best coastal towns in virginia to live

However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. 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. 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. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. Does anyone know if there are dog friendly hotels at any of the Virginia Eastern Shore areas? North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . According to Livability, Charlottesville ranks as one of the top 100 best places to live in the entire US. 10. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. 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. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. 4. . Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. 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. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. The charming town of Chantilly in Fairfax County is home to just under 24,000 people, all of whom can expect low crime rates, a smorgasbord of local attractions (including the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, the Sully Plantation, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center), great schools, an above-average median household income, and an almost permanent place on any compilation of the best place to live in Virginia. Learn how your comment data is processed. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. How long will $100,000 last me in retirement. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. 9 Best Beach Towns in Virginia - Southern Trippers This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. It boasts the National Wildlife Refuge and cute ponies. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. 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. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. 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. 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. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. 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. Martinsville. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Best Places To Live In Virginia In 2023: Top 5 Old Dominion Cities We are not at all surprised. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. 2022 2. We went with our fur baby and had fun. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. 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. Dinner Recipes. 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! 1. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. With excellent outdoor activities on its doorstep (including excellent hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, winter skiing and snow-tubing opportunities at Shenandoah National Park) and an abundance of first-class restaurants, boutiques, wineries, and other recreational pursuits, we anticipate an even higher position on our list for the popular town in the years to come. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. Jump in your car and drive 137 miles Southeast of Richmond and youll find another city in Virginia. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! 10 best coastal small towns across the United States - USA TODAY 10Best In addition, what makes Virginia especially interesting is its military influence. 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. Coastal Virginia - Eastern Shore, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Ideas / March 2, 2018 by Patricia Keppel / 23 Comments. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. As well as enjoying a median home value of $537,900 and a median household income of $93,370, the towns 154,710 lucky residents get to enjoy an abundance of stunning historic neighborhoods to wander, some great shopping opportunities, and a plethora of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. 25 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S. | Far & Wide With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. Situated right at the top of Virginia and bordering the Potomac River, which separates it from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is one of the most historical cities in the state. 20 Cities with the Worst Weather in the U.S. How Eiza Gonzalez Achieved a Net Worth of $5 Million, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million. Save. These watermen have been working the rich waters of the Chesapeake Bay for generations, and their deep roots are apparent in the unique dialect spoken on the island, a form of English not heard anywhere else in the world. 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). Kilmarnock! Corolla/Currituck Beach. . Abingdon, named after Martha Washingtons ancestral home in England, became a town in 1778 and today its historic downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, featuring venues like the historic Barter Theatre, as well as galleries, museums, and markets. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. #40 and #42. 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. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. Named from an Algonquian Indian word meaning "at the end of the water, the town was founded in 1765 with the construction of grist mills and tobacco warehouses. The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. Luray. "The area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End," says Zumper. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Cape May, New Jersey. 2022 Retirable Inc. All rights reserved. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. Some of these places are very pricey! Recognized by CitiesJournal as one of Virginias Best Small Towns and surrounded by natural beauty. Radford. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Chestertown Home to Washington College, this town's restored 18th- and 19th-century rowhouses and cobblestone streets abut the picturesque Chester River. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Rock Hall. Here Are 10 Of The Best Small Towns In Virginia Filled With Charm Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Piedmont. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. 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. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Located in Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach offers guests both a relaxing day on the water and an energetic night at Riverwalk Landing, a popular dining and shopping experience for beachgoers. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia - SmartAsset 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%. Wed love to hear from you! Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) 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. The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. The 20 Best Places to Live in Virginia - Money Inc Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? The University of Virginia. 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. Founded in 1632, the town of Williamsburg has the kind of uniquely charming historic town center you could wander for hours without getting bored. Hampton Bays, N.Y. Hampton Bays, N.Y., ranked 160th nationally. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. 6. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Holiday Inn in Exmore is pet friendly.It is about Midway up the VA Eastern Shore. When not underground in the caves . Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Best Beach Towns in America - 23 of the Most Charming Beach Towns Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Moving Company Costs Explained. The 10 Best Places To Live In Virginia: Top Picks to Live, Work, and Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . 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. Alexandria CITY POPULATION: 159,428 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.9% (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). Its transforming. 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. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Best Waterfront Communities in Virginia - PrivateCommunities.com Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. If you need any more convincing as to why this suburb of Arlington deserves a place on our list, why not try its low crime rate, excellent walkability, and abundance of local amenities for size? What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. Ogunquit, Maine. If you want to live in one of the best beach towns in the U.S. with tons of unique shops, art galleries on every corner, beaches you can relax on, and restaurants to fit any food mood, then living in Laguna Beach might be perfect for you! Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. 158,309 16. 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. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. 1. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The waterfront region is one of the best-kept secrets in the Commonwealth, boasting gorgeous beaches, incredible wildlife, and serene communities that welcome visitors to discover their quiet charm. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. 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. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia?