Newport News Is Relatively Affordable. Where Are The Best Places To Retire In Virginia? The population in Lexington grew by 3.9% from April 2010 through April 2020, below the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (August 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and above the Virginia rate of 4.0%. Here are a few highlights of this unique state, which is known as the Birthplace of a Nation and the Mother of Presidents.. The population in Ashburn grew by 6.5% from April 2010 through April 2020, below the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. The hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center in the region, and is an essential resource for more than 400,000 residents in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and western Maryland. Lexington is located in southwest Virginia, 30 miles northwest of Lynchburg. The population in Warrenton grew by 4.8% from April 2010 through April 2020, below the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. Combine that with the property tax savings you will likely see, and you can understand why more and more people are choosing to retire in Winchester! Winchester's rich history spans more than 2,000 years, with the first settlers putting down roots around 150BC. Honestly, the thing that clinched the deal was housing prices. The housing market is especially affordable, with a variety of homes available at a reasonable price. By comparison, 10.4% of the population is under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. Luray Caverns is the largest cave system in the eastern United States and is very popular among locals and travelers alike. We're currently living in Purcellville and hate it We're city folk and cant' stand being literally 17+min from the nearest gas station and 25+ from main shops. The population in Arlington grew by 14.9% from April 2010 through April 2020, above both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. In all cases, they have the amenities, safety and healthcare that seniors seek. In this article we will discuss some of the advantages and drawbacks of life in Virginia. Because of this, it is known as the "Apple Capitol of The World." Not only does the town have a variety of historic sites, but it also offers a rich cultural experience. Unpredictable weather Virginia can have the hottest summers, the coldest winters, and anything in between. 12 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Los Angeles, California, 12 Key Factors to Know About Living in Dallas, Texas, 7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Wayzata, MN, The 10 Best Places to Live in Southern California, 4 Best Places to Live in Minnesota for Families, 8 Best Cities for Buying a House and Raising a Family in Minnesota, 7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Milwaukee, WI, What is it Like Living in Denver, Colorado, 7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Miami, 7 Key Factors to Know About Living in Boston, Massachusetts, 10 Best Places in the USA to Retire on the Water for Less, The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas 2023, The Cost of Living in California vs Texas, 10 Cheapest States to Buy a House in 2023, The 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida, 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Oregon, 15 Best Places to Raise a Family in the US in 2023, 12 Best Cities in Arizona to Raise a Family, 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Iowa, 12 Best Places in Washington State to Raise a Family, 15 Essential Steps for Moving to a New City, Top 8 Best Places to Retire in Florida in 2023, 12 Key Things You Must Know When Living in Minneapolis. The capital of Virginia, Richmond is 92 miles south of Washington. There is also a nice downtown area with a walking mall. Cities Near Winchester: Shawnee district, Back Creek district, Red Bud district, Gainesboro district, Stonewall district (Frederick County) Looking To Move? It has many beaches with 114 miles of shoreline, world-class cuisine, fun culture, great entertainment. There are also five local options for higher education, including the George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus, Janelia Research Campus, and Shenandoah University Scholar Plaza. The town has a good bit of diversity, especially at its school. Dwellics instantly analyzes thousands of relevant data points and your selected preferences like lifestyle, weather, community and more to find the perfect place for you to live, High Math proficiency at Elementary schools, High proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at Middle schools, High proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at High schools, Private school enrollment is low for Elementary school level, Private school enrollment is low for Middle school level, Less comfortable humidity (more often >60%). However, not everything in Norfolk is peaches and rainbows. The population in Richmond grew by 11.0% from April 2010 through April 2020, above both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. There is also one local option for higher education in town: Lord Fairfax Community College. Several options are available for healthcare in Virginia Beach. The population in Norfolk grew by 2.1% from April 2010 through April 2020, below both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. Living in Arlington, VA offers a lot of appeal as a place to call home. I tend to do area research in demographics ( we prefer diverse areas), crime, and overall well-being. Sponsored Mortgage Options for Winchester. Poquoson is located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads area. e) Virginias counties were originally called shires.. if(window.innerWidth<700){ezoicSiteSpeed(jQuery(document),String(/documentReady/).substring(1).slice(0,-1),String(/jQuery-document-dot-ready/).substring(1).slice(0,-1),function($){$("#skip_expand").html("(Expand+)");$("#toc ul").css("display","none");$("#skip_expand").on("click",function(){$("#toc ul").toggle()});$("#toc h3").on("click",function(){$("#toc ul").toggle()});});}. I enjoy a fine glass of wine