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Last Updated on: 22nd February 2024, 12:50 pm
Virginia is a beautiful state full of rich history, amazing food, and friendly people, so it is no surprise that many people choose it as a place to retire. The state has a great mix of both urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nature while still having easy access to everything that modern living has to offer. But where is the best place to retire in Virginia? We’ve put together a guide to the best places to retire in Virginia for you to consider. Once you are ready to get started retiring in Virginia, give our experienced senior movers a call to help you get settled into your new community.
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Is Virginia A Good State To Retire In?
![Best Places to Retire in Virginia ⭐| Guide to Retirement in Virginia [Taxes, Cost of Living + Towns for Retirees] (1)](https://i0.wp.com/ontheflymovingguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_1149919373-scaled.jpg "Best Places to Retire in Virginia ⭐| Guide to Retirement in Virginia [Taxes, Cost of Living + Towns for Retirees] (1)")
Is Virginia a good place to retire? According to Bankrate, Virginia makes the list of the Top 20 Best States to Retire In. You’ll find several wonderful cities to settle down in, as well as an abundance of amazing retirement communities.
One of the biggest benefits of retiring in Virginia is the outdoor recreation you can enjoy when living in the state. Whether hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or swimming at one of the incredible Virginia beaches, you can always head outside for a breath of fresh air. When residing in Virginia, you will enjoy all four seasons, with very warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Although Virginia is known for its gorgeous nature, it also offers a great mix of urban cities. Places like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington have a population of over 200,000 and are home to incredible museums, restaurants, and other fun attractions. Retiring in Virginia is great for those who want a healthy balance of urban and rural living.
One important aspect to consider before retiring in Virginia is the level of crime in the state. According to The Free Lance-Star, Virginia ranks as one of the 10 safest states in America. Virginia has the sixth-lowest statewide violent crime rate and the 11th-lowest property crime rate. Although a few cities in the state have above-average crime rates, Virginia is generally a very safe place to live.
When you choose to retire in Virginia, you will experience several tax benefits. Property and sales tax rates are already low, and Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed in Virginia. Retirement income, such as pension income and retirement account withdrawals, are deductible up to $12,000 for seniors.
Lastly, Virginia has a fairly low cost of living. Virginia’s Cost of Living Index is 104.2, meaning that the state is 4.2% more expensive than the national average of 100. The highest costs you will encounter when living in the state are housing and healthcare. Grocery, utility, and transportation costs in Virginia are all below the national average.
Best Places To Retire In Virginia
Whether you are searching for waterfront retirement communities in Virginia or a busy city to settle down in, there is a place for you. These are just a few of the best places to live in Virginia for retirees.
Richmond – Home To Some Of The Best 55 And Older Communities In Virginia
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- Population: 226,610
- Share of population 65+: 13.8%
- Crime rate: 3,270 crimes per 100,000 people (96.4% higher than state average and 39.4% higher than national average)
- Average home price: $350,000
With its rich historical heritage and diverse range of cultural experiences, Richmond is arguably the best place to retire in Virginia. This walkable city is wonderful for those who enjoy urban living, and there are several things to do and see in the area. Richmond is known for its historical charm, and you can explore beautiful landmarks such as the Historic St. John’s Church and the American Civil War Museum. Richmond is also one of the most popular cities for over 55 communities in Virginia at places like Mosaic at West Creek and Chickahominy Falls. Richmond’s cost of living is reasonable compared to other East Coast cities, providing retirees with financial stability while enjoying the city’s amenities.
Falls Church – Beautiful City Just Outside of D.C.
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- Population: 14,658
- Share of population 65+: 13.7%
- Crime rate: 1,613 crimes per 100,000 people (3.1% lower than state average and 31.2% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $622,500
Falls Church is one of the best places in Virginia to retire for those who want to be close to D.C. The city is just 9.6 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., making it easy for residents to venture into the city whenever they want. The cozy community of Church Falls is home to beautiful outdoor attractions such as Big Chimneys Park and Great Falls Park. Church Falls is a very affluent area, and US News ranked Church Falls County as the 2nd-richest county in the United States. The county has a median household income of $164,536, nearly doubling the state average of $87,249.
Trilogy at Lake Frederick – One Of The Best Retirement Communities In Virginia
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- Population (of Lake Frederick): 2,321
- Share of population 65+ (in Lake Frederick): 44%
If you are on the hunt for Virginia 55+ communities, then look no further than Trilogy at Lake Frederick. This active adult resort community in northern Virginia was constructed by Shea Homes in 2006 and offers both new construction home sites as well as resale homes. The homes in this community are single-family homes with two to seven bedrooms ranging from 1,762 to 4,733 square feet. Homes start from $445,990. When living in this community, you can enjoy the Shenandoah Lodge & Athletic Club, which features a restaurant, a fitness center, resort and lap pools, a culinary studio, an art studio, and various sports courts.
Virginia Beach – One Of The Best Places To Retire In Virginia For Ocean Lovers
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- Population: 459,470
- Share of population 65+: 15%
- Crime rate: 1,610 crimes per 100,000 people (3.3% lower than state average and 31.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $365,000
Virginia Beach is one of the best places in Virginia to retire, offering residents a laid-back coastal haven. The city is well known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, offering retirees endless opportunities for leisurely strolls, waterfront activities, and amazing sunsets. Virginia Beach has a pleasant climate, and the mild winters and warm summers allow retirees to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year. You will also find a prominent art scene in Virginia Beach, with several art galleries such as Beach Gallery and 21st Street Art Gallery. Residents can also enjoy easy access to top-rated healthcare facilities like Virginia Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and Virginia Beach Family Medical Center.
CrossRidge – One Of The Most Sought-After Virginia Retirement Communities
- Population (in Glen Allen): 16,187
- Share of population 65+ (in Glen Allen): 15.2%
- Crime rate (in Glen Allen): 2,023 crimes per 100,000 people (5% higher than the state average and 14% lower than the national average)
- Average home price (in Glen Allen): $422,680
CrossRidge is one of the best retirement communities in Virginia and is located in the heart of the beautiful CDP of Glen Allen. This 55 and older community is made up of six individual neighborhoods with 746 homes. You can choose from a variety of home styles, including condos, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes. When living in this community, you will enjoy maintenance-free living, and all of your home care is taken care of for you. You will also have access to a wide variety of amenities such as a fitness room, an indoor saltwater pool, a heated jetted spa, a seasonal outdoor pool, pickleball and tennis courts, a game room, a billiards room, and numerous clubs and fitness opportunities.
Charlottesville – Located In The Heart Of The Blue Ridge Mountains
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- Population: 46,553
- Share of population 65+: 12.6%
- Crime rate: 2,318 crimes per 100,000 (39.2% higher than state average and 1.2% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $374,950
Charlottesville is one of the best places to live in Virginia for retirees who are looking for a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This community is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering residents stunning landscapes as well as many opportunities to explore hiking trails, vineyards, and local parks. Charlottesville is also home to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate. Additionally, you will find dozens of golf courses in the area, including Meadowcreek Golf Course and Birdwood Golf Course. In Downtown Charlottesville, you will find a vibrant arts and culture scene as well as charming shops and delicious restaurants such as Sedona Taphouse and Burtons Grill & Bar.
Williamsburg – Cozy Community Great For Retiring In Virginia
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- Population: 15,425
- Share of population 65+: 16.8%
- Crime rate: 1,352 crimes per 100,000 people (18.8% lower than state average and 42.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $406,085
Williamsburg is often considered the best place to retire in Virginia. The city of Williamsburg is a popular tourism destination due to Colonial Williamsburg, which is a 301-acre historic area that includes several hundred restored or recreated buildings from the 18th Century. Because the area is so popular among tourists, there are plenty of things to do when living in the city. Make sure you check out popular attractions like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Governor’s Palace. The homes in this area are large, and you will get a lot of square footage for your money. Home prices in the area are down 16.3% compared to last year, with a median home price of $406,085. This is lower than the state average of $416,000, as well as the national average of $408,537.
Vienna – Wonderful City With Gorgeous Real Estate
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- Population: 16,473
- Share of population 65+: 14.6%
- Crime rate: 1,352 crimes per 100,000 people (18.8% lower than state average and 42.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $1.15 million
Don’t overlook Vienna when searching for the best places to retire in Virginia. Nestled in Fairfax County, Vienna offers a peaceful environment while still being conveniently located near Washington D.C. The town’s commitment to green spaces, such as the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Town Green offers residents many opportunities to venture outdoors. Living in the town of Vienna comes with a price tag, and the median home price is $1.15 million. The majority of homes in the area are single-family homes with three to five bedrooms. However, you will also find several apartments for sale in the town as well.
Map Of Best Places To Retire In Virginia
Check out this map of the best 55+ communities in Virginia as well as the best places in Virginia to retire.
There are plenty of options to consider when searching for the best places to retire in Virginia. Once you’ve found the best place to retire in Virginia for your lifestyle, then let the best moving company in the state give you a hand. On The Fly Moving Guys is the best moving company in Virginia and will do everything we can to make your upcoming move a great one. Give us a call today at 804-836-4954 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
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