SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Best North Carolina Beaches. 5.9 Job Market. Come Visit! . 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. 10 best coastal small towns across the United States - USA TODAY 10Best Vote- Best Coastal Small Town Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' Choice We went with our fur baby and had fun. Charleston, SC. The location: Clifton is close enough to Washington DC for a quick commute but far enough away that you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 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. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. 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. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. 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. 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. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. Considered one of the. 2. #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. Beaufort. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. The 10 Best Places To Live In Virginia: Top Picks to Live, Work, and Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. 1. 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. 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. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. Best Places to Live or Retire in Virginia - VA Cities & Regions The Best Virginia Beach Neighborhood for Retirees - Movoto Real Estate Gordon Bell / Shutterstock. Your email address will not be published. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. Virginia Beach, VA - Niche Save. 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. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and its conveniently close to Washington D.C. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. 17. 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). Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. Norfolk is a great place for families. What Is The Safest Coastal Town In North Carolina? - CLJ Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. 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. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. $171,800.0. Portland, Maine. (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.). To see Virginia's other best of the best cities, take a look below. America's Most Affordable Beach Towns, 2019 Edition - realtor.com Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We know. Best Overall City - Arlington Cliff / flickr Matthew Hurst / flickr Arlington sits just at the border of Virginia and Washington, D.C. so it's no wonder this vibrant city scores so high in terms of things to do, economy and livability. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. #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. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. 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. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. For lake living you can look at Moneta and Huddleston, both near Smith Mountain Lake. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. smaller coastal towns - Virginia Forum - Tripadvisor 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. 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. 100. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. When not underground in the caves,. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. 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. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. 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. Anything you cant find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away. Learn how your comment data is processed. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. If youre looking to make the state of Virginia your next home, you could do a lot worse than the little town of Warrenton. Middleburg. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Next: 10. Wrightsville Beach. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Your email address will not be published. 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. 15 Best Places to Live in Virginia - The Crazy Tourist 2/15. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. Staunton is no stranger to praise. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. 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. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Here Are 10 Of The Best Small Towns In Virginia Filled With Charm Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. From the beautiful corners of Southwest Virginia to the far Eastern Shore, youll find some of the best and most beautiful small towns in Virginia. 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. Is Virginia a good place to retire? Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. 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. 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. 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. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. In addition, what makes Virginia especially interesting is its military influence. 10 Best Beach Towns in Virginia (for Your Bucket List!) During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. 4. This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . 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. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. THE 10 BEST Virginia Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. 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. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. What's the average retirement income for 2022? Rock Hall. Virginia Beach. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. Surrounded on all sides by Virginia wine and horse country, Warrenton enjoys one of the most idyllic spots in the state. Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). $102,227 17. 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. The city has a population of around 24,000 and is known for its historic downtown district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. 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. 14 Chincoteague. 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. Topsail Island. Sandbridge. That depends on your budget and preferences. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. 3. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. 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. 5.4 Value. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. 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. Best Beach Towns To Live In On The East Coast The University of Virginia. 9 Best Beach Towns in Virginia - Southern Trippers The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Arlington. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history Known as the "City of Discovery," the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today. This is our ninth time ranking the best small places to live in Virginia. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country.