Lake Charles' cost of living is 11.1% lower than the national average, tied for the ninth-lowest index among coastal metro areas. Wed love to hear from you! 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. Middleburg. It has become a safe haven for dreamers, aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs wanting to pursue their passions without having to scrape by as they pay outlandish rent and living expenses. The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries. Regardless of what youre looking for, theres sure to be a place in Virginia thats perfect for you. Well send you a 5% discount code to use whenever you are ready to get moving. 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. Virginia is without a doubt one of the best places to live. Here's a look at the highest-rated coastal towns to retire. A commute to DC is possible from here, but its a long drive with lots of traffic. Investing involves risk and past performance is not indicative of future results. If you dont like the heat, you may want to consider another town.). "Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and . 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. 4/15. 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. The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. 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. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, its still low when compared to other beachfront communities. However, if youre asking us to weigh in, we have to give todays MVP to Richmond. Today, Chincoteague (and sister island, Assateague) is best known for its Annual Pony Swim and Auction but also offers pristine beaches, amazing seafood, boat tours, home tours, and an all-around chilled-out beach town experience. 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. Number 3: it's one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. But what sets it apart is the feeling of community and camaraderie you get when youre there. The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring. 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. Ocean lovers will feel right at home in beautiful Virginia Beach. 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. The historic downtown offers an array of specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, antiques, and more, along with a surprisingly large selection of local restaurants and cafes. What's the average retirement income for 2022? This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. Just FYI, you used the photo of Cape Charles for your entry on Wachapreague. Required fields are marked *. Have a great antique shop on Main St. just as you enter town Seaside Antiques and Art. Winchester. We went with our fur baby and had fun. The best American east coast beach towns to live in are the following: Daytona Beach, Florida. Learn how your comment data is processed. What about it do you like most? Best Places to Live in Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. 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. Fort Monroe Beach, Hampton VA. 7. 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. Best Places to Live | Compare cost of living, crime, cities, schools and more. What makes Virginia such a lovely home state is that there is truly something for everyone here. Cheap housing can sometimes mean a less than desirable neighborhood, but in Lortons case, this couldnt be further from the truth. Ocracoke Island. The large 65-plus population means youll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. #10. The historic downtown: Stauntons historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. Hanalei Bay, HI (Photo: Eli Duke via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0) Hawaii has enough charming beach towns to fill out this entire list twice over but Hanalei is in a league of its own. Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs. With 6 million people spread across 12,400 square miles, Maryland is one of the least congested states you can find. 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. 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. Onancock is quite possibly one of the greatest hidden gems of the Eastern Shore. Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. This small town is known for the Martinsville . Beaufort. Thats roughly 165 a day. These beach towns provide the resident and visitors a perfectly balanced beach experience. This is Virginia's only resort island and is considered the most beautiful, providing plenty of space to unwind and explore. By Brie Dyas. Portland, Maine. Before you plan your VA retirement, though, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. 2022 2. 3. Some parts of Los Angeles do touch the Pacific Ocean, though other cities in the metro . I fully agree, I was born here and still here. People watch out for each other here, they teach their children to be respectful of others and things.. 18. Virginia Beach offers well, beaches. Powered by Mai Theme, 17 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes You Must Try. Best North Carolina Beaches. If youre trying to decide where to live in Virginia, theres no shortage of appealing options. 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. Rock Hall. More than 175 colleges and universities are in the Commonwealth. The schools are excellent, and the town has a close-knit community feel. It has the seventh-highest median Black household income, at roughly $65,600, and the sixth-highest 2019 Black labor force participation rate, at 78.7%. 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 population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if youre looking for quiet. Its also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy. 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. The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget. Several! Ogunquit, Maine. Martinsville. Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. (oh, and by way of introduction, were Bellhop movers in Virginia and particularly Richmond movers, Arlington movers, Alexandria movers, Fairfax movers, and movers throughout the country). Most residents own their homes here and there is a small-town feel in the middle of the city. Radford. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any decisions based on your own personal circumstances. 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. Luray. Antiquers and outdoor enthusiasts equally will be at home in these destinations promising all of the above and more. This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but its costly for a reason. 158,309 16. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state. The best towns in Virginia for history lovers 1. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land. 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. 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. Here are four Virginia Beach neighborhoods that you should take a look at if you're planning on retiring in Virginia Beach. 10 Stunningly Beautiful Virginia Beaches + Tips for Picking the Right One, 11 Gorgeous Apple Orchards in Virginia (Best VA Apple Picking!). 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. Pelican Beach, Destin. By using this website, you accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The housing and rent is affordable for young professionals raising kids and with being a short drive from Virginia Beach and Washington D.C., youll never run out of things to do with your kiddos. Chincoteague, Virginia. When not underground in the caves,. She spent nearly a year as a writer for a credit card processing service and has written about finance for numerous marketing firms and entrepreneurs. We know. Some quick facts about Centreville: the median income is $107,605. 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. In fact, Onancock was called "the Gem of the Eastern Shore" by none other than Captain John Smith himself. Your email address will not be published. Feeling inspired to check out more of Virginia's small towns? 1. It was known traditionally as the US Horse and Hunt Capital as it played an active role in steeplechases, foxhunting, and had large estates. . Other Virginia towns that ranked in the list of 150 were Cape Charles, which ranked 37th and Warrenton, which ranked . 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. It offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens amusement park. What are your thoughts on our list of the 10 best small towns in Virginia? 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. Fancy moving into one of Fairfax countys most desirable hot spots? A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginias best places to live for some. However, the competition was fierce to say the least. Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which. Best Places 2021-2022 Rank: 42Metro Population: 774,508Median Home Price: $380,374Average Annual Salary: $47,800. 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. 1. What are the most unique towns in Virginia?