from time to time, and being so close to the heart of Virginia wine country is thrilling. This is an actual photo of a spot I can kayak to from my house: You wont find any rave clubs in Winchester (Im pretty sure that is a selling point, haha) but you will find a unique dedication to live music, whether it is hosted at a local restaurant like Piccadilly Public House featuring the Robbie Limon Band, or the BrightBox hosting bands from all over the country, you can find an event almost every night of the week. It lies at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 64, along the James River, in the east central part of the state. Virginias Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high natural arch located in Rockbridge County, is thought to be the remnant of an underground river tunnel. While patients are required to pay for certain medications, the cost of these is often subsidised and therefore . Additionally, the town can be a bit isolated, as it is located several hours away from major cities like New York City and Philadelphia. With a population of around 27,000, Winchester VA is a comparatively small town, so it may not be the best option for those who are used to living in larger metropolises. 2. Also want to know reasons why you might not want to live in Williamsburg, VA? Answer (1 of 7): As a resident of Virginia Beach, living here for seventeen years, practically lived here since I was two years old. Ashburn has museums, professional theaters, and even the Washington Football Team Training Camp. Once a farming and milling community, Edina has blossomed into a preferred suburban city with all the most desired amenities. Poquoson is simply an enjoyable place to live. For those who are interested in culture and history, Winchester VA is a great place to explore. HOMEiA.com aims to be the premier site for people planning to relocate, providing them with insightful content and connecting them with skilled real estate professionals. The population in Leesburg grew by 13.2% from April 2010 through April 2020, above both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. City Living Guide: What is it Like to Live in Rochester, MN? Lets talk about the beauty of Virginia. Healthcare around Williamsburg is plentiful, with several nearby hospitals and medical centers, including Riverside Doctors Hospital, Riverside Health Center, Tidewater Medical Center, VCU Medical Center and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. By comparison, 27.7% of the population is under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. Well focus on eight critical attributes that often define a city: History and population, Lifestyle, Affordability, Housing market and neighborhoods, Healthcare and safety, Employment. For example, renting a 1-bedroom apartment right smack at the city center can cost you about $1,130. If your retirement requirements involve hiking through the Appalachian Mountains, soaking up the sun in Virginia Beach, and paying less in taxes, then Virginia is for you. In Sections II through IV, we will examine some great communities for the following groups: Whether you want the countryside or the city; mountains or beaches; urban areas with easy public transportation or smaller, slower-paced communities; national parks or theme parks; Virginia has it. Visit the Herndon Town Green and enjoy the many festivals and community events held there. Herere the 10 Best Cities to Live in Oregon. The population in Norfolk is young, with 19.7% of the population under 18 and only 10.9% over 65 years old. Four-year colleges near Herndon include George Washington University, George Mason University, the University of the Potomac Virginia Campus and Marymount University. Arizona is world-renowned for its dramatic beauty, a combination of rugged mountains and vast desert landscapes. Are you thinking about moving to Winchester Riverside County California? If you are considering a move to Wisconsin, you must weigh the following list of pros and cons diligently. The population in Tysons grew by 34.4% from April 2010 through April 2020, well above both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. It reminds you that open space matters. Richmond has a high concentration of Fortune 500 companies, which engage a creative, intelligent workforce. The Peach State has plenty of small-town charm to welcome you in, as well as big-city development, artistic expression and innovation. Norfolk boasts a vibrant harbor; the USS Wisconsin battleship; the Sail Nauticus sailing center; and Virginias only cruise terminal, the Decker Half Moone Center. Virginia Family Medicine is a good option for your medical needs, as are Inova Primary Care, Vienna Internal Medicine and Virginia Integrative Health. Located in Northern Virginia, Winchester VA is surrounded by stunning mountains, beautiful parks, and lots of things to do. The median household income in Staunton City is $52,611, and the median home price is $169,000 (2019 estimates). Noise near military bases While having so many military bases in Virginia is a great thing, those who live near them have to deal with the sounds of military jets or munitions being used in training. The area is a geological timeline with layer upon layer of compacted fossil-containing sediment as well as layers of lava squeezed into limestone by powerful volcanic activity in the area. Wait, that didnt come out right. Cheap housing facilities. Finally, we took the average rank across these criteria. Staunton has several specialty care offices and urgent care centers available as well. If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already. This is lower than the U.S. (16.5% seniors) and Virginia (15.9% seniors). The nearby Caverns at Natural Bridge are the deepest on the East Coast, and visitors can descend 34 stories underground to explore features such as Mirror Lake, the Canyon and the Colossal Dome Room. Home > City Living Guide > Thing to know about Living in Virginia. Also in May is the phenomenal Apple Blossom Festival Parade which celebrates Winchester's past, people, and passion for apples and their use of them. Okay, maybe Washington DC isnt that small, but at only 75 miles away you can easily attend nightly shows at the Kennedy Center (or watch their free shows everyday online here) or take in an art museum or two for the day. h) Virginia has a 17.6-mile-long bridge-tunnel crossing the Chesapeake Bay. There are few disadvantages to living in . Many are affordable, though some are expensive but offer luxuries that some budgets can afford. Make sure to add the Stonewall Jackson House to your to-visit list. 3. For nature lovers, Lexington is in a perfect location with its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the nearby national forests. The median household income in Herndon is $111,371, and the median home price is $442,700 (2019 estimates). I. Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia Whether you want the countryside or the city; mountains or beaches; urban areas with easy public transportation or smaller, slower-paced communities; national parks or theme parks; Virginia has it. are genuinely friendly folks who never fail to provide visitors with. If youre looking for some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, look no further than Georgia. 3. There are also eight local options for higher education, including Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, William and Mary, and Regent University. If you plan on commuting to Northern Virginia or beyond, you arent likely to hit traffic until you reach Loudoun or Prince William counties. My girlfriend and I are looking for a home, we're from the Alexandria area and that's what we love, but it's just crazy expensive for next to nothing. Winchester and Frederick County are surrounded by farm land, orchards, wineries and of course the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its landscape is diverse, ranging from industrialized skylines to sweeping sand dunes to gorgeous waterfalls. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is the largest, with multiple facilities and specialties throughout the city, including Sentara Hospital Medicine Physicians, Sentara Palliative Care Specialists, Sentara Cardiology Specialists, and Sentara Orthopedic Trauma Specialists. One of the biggest pros of living in Columbus is the cost of living. In this time, it has been home to King Alfred the Great (c. 849-899) and was the chosen location for a Royal Palace . Choosing to relocate can be quite overwhelming. Declared a national natural landmark in 1973, Grand Caverns in Grottoes has been open for tours since 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States. He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move. I'm getting very mixed answers here so I was hoping someone familiar with the area could provide some insight. Designated a state and national historic landmark, it is believed to have been explored by George Washington. Visitors to Alexandria fall in love with its waterfront museums and historic King Street, which provides easy access to over 200 shops, restaurants and attractions. Based on these calculations, we narrowed down the list to Californias 10 most affordable cities. Drawbacks of living in Wisconsin. In conclusion, Winchester VA is a great option for those seeking the perfect balance between small town and big city life. Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. Editors Note: Data has been updated for 2023. Winchester used to be a great little town with perhaps an unhealthy emphasis on its self-perceived historic importance, but it is now being dragged into the 21st century unwillingly and the results are decidedly mixed. A Magnet-designated hospital, Winchester Medical Center is also an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Chest Pain Center and Level 4 Epilepsy Center. On a personal level, my family has used the medical center many times for extremely serious life threatening conditions and always been impressed with response times and immediate referrals and transfers to larger medical centers like UVA when needed. The Inside Ski Training Center, Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park, Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park and the Morven Park International Equestrian Center also offer countless opportunities for outdoor fun. And right down the road is the Flying Circus Airshow and Hot Air Balloon Festival. There are eight public schools and 24 private schools in the Warrenton area. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine quality of life for places across the nation. Because of its naval history, many great tourist attractions, a thriving economy, and lower tax rates, the metropolitan is a proud town. The median household income in Leesburg is $114,444, and the median home price is $434,300 (2019 estimates). The beach, with its three-mile-long boardwalk and Neptune statue at the center, is the main event. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. Stroll through the Church Street Shops to enjoy upscale consignment at Just Like New, see over 500 clocks on display at The Clock Shop of Vienna or take home some homemade chocolates from Cocoa Vienna. Virginia is a beautiful state with an abundance of opportunities ripe for discovery. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks. I am a freelance writer who has lived in the beautiful state of Virginia since the age of 2. Please. Families also love the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility. The population growth is low. More Education Best Places to Live in Winchester Rankings There are many activities for families available in Virginia Beach. We don't like living out in the farmlands either and satellite internet ain't cuttin' it! Visit Natural Bridge State Park or take a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Lexington with the Lexington Carriage Company. Charlottesville is located in the center of the state of Virginia, along the Rivanna River and about 30 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is no end of things to do in Culpeper. That's right. