10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. Living in Virginia Beach offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . Kailua, Hawaii. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Emerald Isle. Los Angeles. 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. 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. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. 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. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history 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. The facility also has a free museum where you can learn about previous rocket launches and the science behind the missions. The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S. 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. 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 . We know. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Your email address will not be published. Topsail Island. 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. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. Fintech company SmartAsset compared data for 218 beach towns and put together a list of the most affordable 50.. Jennifer, Im considering moving to Virginia and am happy to hear ANY recommendations! 5.9 Job Market. 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. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. 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. 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. 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 population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 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). Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. Piedmont. Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). It is small and has a population of merely 800 or so people. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. 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. Beaufort. 10. Tangier Island lies twelve miles off the western coast of the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay and is known as America's "Soft Crab Capital". 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. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Median Home Value: $87,700. The historic downtown offers an array of specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and more, along with a surprisingly large selection of local restaurants and cafes. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. And, while the resort city will certainly have plenty of vacationers laying out on one of its massive public beaches, locals know some nice quiet spots where you wont see a tourist anywhere in sight. Id vote for the Refuge Inn when in Chincoteague. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! 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. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. 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. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. Whether you visit a small town for outdoor loversor head to the best foodie destinations, Virginias charming small towns welcome you to discover a unique vacation experience. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. 2022 2. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Thats roughly 165 a day. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. 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. Download The Entire Virginia Ranking Data. The end result? in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. Regent University. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. The charming downtown area includes art museums and a pedestrian mall, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer all the outdoor recreation you could want. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 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. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. 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. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. It's possible to find a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome with ocean views, right on the sand starting around $300,000. The remote island is only accessible by plane or boat, with a ferry bringing visitors from Onancock on the Eastern Shore and Reedville from the mainland, and the islands inhabitants travel Tangiers short series of roads by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. 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. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. 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 metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. 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.