Maine. 100. Population: 23,204 Home Price: $1,390,500 median purchase price; $2,028 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of cities in the U.S. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. 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 region offers more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore 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. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. 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. Required fields are marked *. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. 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. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. Chincoteague, Virginia. 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. 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. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. Next: 10. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. . Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Its a city for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs looking to escape the big bustling cities and replace it with a hidden gem with plenty of historic charm in the midst of a renaissance. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. We know. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. The city is changing. 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. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. 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. 2/15. 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. 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. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. Today, art is just as much a part of Richmond as its history is, tattoos can be spotted on hipster skin as frequent as murals on the citys walls and coffee and craft beer flow with as much ferocity as the James River. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. 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. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Fredericksburg was established in 1671 and is located in the Northern Virginia region of the state. More interested in shopping? Updated: Jan 16, 2020. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. That depends on your budget and preferences. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. 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. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia.