From wine lovers to nature enthusiasts, Virginia is one of the most versatile places to live. Although the cost of living is a little high, the place itself offers so much to the people that you’ll indeed feel like spending time and money here is wholly worth it. But is it a good place to live? Let’s find out!
Living in Virginia
If you are looking for a new home where you can have both amazing food culture with diverse living opportunities, you should consider moving to Virginia. The amazing living opportunity provided by Virginia is immense. Virginia is not only a good place to live, but its geography will also give you some upper hand as a resident.
There is something for everyone, including many historical places and places you can explore by yourself. With beaches to the east and mountains to the west, Virginia is the ideal location for any adventurer with its comfortable weather. The state, dribbling with southern hospitality, takes pride in its excellent education, manifold culture, and blossoming economy.
Is VA A Good Place To Live?
Virginia is one of the best places to live, with a low offence rate, high-quality healthcare, and a healthy economy. It’s pretty cool to be wrapped by history and live in the spirit of where America was formed.
You may be thinking, “What should I know before moving to Virginia?” If you need a little more convincing, you’ve come to the right place. We have provided you with a list of some fun facts that will make you feel more like a local with this insider guide.
What are the benefits of living in Virginia?
Plan your next vacation here
Look no further than the Virginia coastline for your next beach vacation destination. These peaceful beach neighborhoods overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay and are full of sand, sun, and limitless entertainment. Virginia Beach is perhaps the most well-known beach in the state, and thus the most popular. Take a long walk along the three-mile gallery and you’ll be able to pick from five-star hotels with oceanfront sceneries. Enjoy fresh locally caught seafood, live music, or the opportunity to watch a surfing match.
Eye-soothing beauty to enjoy
The dazzling natural beauty of Virginia is unrivaled. If you enjoy the beach, it has that, but it also has cliffs. For ages, the sensational views of the Virginia mountains have uplifted many people.
Versatile Sightings
Shipbuilding on the coast, farming in the sticks, seafood harvesting along the beach and rivers, and wineries in the countryside are all booming industries. In comparison to other states and the rest of the world, the Virginia economy appears to be sturdy.
Amazing foods to enjoy
Virginia produces a variety of flavors and cuisines due to the state’s many different regions. If you enjoy eating, you’ve come to the right place. As a southern state, expect traditional southern fares such as barbeque, country ham, fried chicken, and Brunswick stew.
Top Cities to Live in Virginia
Arlington
Sitting on the border between Virginia and Washington DC, Arlington offers you a life full of excitement and diversity. According to a recent ranking, the city was ranked in the 3rd position on the list of the top 100 places to live in the United States.
Arlington offers you some of the best schools in Virginia, a low crime rate, wide diversity, and exciting nightlife. It also offers all the important amenities at your convenience and endless outdoor activities. The median home value in Arlington is $607,700, and the average rent price is $1,830.
Alexandria
Situated seven miles south of Washington, DC; Alexandria is a city that has seen amazing economic growth over the past few years. With around 157,620 residents, the city is home to a number of high-tech corporations. The amazing amenities of the city include diverse housing options, a Northern Virginia Community College campus, 70 beautiful parks, and more.
The old town district has boutiques, theaters, and restaurants. The city is highly admired by artists and art lovers. The Fairfax schools are A rated, and ranked as the 5th best in the state. The median home value in this city is $542,100 and the median rent is $1680.
Richmond
Located in central Virginia, Richmond is the home to eight Fortune 500 companies; including Universal Corporation, Carmax, and Brinks. The city has diverse museums and galleries, award-winning restaurants, and an exciting music scene. The city also boasts an excellent transportation network and great outdoor activities.
Richmond’s fast-paced but affordable life attracts millennials. The city has a median home cost of $264,370, and an average rental price of $1,199.
Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a city widely known for its amazing collection of historic buildings. The city is home to Thomas Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece and the University of Virginia.
Charlottesville boasts some top-of-the-class restaurants, unique shops, vineyards, and orchards. It has the Shenandoah National Park nearby, which offers a breathtaking view and spectacular hiking trails. The crime rate in Charlottesville is quite low, and the cost of living is also affordable. The city offers some high-performing schools and exciting outdoor activities.
Around 45,000 residents of the town also enjoy a massive Downtown mall and two high-ranked hospitals. The Median home value in this city is $285,300, and the average rent is $998.
Aldie
Aldie is home to many historic homes, boutiques, and the charming Aldie Mill. Thanks to the abundance of job opportunities, the city has a low unemployment rate. The schools in Aldie are also rated above average, and there are plenty of exciting outdoor activities to take advantage of.
The median home price in this city is $864,115, and the median rent is $2,845. Considering the amazing amenities, activities, and quality of life the city offers, this price is definitely reasonable!
Things to know before moving to Virginia
Virginia is growing. Home to mountains and shores, the food and culture will always make you feel festive and people are always celebrating their living there. Here are some fun facts you should know if you’re planning to move to beautiful Virginia.
- Virginia traffic can be a nightmare. Common in larger cities, especially when driving around Washington, D.C. Do not be surprised if you end up stuck in traffic for several hours. Rush hour is especially stressful. If you don’t want to waste time sitting in traffic, you should consider commuting time when choosing a place to live.
- What better way to spend a weekend than sipping fine wines and nibbling on local charcuterie boards? Virginia has over 300 wineries in the countryside and numerous award-winning wines that will undoubtedly become one of your new favorites.
- The climate in Virginia is moist and subtropical. This means locals can expect hot summers, soft winters, and medium rainfall throughout the year. Because Virginia receives roughly forty-four inches of rain per year, the weather is always changing. Pack for all seasons before moving here because the weather switches so frequently. But if you stay here long enough, you’ll get used to it and soon you’ll start loving the unpredictable weather of Virginia.
- Virginia’s healthcare system is incredible. So, if you become sick, you won’t have to worry. In fact, for the past five years, U.S. News and World Report have rated the University of Virginia Medical Centre as the finest hospital in America.
Moving to Virginia has many advantages and disadvantages, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Virginia is one of the best places to live, with a low crime rate, high-quality healthcare, and a strong economy. It’s pretty cool to be surrounded by history and live in the heart of where America began.