This influx of hipsters is having a massive impact on the culture of Richmond in some fabulous ways. Fredericksburg Every corner of Fredericksburg is loaded with history. 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. Luray, VA. 4,842. 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. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do. We love smaller lesser-known cities that have a lot to offer. Eastern Shore. 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Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. 46.5" 15. Hi Rhonda, Im considering purchasing a home in Wachapreague. During the spring, fall and summer months, everywhere you look people can be seen rollerblading, skimboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking and walking their dogs. 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. For the time being, here are a few of the most charming towns in Virginia that have garnered national and statewide praise for their community, beauty, and all-around livability. 2/15. The List: Best Places to Live in Virginia Most Recommended By Experts 1. Kailua, Hawaii. (And if you're looking for a little laugh, check out these 17 reasons you should never, ever move to Virginia.). 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. Eat at Bills Prime Seafood & Steaks, followed by a few scoops at Island Creamery, ranked the best ice cream in America by TripAdvisor. Hanalei, HI. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities. Clarksville On the shore of 78sqmi (202sqkm) Kerr Lake, Clarksville is the only lakeside town in Virginia. A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median. If you plan on making the move to Richmond soon, give us a call, wed love to help. Home Living like a local The Best Places to Live in Virginia (A 2022 Guide). Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. 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. 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. Another one of Frommer's Best Small Towns in Virginia. Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, this quiet little haven offers charm and history in abundance. Not to mention, Norfolk based breweries like Smartmouth Brewing and OConnor Brewing Co are turning the city into a beer drinkers paradise. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. 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. Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. 1. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. Winchester. Its becoming something new. Your email address will not be published. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This was followed by a coveted #8 spot in USA Today and 10 Bests Readers Choice for Best Coastal Small Towns. History buffs will love the historic sites and museums at every turn. Next to my home in West Virginia, Wachapreague is my favorite place! The Middleburg Historic District, made up of many beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes the Red Fox Inn. Bald Head Island. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation. 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. They were ranked according to their median home value, average number of rooms per house, median monthly property taxes paid and monthly housing costs. Arlington. Newport News, Virginia is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay. When not underground in the caves . 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. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C. 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. Several! Although its home to two colleges, VMI and W&L, Lexington is much more than just a college town. Stephanie Faris has written about finance for entrepreneurs and marketing firms since 2013. Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. The tropical town on the north shore of Kauai looks out over nothing but hundreds of miles of raw Pacific. According to Home Snacks, the small town has the lowest level of poverty of any independent city or county in the United States which may explain why its residents can expect a massive $742,000 in property price from any newcomer looking to enjoy the towns attractions. If youre a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well. 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. Except that Kilmarnock is not on the Eastern Shore which is what the bolg is about. . There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area. The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. The cities also had to have a population of at least 12,000. Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. Weighing in at 244,000 residents, there are plenty of benefits of living in Norfolk. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. If you are looking for quaint towns in Virginia put this on your list. Look it up. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. 4.9 Net Migration. 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. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. The median home price is $656,500, nearly double the median for the rest of the state. Edenton Edenton | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Set on Albemarle Sound, Edenton is a peaceful escape from the stress of everyday life. A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. Come Visit! The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Nothing on this website should be considered an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities. Perfect for: Families who want a safe and affordable place to live or retirees looking for a quiet and beautiful town to spend their golden years. 1. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. The median home value is $410,300, while the median rental price is $1,794. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools. Grab a bit to eat at either the Inn Garden Caf Restaurant (which is also a charming bed and breakfast), or Mallards at the Wharf, the only waterfront restaurant in Onancock. But, Norfolk in particular sports some extraordinarily delicious treats. The houses and neighborhoods are beautiful, the people are friendly, and its wonderful to have such good neighbors. The city of Richmond itself is lovely. How Much Do Movers Cost in 2022? 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. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. Be sure to share your thoughts with us and join in on the conversation by leaving a comment. We are not at all surprised. 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? If you're interested in retiring near the ocean without the humidity of a tropical . Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. Best Oceanfront Hotels In Virginia Beach. 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. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities. Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. 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. When it comes to recognition, few things could be nicer than to be named one of Americas Happiest Seaside Towns. But thats exactly what Coastal Living called Smithfield in 2015. The locals like to call it CBVB and they 35 miles of sandy beach along the Potomac River. Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. I fully agree, I was born here and still here. Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. Its a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. 1. Virginia Beach. The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. The downtown area has lots of local shops carrying everything from handcrafted jewelry to homemade ice cream. 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. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. In fact, in a CNN report, BudgetTravel named Chincoteague as the #2 Coolest Small Town in America.