best coastal towns in virginia to live best coastal towns in virginia to live

The historic town square may only cover six square blocks, but it is home to over 100 shops and restaurants, making Occoquan a small town with big-town convenience. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. When not underground in the caves . 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 . What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open. The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town. The 20 Best Places to Live in South Africa. Open Saturdays and Sundays or if you catch me in the yard, I live right next door. Emerald Isle. 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. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. 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 downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. The retirement hub is Hilton Head, with many upscale communities aimed at retiring baby boomers. Some of them are right on the coast where in the summertime you can literally kick off your dress shoes after work and go for a walk along the beach. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. The poverty rate may be slightly higher than some of our other entries (although at 8.0%, its still lower than the national average), but with a low unemployment rate of 5.3%, a median income of $70,500, and a median home value of $267,300, its fair to say the majority of residents are in no danger of feeling the pinch any time soon. 14 Chincoteague. Or just sit in a pub on the water and listen to live music. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. 1. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. This makes it a fabulous place to live, visit and vacation with all its small towns and cities offering up something new, old and interesting to enjoy. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. One quick Google search will lead you to hundreds of images depicting a bustling river, tall buildings sprouting up between thick green leafy trees and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. 3. Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Access to the top of the lighthouse is open to the public during select visiting hours. Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. 2022 2. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 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. I even used Bellhop to move from Florida to Colorado in 2021. 18 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology. The Inn at Onancock loves dogs, and your pup can meet the resident, Dante, the friendly Shepherd. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do. 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. . Add in a great cost of living and tons of southern charm and. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Virginia and we would love to help! So why the popularity? 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. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. You might look on the Northern Neck, in particular towns like Irvington, Kilmarnock, Montross, White Church. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up best with the comment, We feel incredibly safe in Salem. 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. 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. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Official Tourism Blog Of The Commonwealth Of VirginiaCopyright 2023 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, Va 23219. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. Named by Southern Living as one of the best North Carolina beach towns, Beaufort is a small, charming harbor town with a list of perks a mile long. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Me, just bought a teensy spot outside Boydton, n am SO excited not only about that, but the many upcoming adventures both in the County, and Coast feel very privileged to become a Virginia resident, a State with such a rich history and the folks who live here their stateSmiles to you ALL! This riverside town may have a population of less than 1,000, but it does not fall short of charm. Read the Magazine Quick Facts Average Household Income $73,549 Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. 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. 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the states second largest city, Norfolk. The states rich history gives it plenty of attractions to keep retirees busy. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Arlington. 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. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Easy, Cheap, 30-Minute (or Faster!) 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. 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. 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. There are towns and then there are small towns. With a population of just over 8,000, this charming small town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the start (or finish, depending on your direction) of the. If you love nature, youll feel right at home here. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children. 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). Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. It has a first-class school system, with Chantilly High School, Centreville High School, Fairfax High School, and Westfield High School all scoring an A+ under Niches assessment criteria. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. Check out this road trip that will take you to 6 of the most scenic small towns in Virginia. in Best Places to Live #39. in Best Places to Retire; 6 Overall Rating. Virginia Beach. The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. Being that Norfolk is surrounded by the sea, legend has it that mermaids would actually guide battle-weary sailors back to safety after a war at sea. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). 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? Chincoteague, Virginia. Here are some of the most unique towns in Virginia: These towns all offer a unique array of history, culture, dining, and community. 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. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. By Brie Dyas. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . As to number 3 where do you start? The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. Schedule your FREE Retirable consultation today. 6. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. Virginia is known for a lot of things: history, natural beauty, (bless our hearts) lots of southern charm. Retirables retirement calculator helps to project how much monthly retirement income your retirement nest egg can produce while ensuring your savings last as long as you need. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Live everyday like you're on vacation in these American coastal towns with spectacular views and bargain prices. The jailhouse and courthouse that served as the earliest beginnings of the town in 1790 have both been beautifully preserved and now serve as museum buildings housing Native American artifacts, Civil War exhibits featuring Colonel John S. Mosby (a Warrenton resident), and original jail cells. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. But one of the best features of Virginia is the abundance of small towns and communities throughout the state. Kilmarnock! You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. Are there any that you believe should be on this list? Here, we take a look at the best places to live in Virginia: whether youre a 20 something millennial or a 60 something baby boomer, youd be thrilled to call any one of these 20 hotspots your home. With stunning mountain ranges, superb beaches and vibrant cities, Virginia has it all. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Sun Set Beach Resort, Cape Charles. History buffs cant go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Between VCUs world-renowned art school, affordable living and impressive career opportunities, young professionals are moving to the city in droves. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well. 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. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers College for Older Adults. Virginia Beach 3,092 Beaches By JustCho2 Then get saving. 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. Coastal Plain. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price. 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. Middleburg. Hello, everyone who enjoys and appreciates our USA, the coastal VA rugged life style and its rich history Calvert Cliffs State Park #3 in Best Beaches in Maryland Characterized by imposing cliffs that were formed about 10 to 20 million years ago and occupy about 25 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. Ogunquit, Maine. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. 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. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 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). Welcome to Virginia Beach. Regent University. 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. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Our first sell on Virginia Beach is that it sports over 38 miles of coastline. Youll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. 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. I spend my free time with my family, hiking, exploring breweries and new restaurants in the area. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . The schools: Youll have access to a first-class school system. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Located right on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a tourist destination with beautiful moss-draped live oaks and gorgeous pastel-colored waterfront homes. Sunny Places to Escape the Winter Blues. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. Coastal properties in Mississippi, Texas, and Florida are among the most affordable homes near the water anywhere in the country. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? #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. . Virginia Beach. 5.4 Value. Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Sample fresh seafood at The Fishermans Corner Restaurant or Lorraines Seafood Restaurant. Charleston, SC. Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Average Annual Rainfall. If youre looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you. Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. 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. Youll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. A national poll voted Chincoteague as America's seventh favorite small town. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. Connecticut has 96 miles (618 miles according to the NOAA) of idyllic New England shoreline, complete with small islands, lighthouses, and top East Coast beach towns. 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. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. 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. The locals are really nice and are generally accepting of college students. 17. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. 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. Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nations capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting. Thank you! Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. oldest continuously operating inns in the U.S. Lexington, Virginia and the Rockbridge Area Tourism / Facebook, reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia. 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. We recommend Norfolk for young families looking to raise their kids in a great city among great people. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. What makes it a great place to live: The University of Virginia. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Its a city for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs looking to escape the big bustling cities and replace it with a hidden gem with plenty of historic charm in the midst of a renaissance. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. Founded in 1732, this lovely little town in the Shenandoah Valley offers historic architecture, culture, and a friendly down-home atmosphere that makes its place in the rankings well-deserved. Martinsville. The crime rate is so low as to be almost non-existent, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low of 2.9%, while the school system is one of the best in the state. $171,800.0. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. Wachapreague is a tiny Victorian-era town with a population of only 200 permanent residents, and is surrounded by farmland, woods, water, and some of the only undeveloped wetlands and barrier islands in the Mid-Atlantic. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. A small Atlantic island tucked away on the northeastern corner of Virginias Eastern Shore, Chincoteague is best known for the wild ponies found in the bordering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. 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. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. Dont say we didnt warn you. Radford. The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in Europe, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin, The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in or around New England, A reviewer on City-Data.com summed things up, How Zac Stacy Achieved a Net Worth of $6 Million. Staunton is no stranger to praise. Moving Company Costs Explained. Ocean View Beach, Norfolk, VA. 1. Heres a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search. The Spinning Wheel B&B and the 1882 Colonial Manor Inn B&B are both family friendly and dog friendly. Wed love to hear from you! The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. As the tenth oldest state in the country, youd expect it to have its share of wealthy, sedate centers, and youd be right. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. And so, without further ado, we give you The 15 best places to live in Virginia. Kailua, Hawaii. 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. The towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommers Best Small Towns in Virginia. 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. Despite competing with the best of them when it comes to amenities, Bon Airs property prices are among the lowest on our list, with the average cost of a three-bedroom single-family home standing at a very reasonable $212,900. 2. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. Learn more about the, Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon has been listed as #5 on CitiesJournals Top 14 Small Towns in Virginia, #5 on Frommers Top Small Towns and Villages in Virginia, and one of USA Todays Best Southern Small Towns in the U.S. nominees. 1. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. The University of Virginia. Middleburg is a popular town in Virginia that is located in Loudoun County. You can view them all at http://www.capecharlesbnb.com. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Retirable provides holistic retirement planning services, which are available only to residents of the United States. While the word "literally" is often used incorrectly, in this case, Farmville sits just south of the geographic center of the state, meaning that it is "literally" in the heart of Virginia. This small town is known for the Martinsville . Dinner Recipes. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632.