Is Virginia A Good Place To Live? (Pros And Cons)
Virginia is a state that is rich in history, community, and experiences, but is it the right place for you to live? Living in Virginia has pros and cons, but there are many people who wouldn’t want to call anywhere else home. Why is that?
People move into a new area for many reasons. You may want to move to find better school or job opportunities, or you might be interested in the housing that is available in a particular region. In Virginia, people are drawn in for all of these reasons, and more!
Are you seeking a bustling city life or the beautiful, calm atmosphere of a rural town? Do you want to be close to the nation’s capital, or are you ready to get closer to the wilderness? No matter how you answered these questions, there might be the perfect home for you in Virginia. The only way to find out is to learn more about this interesting state.
Living In Virginia Table Of Contents
- All About Virginia: An Overview
- Living In Virginia: Pros And Cons
- FAQs About Living In Virginia:
- Is Virginia A Good Place To Live?
All About Virginia: An Overview
Virginia became a state in 1788; it was the 10th state to obtain statehood. Since that time, many important politicians, celebrities, and events have been born on Virginia soil. There are many historical sites around the state that can be visited to learn more about the rich history.
Of course, the land that Virginia existed on long before America formed may have been occupied as early as 18,000 years ago. Native Americans occupied the land when the first English colony was established at Jamestown, and the land has been occupied ever since.
Virginia gained its name from Queen Elizabeth I. She was known as the Virgin Queen, and the colony was named in her honor when English citizens first came to America.
Virginia borders Washington, D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Unique Geography
The state has a variety of different geographical areas. There are five specific regions:
- Appalachian Plateau:
In the west, this region has flat-topped rocks, rivers, and forests. - Appalachian Ridge And Valley:
East of the Plateau, this area is home to Shenandoah National Park and boasts caverns and natural rock bridges. - Blue Ridge:
The tallest peak in Virginia, Mount Rogers, can be found in Blue Ridge, the steepest part of the Appalachian Mountains. - The Piedmont:
The Piedmont plain makes up most of the central part of the state. - Atlantic Coastal Plain:
This lowland region has swamps and marshes that lead all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
Cities and towns can be found in each of these regions, and the cultural history of each community is often shaped by the geography that surrounds the towns.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia? Living In Virginia: Pros And Cons
As with living in any part of the country, there are both benefits and drawbacks to living in Virginia. You might find that you’ve never felt more at home than you do in Virginia, or you might find that it is lacking a few key elements for your lifestyle.
Ultimately, only you will be able to make that decision!
Let’s learn about what’s on both sides of the coin when living in Virginia.
Why You Might Love Living In Virginia
High-Quality Healthcare
There are eighteen hospitals in Virginia that meet the highest standards possible, and there are even more great hospitals in the state. This means you can find health care whenever you need it, wherever you are in the state without worry.
Great Education Systems
Public school systems in Virginia, particular in Northern Virginia, are some of the strongest school districts in the country. These rankings are earned based on classes offered, curriculums, results, and additional support programs offered to students.
Beyond grade-school education, higher-education options in Virginia are nothing to laugh at. The University of Virginia, for example, is one of the top public universities in the country.
Extensive Job Opportunities
On average, the job unemployment rate in Virginia is lower than the national average. The job market in the state has a lot to offer, and more than 25% of people living in the region are employed by the U.S. government. Tech and related careers are also rapidly expanding.
Natural Scenery
There are many beautiful vistas around the state, and many Virginians love to explore the wild wonders that they can find in the area. From Shenandoah National Park to the seemingly never-ending miles of coastline, there is a lot to see in Virginia.
Solid Economy
Virginia is known to have a robust and steady economy in both the job market and the housing market. Though there can be downturns, the large government presence in the region helps to stabilize the local economy for those living there.
Variety Of Cultures
Like many large states, there is a divide between city and rural culture in Virginia, and that means there are different regions you could find a home in! From small towns to large cities, a variety of atmospheres and lifestyles can be discovered in Virginia. This is part of why Virginia is frequently a swing state; people from many different backgrounds call Virginia home.
Low Crime Rates
The crime rates in Virginia are known to be lower than the national average, and the overall concern that Virginians have about crime in their home communities is very low. Violent and property crime rates have not seen any major increases recently, and that helps residents in the state to feel very safe.
Good Weather
It can get hot and sticky in the summer, but the weather in Virginia is relatively moderate. The winters can be cold at times, but huge snowfalls are usually restricted to the mountainous regions. The other regions of the state see more mild winters.
Why Virginia Might Not Be A Great Fit
Jam-Packed With Traffic
One problem that people have with living in Virginia is the traffic, and this is particularly true in Northern Virginia where Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia meet. Traffic is the worst around large population centers, so it’s important to check on what your commute might look like before buying a house.
