11 Charming Small Towns You Need to Explore On Your - Washingtonian The 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia in 2021 - NewHomeSource Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. The only ferry to Tangier Island from the shore departs from Onancock, giving you access to yet another incredible small town on the Eastern Shore. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia. 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. 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. This small town is known for the Martinsville . 2022 Places with the Best Public Schools in Virginia - Niche The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. 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 weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. 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. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. With a live theater, award-winning restaurants, local artists, craftsmen, sculptors, actors, dancers, musicians, and glassblowers, there's no shortage of things to see and do. 46.5" 15. 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. 1. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. For a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stop by the Assateague Lighthouse on the neighboring Assateague Island. 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. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. The 11 best coastal cities to live in after the pandemic - Business Insider Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. 50 best beach towns to live in - MSN Looking for the top place to live in Virginia? 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. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. The state of Virginia as a whole offers an excellent food scene. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. 14 Chincoteague. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. The next entry to our list is one for the Golden Oldies. The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. 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. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. The small-town feel: With a population of just over 1,000, Clifton has a strong sense of community, and the residents are committed to preserving the areas natural beauty. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Great location just a short walk from the wildlife refuge with nicely appointed rooms and decks/patios. 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. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Grandview Beach, Hampton, VA. 8. 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. Middleburg. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. 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. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. 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. 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. 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. Median Annual Income. Despite spending 35 years in South Florida, my family moves every 1-2 years. 10. Best Beach Towns To Live In On The East Coast Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. Then get saving. 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. Where Black Americans Fare Best Economically - 2021 Study Incorporated in 1810 and named for Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren, this town of less than 10,000 in Fauquier County was listed as the 8th highest-income county in the U.S. according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. 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. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. 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. Sorry, but our waterfront home, Eagles View, is not pet friendly basically because of the amount of time the dogs would be left alone in the house while their families are at the beach, hiking the trails, eating out, etc. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. 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. In addition, 22 percent of the residents are 65 years and over. The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast - Cond Nast Traveler As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. 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. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges. Why its one of the best places to live in Virginia: The scenery: Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Here Are 10 Of The Best Small Towns In Virginia Filled With Charm 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. 7 Best Beach Towns in America | Extra Space Storage Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. 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. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 6. With this state, the most difficult roadblock youll run into will be choosing which amazing city to call home. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Kilmarnock! Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. Sure, theres a lot of farms, and yes, theres a lot of cows. 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. Virginia Beach. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 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. With just 4.1% unemployment, a poverty rate of 4.9%, a median home value of $394,000, a median income of $105,844, and a healthy population of 51,012, the historic town of Leesburg makes it to 6th place position on our list. Its worth mentioning that every small town in Virginia is worth a visit, so while weve provided a list of some of the best towns in Virginia, its by no means an exhaustive list. Number 2: it's one of the biggest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. Median Income: $81,263. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Your email address will not be published. The Best Places to Live By the Beach in the U.S. - Yahoo! News The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. Martinsville. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. The cities in Virginia are as beautiful and diverse as the state itself. Pelican Beach, Destin. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. Centrally located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Eastern Shore, Onancock is an inviting small town that was founded in 1680. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. 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. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. 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 population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. In fact, when you visit Crozet, you won't be far from the countless hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. 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). 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 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. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Hanalei, HI. The 25 Best Places to Live on the East Coast in 2022-2023 Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. THE 10 BEST Virginia Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 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).