Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. Today, the town is filled with stunning Victorian-era homes and local boutique shops. Here's how it ranked in each category: Affordability: 140 Weather: 147 Safety: 144 Economy: 156 Education and health: 95 Quality of. 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. If youre looking for a beachfront break without the crowds, plan a vacation to one of these five small towns on the Eastern Shore. 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. THE 10 BEST Virginia Beaches (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Obviously the lake is a big draw in the summer . Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? 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. The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, youll be in heaven in Roanoke. http://www.burnhamguides.com/virginia Also, Inn and Garden Cafe is closed. With that said, the one downside of Richmond is that there is a slightly higher crime rate there than the other two cities. There is also plenty to do outdoors, with miles of coastline for beach-goers, camping grounds, and trails for . This small town is known for the Martinsville . Thanks to its easy proximity to the states capital, Viennas lucky residents get to enjoy all the joys of the big city while raising their kids in a safe, peaceful environment. When it comes to the best small towns in Virginia, Occoquan certainly fits the bill. Wed love to hear from you! 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. To experience secluded beaches and horses, visitors head to Assateague Island National Seashore, located near Chincoteague Island. Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. Richmond, Virginia is yet another one of these gems weve stumbled upon, making it one of the top places to live in Virginia. Its an exciting metamorphosis that can be felt in the air and heard in passing conversation at trendy coffee shops and breweries like Lamplighter and The Veil. Winchester. 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. Some of these places are very pricey! Corolla/Currituck Beach. 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. 14 Best North Carolina Beaches | U.S. News Travel 7 Best Beaches in Maryland | U.S. News Travel Located on the Virginia coast where the Chesapeake Bay collides with the Atlantic, Virginia Beach at surface level is a vacation hot spot. 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. 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. The Hotel Cape Charles on Main Street innCape Charles is dog friendly and a great spot! Its now Maurice., Also in Cape Charles there are several historic renovated B&Bs. 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. 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). Emerald Isle. Regent University. 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. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. Its most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. Their web site has section that shows only pet friendly rental. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. . When not underground in the caves . 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Garden and Sea Inn Bed and Breakfast is pet-friendly. #40 and #42. 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! Her work has appeared on Money Under 30, The Motley Fool, MoneyGeek, E-commerce Insiders, and GoBankingRates. 15 Small Towns in Virginia for a Relaxing Weekend Getaway It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. Topsail Island. 25 Affordable Beach Towns Where You Can Retire - MoneyWise We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. This is one of the most expensive areas in the state. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. 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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 100. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. 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. So you're unlikely to get bored while enjoying your golden years . Up next we have Purcellville, a relatively small town that is so in demand, homeowners can charge a stonking $426,500 for their properties. 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. Check out our guide to the best places to live in Virginia to offer. 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. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding . 10 best coastal small towns across the United States - USA TODAY 10Best The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds. Another great kayaking trip is the Paddle Your Glass Off tour, a guided paddling expedition through the Bay waters to Chatham Vineyards, where youll take a scenic break for a little wine tasting. And they are the closest beach town to Washington D.C. 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. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Of course, the same is true for nearly every place in Virginia. Vote- Best Coastal Small Town Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' Choice 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 towns small population mainly work as watermen, harvesting fresh seafood from the surrounding Bay waters. Its excellent school system and low crime numbers, meanwhile, make it one of the most attractive places on our list for raising a family. 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. If youre in the mood for a little adventure, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard from Burnham Guides, located in the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. Virginia has dozens of small towns that offer endless charm, hospitality, and memorable adventures. The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools. Folks who live in Norfolk are always pleasantly surprised by the work/life balance that exists in the city. Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Middleburg. As you've probably gathered from reading our list of the best small towns in Virginia, the Old Dominion is full of unique attractions. . And then theres schooling, safety, job opportunities, and more, Read More The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in EuropeContinue, Theres more to Wisconsin than cheese curds. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. It's most famous for theUniversity of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. The 10 Best Cities to Live in Virginia - UpNest This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. 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. Best Places to Live in Virginia - Ramsey - Ramsey Solutions Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia 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. Awesome fun coastal town with farmers markets, festivals, shopping and about 1000 residents. 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. Here are the best places to live in Virginia. Visited by Captain John Smith in the early 1600s, he wrote that the land was the Gem of the Eastern Shore. Kilmarnock! Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. 6. We have been using them for 6 years and the service is great. Others are lovely hidden gems buried right in the heart of the state. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. 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 . The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. Coastal Plain. 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. At first glance, Richmond has the perfect canvas to be an amazing city. As such, its important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. 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. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. 