Taxation
Between state and local taxes, Virginians typically end up paying more than the national average. Of course, this would depend on exactly where you settle; not all regions have the same type of taxation. Look into local tax rates before choosing where you want to live in Virginia.
Cost Of Living
Finally, the cost of living in Virginia is on the higher end when compared to other states. This, of course, is an average for the entire state, and the specific cost of living you will encounter will depend on where you settle.
Generally speaking, however, you can expect to see high grocery, shopping, transportation, and housing costs when living in Virginia. In most industries, your localized wages will offset this increase fairly well.
Pros And Cons Of Retiring To Virginia
The concerns of a retired population are often different than those who are generally looking to move into an area, so it can be beneficial to talk more specifically about what retirees should consider about Virginia in addition to what we’ve already covered.
Pros
You’ve already heard about the robust healthcare system in Virginia, but that is even more important as you find yourself visiting doctors more frequently. Finding the specialists you need is easier in Virginia.
There are also a number of financial benefits to retiring in Virginia:
- Social Security benefits are not taxed in VA.
- Up to $12,000 of your retirement income can be deducted in VA.
Combine these factors with the interesting historical culture and low crime rates, and the benefits of Virginia become obvious!
Cons
The major concerns are the same as above: taxation, traffic, and cost of living. In order to take advantage of the best healthcare options, you will likely need to be located near a populated hub, and that will lead to an increase in these cons. Still, the benefits may outweigh them.
FAQs About Living In Virginia:
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Virginia?
To summarize what I’ve covered in more detail today, here are the primary pros and cons of living in Virginia:
Pros:
- Great healthcare options
- Historical sites
- Natural beauties
- Diverse cultures
- Strong economy
- Good housing and job markets
- High-quality education
Cons:
- Lots of traffic
- High taxation
- High cost of living
Is Virginia A Good State To Live In?
Virginia is a great state to live in. The state offers many different types of housing options as well as geographic locations, and the cultures that can be found around the state are varied. With good education systems, low crime rates, and a strong economy, living in Virginia sets you up for a stable and happy future.
What Is A Livable Salary In Virginia?
On average, a livable salary in Virginia for a family of four is around $90,000. The specific amount needed will depend on location, family size, typical spending habits, and a number of other factors.
To learn more about what to expect when budgeting to live in Virginia, this calculator from the EPI can be very helpful. By filling out your family size and where you plan to live, you can see a typical breakdown of monthly and yearly expenses.
What Should I Know Before Moving To Virginia?
Before moving to Virginia, it is important to make sure that you are sure about where you want to move, what your budget is, and how you plan to experience the area. The beaches, history, and other entertainment options in Virginia are great, so it is worth researching them.
To get to know different regions of Virginia and gain perspective about where to begin your house hunt, it is a good idea to connect with experienced real estate agents who can share their expertise.
What Is The Cheapest City To Live In Virginia?
In a 2020 study, two cities in the western reaches of Virginia were determined to have the best affordability in the state. Covington and Pulaski both show that it is very affordable to live there, but they are not the only options. While many of the most affordable cities are located in central and western VA, the Richmond-metro-area Chamberlayne is another good option.
What’s The Best Place To Live In Virginia?
The best place to live in Virginia will vary from person-to-person, but many people find that the communities of Northern Virginia offer the most robust options. From varying community atmospheres to housing types, there is something for everyone in this area. Plus, it is conveniently packed with many amenities, historical sites, and shopping centers.
Where Is The Safest Place To Live In Virginia?
According to a list released by SafeWise in July, these are the top 10 safest cities to live in Virginia:
- Broadway
- Bridgewater
- Lexington
- Berryville
- Vienna
- Purcellville
- Blacksburg
- Buena Vista
- Manassas Park
- Falls Church
All cities in the state come in below national averages for crime rates, and the overall worry about crime for Virginians remains relatively low from year to year. Generally, Virginians are more worried about property crime than they are about violent crime, but this balance can change from location to location.
To read the full report on crime From SafeWise, check out their complete survey here.
Is Virginia A Good Place To Live?
Every state has pros and cons; the difference between states lies in which features fall on which side of the fence when considering your future home location.
For more people, the benefits of living in Virginia far outweigh the potential drawbacks. From great healthcare to interesting job options, there is a lot to be said about making this Old Dominion state your home. Did anything about Virginia call to you as your next great place to live?
If you’re ready to start looking at homes in Virginia or you simply want to learn more about what types of housing is available in the state, reach out to an experienced agent to learn more today.