Virginia has its share of suburban sprawl and terrible traffic, but it’s still a great place to call home. 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.
You’ll find everything from charming mountain towns to urban areas buzzing with life. Here are our top picks for livability in this beautiful state.
The best places to live in Virginia
Some of these places are very pricey! (A quick check of the median household income will usually help you determine if you can afford the area.)
1. Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a town in Virginia founded back in 1632. It served as the capital of the Virginia colony between 1699 and 1780, and today it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. The town has a rich history and a variety of attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists and families alike.
Williamsburg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The town has colonial-era architecture and a recreated 18th-century village, complete with an amusement park and shopping opportunities nearby.
What makes it a great place to live:
The history: If you’re a fan of American history, then you’ll love living in Williamsburg. The town has a rich colonial history and many historical sites and museums.
Affordability: Williamsburg has a low cost of living compared to many other Virginia towns. The average price for a home in Williamsburg is just over $300,000, lower than the state median.
The weather: It hardly ever snows here, making it an excellent spot for summer lovers. (But Williamsburg can get quite hot and humid in the summer. If you don’t like the heat, you may want to consider another town.)
Perfect for retirees or anyone looking for culture combined with a low cost of living.
2. Clifton
Clifton is a charming little town located just a short drive from Washington DC. It has a small historic downtown and is surrounded by horse farms and elegant homes. The population of Clifton is just over 1,000 residents, making it the perfect place to live if you’re looking for quiet.
This is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, but it’s costly for a reason.
What makes it a great place to live:
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.
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 area’s natural beauty.
The schools: You’ll have access to a first-class school system. Fairfax County has some of the very best public schools in the nation.
Perfect for: families with a high-income looking for a small-town feel with easy access to Federal government jobs
3. Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a town in the Commonwealth of Virginia with two high-ranking hospitals and a massive Downtown Mall. It’s most famous for the—University of Virginia and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
The town also has a lively music scene and many wineries.
What makes it a great place to live:
The University of Virginia. The University of Virginia is located right in the heart of town and has some of the best academics in the country, and it provides plenty of jobs.
The amenities: With two hospitals and a major mall, Charlottesville has everything you need within its city
The beautiful surroundings: The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to enjoy.
Perfect for: young professionals looking for culture and beauty with home and rent prices around the national average.
4. Arlington
Arlington is one of the most livable areas in the country, and it ranks #3 on the Top 100 Places to Live list. It has a thriving economy, excellent schools, plenty of recreational opportunities, and high quality of life. Arlington is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
Arlington is a city in Virginia that offers its residents a high quality of life. The median household income in Arlington is $105,763. Arlington has something for everyone with top schools, low crime rates, incredible diversity, and buzzing nightlife.
This is one of the most expensive areas in the state.
What makes it a great place to live:
The schools: Arlington has award-winning schools, with many ranking at the top of their respective categories. The city also offers a wide range of educational opportunities after high school, including trade schools and universities.
The economy: Arlington is home to several major businesses, government agencies, and cultural institutions. It’s a short drive to Washington DC, and public transit is available. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Arlington residents.
The recreational opportunities: Arlington is home to several great parks, including the famous Pentagon Row and Ballston Commons. There are also some country clubs and golf courses in the area.
Perfect for: Young professionals looking for a short commute and great nightlife. Or families looking for a reasonable commute and excellent schools.
5. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a historic town in Virginia preserved and revitalized in recent years. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries located in the town center, and it’s conveniently close to Washington D.C. If you’re looking for a charming community with plenty of conveniences, Fredericksburg may be the right place for you.
The surrounding counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania are more affordable than the downtown, with single-family homes available in the $250,000 range.
The town is also home to the University of Mary Washington, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
A commute to DC is possible from here, but it’s a long drive with lots of traffic.
What makes it a great place to live:
The charming town center: Downtown Fredericksburg offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and breweries.
Affordability: The nearby areas have homes below the national median home value, and you can even find acres of land at an affordable price.
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).
6. Roanoke
Roanoke is the smallest city on the list regarding population, but it makes up for its size with its unique appeal. It has all the amenities and attractions you would expect from a larger city while still maintaining a close-knit community feel. If you want to live in a town that feels more like a quaint mountain town, Roanoke is the perfect place for you.
Why it’s 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. If you love nature, you’ll feel right at home here.
The economy: Roanoke has a thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities despite its small size. It’s also home to Virginia Tech, which brings even more to the local economy.
The recreation: If you love outdoor activities, you’ll be in heaven in Roanoke. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and other recreational opportunities.
Perfect for: Families who want a close-knit community feel or nature lovers who want to live in a beautiful setting.
7. Staunton
Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. 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.
Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton is a city that has much to offer its residents. It is affordable with excellent healthcare and education systems. In addition, it has a thriving arts and culture scene.
The cost of living is also low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget.
What makes it a great place to live:
The historic downtown: Staunton’s historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Affordability: The cost of living is low, making it a great place to live for those on a budget.
Mountains, hiking, and nature: Staunton is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains. This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor activities.
Perfect for: Families or retirees who love nature and are looking for a low cost of living.
8. Blacksburg
Blacksburg is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. With a population of around 42,000, it is home to Virginia Tech, one of the largest universities in the state. The town is known for its high quality of life and a great place to raise children.
Why it’s one of the best places to live in Virginia:
The university: Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech, which brings many cultural and economic benefits to the town.
The quality of life: The town has a high quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent schools.
The scenery: The town is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are absolutely stunning.
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.
9. Lexington
Lexington is a small town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, with a population of around 7,000.
Lexington is a beautiful town to call home: full of historic buildings and southern charm. 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.
Why it’s one of the best places to live in Virginia:
The scenery: Lexington is located in the Shenandoah Valley, known for its beautiful scenery.
The schools: Lexington has excellent schools and is home to Washington and Lee University, one of the gorgeous Virginia colleges.
The downtown: Lexington has a charming and historic downtown district worth exploring.
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.
10. Alexandria
Alexandria is a city located in Northern Virginia with a lot to offer residents. The median rent is $1,951, and the median home price is a steep $598,500. Alexandria is located right at the state’s northern tip and borders the Potomac River with Washington D.C.
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. The old town area is home to colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets, giving you a real taste of American history.
What makes it a great place to live:
The location: Alexandria is situated right at the top of Virginia and is a short commute away from Washington D.C.
The history: Alexandria is home to some of the most historical sites in the state, including George Washington’s birthplace and Mount Vernon, the home of America’s first president.
The shopping: Alexandria is home to some of the best shopping in Northern Virginia, with a number of high-end boutiques and restaurants.
Perfect for: Young professionals who want to be close to the nation’s capitol and enjoy a vibrant urban setting.
Virginia has something for everyone
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for yourself and your family. As such, it’s important that you pick a place with all the features and amenities that are most important to you. That may mean low crime rates, proximity to work or school, good schools for your children, or even just affordability. Regardless of what you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a place in Virginia that’s perfect for you.