11 Quaint + Charming Historic Virginia Towns (That You Haven't Visited Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. Virginia Beach is a city in Virginia with a population of 457,658. Cape Charles is an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, as Kiptopeke State Park isright outside the town. The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range. The 10 Best Places To Live In Virginia For 2022 - HomeSnacks Re: smaller coastal towns. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. What is the best coastal town to live in North Carolina? Portland, Maine. With relatively low taxes, a moderate climate, plenty of beaches, and easy access to much of the East Coast, Virginia is a great place to retire or raise a family. Middleburg in Loudoun County has been listed at the top of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. The Best Virginia Beach Neighborhood for Retirees - Movoto Real Estate Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. 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. Richmond As you explore some of the best cities to live in Virginia, don't neglect the capital. Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. Charleston is a popular choice for those seeking an East Coast locale with warm . The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? 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. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Corrections for the Onancock section: Burnham Guides rents kayaks, SUPs and does tours from the historic Steamboat Ticket Office at Onancock Wharf. 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. 14 Chincoteague. So why the popularity? However, many people tend to agree that one of the most scenic towns in the state is Crozet. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia's best places to live for some. Luray. Leesburg is a high-demand town, which means home prices will be higher than the national average. 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. Vienna is beautiful, quaint, safe, and bursting at the seams with great people. Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions youll make for yourself and your family. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. Best Waterfront Communities in Virginia - PrivateCommunities.com If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. The sculptures are a fun way to decorate the city while also honoring its maritime roots. But, more than this, Richmond is for young professionals too with 7 fortunate 500 companies headquartered there, the opportunity for career growth is endless. 1. Visit former Native American villages, kayak to local wineries, and go sailing. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. We went with our fur baby and had fun. 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. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . Virginia's small towns, unique cities, and notable neighborhoods are treasure troves of great food, warm hospitality, immense history, and Southern charm. Just 25 miles west of Virginia Beach exists the state's second largest city, Norfolk. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. Today, Occoquan is an artists' community, featuring shops, dining, ghost walks, boating, and fishingall with brick sidewalks lit by old-fashioned gaslights. 1. Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Cape Charles is an idyllic small town that exudes endless character. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. What are the most unique towns in Virginia? Situated on the border of Virginia and Washington, the vibrant atmosphere of Arlington makes it a hugely attractive proposition to Virginias new wave of bright young things. 46.5" 15. Median Income: $81,263. Lifelong watermen and weekend sailors alike head to Rock Hall for its nautical flavor, complete with marinas, a small beach, and waterfront crabhouses. There are so many great cities in Virginia that its a bit hard to make a decision. The small town draws visitors looking for a quiet coastal beach experience as well as space travel enthusiasts, as the NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility Visitor Center, NASAs primary facility for suborbital missions, is just south of the island. The Most Popular Gifts of 2022. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Keep reading to see if your hometown in Virginia made the list. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you. Alexandria is located right at the states northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C. 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. Staunton is no stranger to praise. Or folks can go inland a block or two and save big bucks on a beach. A mammoth median property price of $485,000. Dont worry though, locals say you get pretty accustomed to the shrieks and roars of the jets knifing their way through the sky. 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. But theres also gorgeous landscapes, sprawling metropolises, and a lot of very friendly folk who, Read More The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in WisconsinContinue, People have different criteria when choosing where to live, depending on their lifestyle, personal preference, stage of life, and employment. #10. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. 10 Best Places to Live in Virginia for Families | HOMEiA The 8 Best Beaches in Virginia for Avoiding Crowds - Livability Ocracoke Island. 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. Numbers 1 and 2 don't require much explanation - the population and dates speak for themselves. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Retirable, Inc. ('Retirable') is an SEC registered investment advisor. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Colonial Beach is one of the best beach towns in Virginia. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. Everything you need to know about moving to a new state. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. 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. The University of Virginia. The 20 Best Places to Live in Virginia - Money Inc This is true, but it also just so happens to be a wonderful place to call home, too. Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). Charleston, SC. Where to Stay/Eat: Book a stay at the Charlotte Hotel, a cute boutique retreat in the heart of downtown Onancock. Yorktown Beach, Yorktown, VA. Required fields are marked *. SouthEast Expeditions offers an Aqua-Culture Clamming tour along Cherrystone Creek, just north of Cape Charles. Check out esvatourism.org There is a tab for lodging, then a pic of a dog, click on that and you will see them. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. What is the most scenic town in Virginia? Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure theyre well prepared for their later years. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. We know. Full of architectural delights, quirky little boutiques, and artisanal marketplaces, its easy to understand how Williamson attracts over 4 million tourists every year. These are river towns and not very touristy at all. As Niche notes, most residents are highly educated (21% have a masters degree or higher, 31% have a bachelors degree, and a further 23% have a college or associates degree), while those that havent yet completed their education stand a very good chance of progressing to the same level thanks to an excellent, well-funded school system that comprises of such well regarded schools as Loudoun County High School, Evergreen Elementary School, and Heritage High School. Wrightsville Beach. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. That depends on your budget and preferences. Pelican Beach, Destin. 2. Best Places to Live in Newport News, Virginia