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. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. Re: smaller coastal towns. Between Richmonds aesthetic and agreeable weather, it has quickly become a hotspot for millennials looking to escape the big city life without missing out on big city opportunity. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. 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. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Aesthetically, you couldnt ask for a prettier city than Richmond and with four fairly mild seasons, youll be able to enjoy the citys beauty year around without finding yourself too hot in the summertime nor freezing come winter. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. 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. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. 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. 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. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Emerald Isle. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. 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. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. Welcome to Virginia Beach. Charleston, SC. Perfect for: Families who want a close-knit community feel or nature lovers who want to live in a beautiful setting. Several! Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. And, as always, if you find yourself needing a helping hand as youre packing for your big move, dont hesitate to give us a call. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. Luray, VA. 4,842. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . Weve said it before and well say it again. Median Home Value: $87,700. Throughout the city, youll find hundreds of sculptures of mermaids, the citys unofficial mascot of sorts. Its becoming something new. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns. 6.4 Quality of Life. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 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. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. More interested in shopping? 158,309 16. . 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). As it notes, most of the citys 45,084 strong population comprises of highly educated young professionals (thanks, no doubt, to it being the home of the illustrious University of Virginia, which over the years has educated everyone from Edgar Allan Po to Tina Fey), many of whom are activity engaged in the kind of civic causes that are turning Charlottesville into one the states most desirable destinations. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. Spanning 70 miles and bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginias Eastern Shore is a coastal paradise. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. 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. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. 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. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. Wakefield - Population: 11,554 - Median home value: $632,600 (94% own) - Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent) - Median household. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! 5.9 Job Market. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Floridaand all have. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. North Carolina should increase to $187,536 in Virginia Beach, Virginia (assumptions include Homeowner, no Child Care, and Taxes are not considered. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. With a well-funded school system and a peaceful, close-knit feel, it makes a great place to raise a family. . Martinsville. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. 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). It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. 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. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. This suburb of Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to retire in Virginia for those who like access to shops and restaurants. In general, residents here are outdoorsy and enjoy horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and stand-up paddleboarding during . Its transforming. Rock Hall. 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. . Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. Ocracoke Island. 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?. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. 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. In the past, weve highlighted hidden gems like Chattanooga and Austin as places we recommend calling home for their breadth of opportunity, affordability, hip funky culture and loads of entertainment. You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 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. Other than the excellent school system and abundance of local amenities, Purcellville residents enjoy both the 2nd highest median income ($128,017 per household) in the state and the 2nd lowest crime figures. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Check out esvatourism.org There is a tab for lodging, then a pic of a dog, click on that and you will see them. Nothing to keep you from moving there, but just something to keep in mind as you make your decision. We know. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. 100. These beautiful animals were made famous in the book and subsequent movie, Misty of Chincoteague, and the town houses a museum that tells the true story behind the ponies. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Portland, Maine. Arlington. 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. Come Visit! Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. 1. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. 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. 4.9 Net Migration. To narrow down the most family friendly cities in Virginia, we looked at several factors: crime, education, family friendly activities and percent of households that currently have children. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. Easton Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. Increased spending increases the risk of depleting your savings and performance is not guaranteed. 5.4 Value. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Wrightsville Beach. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. This isnt to say its a youngsters playground only- the excellent economy, great schools, booming job market, high home values, low crime rates and abundance of things to see and do make Arlington as equally popular with seniors and families as it is with millennials. To empower a confident, worry-free retirement for everyone. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Your email address will not be published. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. Virginia Beach, Virginia ranks in the top 10 cities for four of the six metrics we considered. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. 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. Founded in 1680 as Port Scarborough, it has been called the Coolest Town in the South by Budget Travel and the #1 Small Town in Virginia by CitiesJournal.com. 1. The best neighborhoods to live in Alexandria include those listed below: Taylor Run (Average Home Value: $275,000 to $1+ million) Taylor Run is an attractive area for families and young professionals with parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. 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. Winchester. And, finally, if youre into great food and craft beer, Norfolk is the place for you. Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. In fact, out of a list of 300 of the most populated cities in the, Read More The 20 Safest Places to Live in MarylandContinue, South Africa is unquestionably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Over 60,000 veterans live in Virginia Beach and the city is home to Naval Air Station Oceana which is responsible for over 60,000 military take-offs and landings each year. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. 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. 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). And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. What about it do you like most? Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. 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. 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. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Thanks to an excellent job market, two of Virginias most famous malls (Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center for the uninitiated), a close to zero crime rate, excellent schools, and a buzzing nightlife, the residents of Tysons Corner are only too aware theyre sitting on real estate dynamite. 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!