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. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. 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. Love Virginia? The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. Named one of the Top 14 Small Cities In Virginia by CitiesJournal, Occoquan sits on the Occoquan River. 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. 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. 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! The town was historically a bustling port town, with steamboats traveling between Baltimore and Norfolk stopping in the waterfront community for supplies and rest. 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. 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. Lovers of the great outdoors might prefer the beach or mountains, but big-city, suburban, and small-town options are also available. And, Richmond is weird and unique in the best kind of ways. Central Virginia This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership. This one only takes up six blocks and has a population under 1,000, yes its' small. 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. Ocracoke Island. You must be at least 18 years of age to become a Retirable Premium user. Perfect for retirees or anyone looking for culture combined with a low cost of living. Hanalei, HI. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. You simply cant go wrong with Onancock. 46.5" 15. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. 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. 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. La Vida Nomad | Sitemap, 11 Best Beach Towns to Live in North Carolina. Few people who know Chincoteague Island will argue with this towns reign as one of the best towns in Virginia. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. But, outside from the beaches, the city as a whole sports a very outdoor-centric culture. 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. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. A small town can be anything from a couple of hundred people to 10,000. 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. Martinsville. Virginia Beach. That might be true, but even great leaders can get tired of low salaries, high living costs, and kids whod rather be anywhere else, Read More The 20 Best Places for Teachers to Live in the U.S.Continue, Life as a single mom isnt always easy. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. 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. And, lastly, at roughly $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom in Virginia Beach, the city is doable. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Helpful Statistics: Median Age: 40 years. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. The cost of living is low, making it an excellent place for families or those on a budget. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. Median Income: $81,263. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. 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. This company Harbor Rental in chincoteague has many different size homes that are pet friendly. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? $171,800.0. 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. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Regardless of what your idea of the perfect city is, weve got something for everyone. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 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. 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. The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet. You don't even have to leave the U.S. for a warm weather getaway. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . Virginia Beach is first and foremost for the beach lover. Virginia Beach. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Best places to live in Virginia include Arlington, Alexandria, Abingdon, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. 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. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. 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. As youd expect, unemployment and poverty figures are both correspondingly low, coming in at 5.3% and 3.8% respectively. 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. The town's small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city. When not underground in the caves,. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Pelican Beach, Destin. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! 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. 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. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%. Save. But Williamsburg personifies the answer to the question, is Virginia a good place to live? Youll get access to museums, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as a growing over-65 population. 14 Chincoteague. Sign up for travel tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox. The best place to live in Virginia for 2022 is Vienna. And if youre looking for more cute towns in Virginia, check out these charming towns in Virginia where everybody knows your name. Emerald Isle. 10. Cape May, New Jersey. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. 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. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. Your email address will not be published. If youre interested in staying overnight, book a stay at the Bay View Bed & Breakfast. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. The first state to be settled in 1607, Virginia has a rich history, culture and heritage to delve into lots of spellbinding scenery. 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. Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. 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. 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. But it turns out, your beach-town dream may not be as far out of reach as you think. 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. Plus, the dining scene is equally impressive. Free beaches and state parks, decent home prices with the perks of living in a big city, and lots of fun things to do for families and singles. Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. Check out this article that highlights 11 of the most beautiful places to see in Virginia. Coastal Plain. Thats roughly 165 a day. 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. How to Pack for a Move (Without Going Crazy). 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. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. 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. #3 Best Places to Live in Virginia Colonial Village Neighborhood in Arlington, VA A+ Overall Niche Grade A+ Public Schools Population 2,895 View nearby homes Randolph-Macon Academy Front Royal, VA Private School 6-12 168 reviews Parent: The Admissions department made the application process seamless. Some vacation houses allow dogs, but be aware that you cannot take ANY pet, even confined in your car, onto Assateague Island. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. The city's downtown area also provides easy access to all D.C. metro area attractions. The metro area has a population density of 89.6 people per square. 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. 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). Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. To find the cities where Black Americans fare best economically, SmartAsset looked at the 200 . The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery. NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginias Northern Neck, 15 Memorable Holiday Road Trips to Virginias Most Festive Towns, The Top Spots to View Virginias Colorful Foliage Throughout the Fall, 18 Relaxing Wellness Retreats and Getaways in Virginia, Hiking with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly Trails in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginias Eastern Shore, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Best 2-3 Day Virginia Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Luray, VA. 4,842. 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. 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. 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. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! How many of these quaint towns in Virginia have you visited? As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Martinsville. 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. 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. 1. Whether you're a history buff, art collector, wine enthusiast, beer aficionado, hiking lover, ghost hunter, bargain shopper, or anything in between, you'll find that Virginia has exactly what you're looking for. 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. Local tip: Evergrain Bread Company (201-203 High St.; 410-778-3333) has some of the flakiest croissants this side of the Seine. Need further convincing? Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Virginia is home to many charming beach towns that have small-town American vibes, including Chincoteague, Tangier Island, and beyond. 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. Virginia has so many remarkable small towns that singling out one as the most scenic is a bit of a challenge and largely depends on whether or not you're more partial to farmland, mountains, or the coast. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Is Virginia a good place to retire? 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. 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. 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. North Carolina vs Virginia Beach, Virginia Change Places . Blue Ridge, Ridge and Valley & Appalachian Plateau. Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The best small towns in Virginia are some of the most delightful locales in the country. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife. 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? The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Staunton provides culture a-plenty with sites like the American Shakespeare Center and The Frontier Culture Museum and offers no shortage of sensational specialty shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities. Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. The history: If youre a fan of American history, then youll love living in Williamsburg. 4. Re: smaller coastal towns. This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. Dont say we didnt warn you. 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. Visit the Tangier History Museum to learn about the small islands long and captivating history. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Where to Stay/Eat: Stay in the downtown area at the Hotel Cape Charlesor The Bay Haven Inn and get a taste of the local seafood at either The Shanty or the Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, followed by a little dessert at Brown Dog Ice Cream. 1. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. Features. Dinner Recipes. Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average. Richmond, Virginia is for those that march to the beat of their own drums. Charleston, SC. For more information, see our Form ADV Part II and other disclosures. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. With a population of 16,378, Vienna is the kind of close-knit, family-friendly community that picket fence dreams are made of. Located next to High Bridge Trail State Park and home to Longwood University, one of the nations oldest public institutions, Farmville is filled with history, quaint charm, friendly people, and high quality of life. Already called one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and Frommers, TheCultureTrip.com has named it the Most Beautiful Small Town in Virginia as well. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Residents benefit from a booming economy, an unemployment rate of 3.6%, a health-conscious culture, and the lowest tax rate in the Hampton Roads region. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. Norfolk is a great place for families. Now there are small towns and then there are small towns. Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. They have the 2nd longest beach in all of Virginia, right behind Virginia Beach. 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. 1. 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.