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,383. Their HOMEiA index rankings are based on a more complex rating system with many additional variables. The average rent in Alexandria is about $1,752 and this could be an advantage if you already own property in the area and plan to rent it out for a good price. The cost of living in Minnesota varies by location and is highest in its large metro areas, but on the whole, it compares well to the coasts and to big cities. The population in Vienna grew by 5.0% from April 2010 through April 2020, below the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. In Section I, well talk about some pros and cons of living in this beautiful state, as well as some fun facts about Virginia. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Skyline Drive or hike in Shenandoah National Park, Dinosaurs Found Near Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley, Chef Dan Kalber Takes Over Village Square Ownership With Dy Sourisak, 12 Days of Christmas in Old Town Winchester. Expats living in Manchester will have access to good healthcare in the form of the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. Richmond has solid educational opportunities, including the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University (a Carnegie-certified research university) and Virginia Union University. Any specialty office you need is nearby. 2015-2023 Chasing Chains, LLC. 1. COST OF LIVING Compared to the rest of the country, Winchester Metro Area's cost of living is 2.5% lower than the U.S. average. For those seeking the best of both worlds small town charm and big city amenities Winchester VA is the ideal spot. Before you consider a move to Chicago, you should consider 7 key factors that will increase your appreciation for the city and guide you to the right neighborhoods and activities for you. Of course you dont have to be retired to enjoy this benefit of moving to Winchester! Life expectancy rates are higher than the national average - 82 for men and 85 for women. The population in Falls Church grew by 18.9% from April 2010 through April 2020, above the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. Alexandria is located along the western bank of the Potomac River, seven miles south of downtown Washington. Before leading business and investment advisory services for over 25 years, I got a Ph.D. in Economics and taught at the university level. The fall changing of the leaves is magnificent, and the nature activities of each season can be enjoyed in our mountains, from hiking to skiing and beyond! Compare that to the whopping 1.52% in Manassas Park or the 1.16% in Loudoun County and you can see just how much money you can save by moving to Winchester! d) The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Charles City, Virginia. The seven rock chimneys range in height from 65 to 120 feet and are said to have left a geological record spanning five million years. The median household income in Tysons is $107,388, and the median home price is $563,000 (2019 estimates). Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. Charming Old Town Warrenton comes alive with art galleries, music, crafts, farmers markets and community events. g) The early judicial system in Virginia became a model for the U.S. Supreme Court. Overall, Winchester is a very friendly town filled with lots of nice people. Checking rates won't affect your credit score. It is a subterranean beauty with a rich history. We're rated 38.5/100 in this cost, a full 60 points lower than the national average! With its stunning natural beauty, close proximity to Washington DC, and affordable cost of living, Winchester VA is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. If you love music and the arts, there are endless opportunities to experience them here. Virginia has a very strong military presence. Fauquier Health is the cornerstone of healthcare in Warrenton, with Fauquier Hospital, Fauquier Health Rehabilitation Center, OBGYN and Heart and Vascular Care, and Orthopedics & Spine care all within town limits, along with several other specialty offices, family doctors and urgent care services. Given the outdoors benefits the cost of living in Colorado is still one of the best values in the country. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (August 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and above the Virginia rate of 4.0%. Jamestown was the site of the first permanent English settlement, so Virginia became the birthplace of our nation. Im not saying there are not times of the day where you will see quite a few cars in front of you depending on what intersection you are sitting at, but you wont need an hour to get to the grocery store that is two miles down the road anymore. Living in Virginia offers residents a suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Weve seen everything from Thai and Indian to new steakhouses, sushi and even a crepe place. By comparison, 9% of the population are under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. Subpar public schools. Sharecares Community Well-Being Index ranks Virginia #11 out of 50 based on factors such as community, economic security, access to healthcare, financial stability, positive social interaction and purpose. Living in Winchester offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. It is at the base of the Catoctin mountain ridge next to the Potomac River. Duplex or Multifamily Home as Your Real Estate Investment? The Peach State has plenty of, Arizona is world-renowned for its dramatic beauty, a combination of rugged mountains and vast desert landscapes. Automatically get personalized recommendations on where to move. This is our tenth time ranking the best places to retire in Virginia. Just miles from Washington, Falls Church in northern Virginia is easily accessible from Routes 66 and 50 and two metro lines. Newport News has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than the average for the state of Virginia, slightly lower than the national average, and the same as the national average. Those living in Poquoson always enjoy the annual Poquoson Seafood Festival, which includes boat races, craft beer, delicious food and live music.