Today we present you 10 best places to retire in Virginia. When choosing a retirement destination, seniors usually take into account a few things. For many costs of living, real estate prices and taxes are the most important factor. The quality of health care and overall safety usually come in the second place. Finally, amenities are also something worth considering since the lack of recreational and cultural opportunities can lower quality of life.
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Virginia falls into the group of states where costs of living slightly exceed US average. According to Sperling’s best place, Virginia’s citizens spend eight percent more than average Americans. Median home prices in the state are around $233,800, which is some $50,000 more compared to the median home value in the US. In addition, Zillow predicts that real estate prices will rise by one percent during the next year. While Virginia cannot be labeled as the most tax friendly state for retirees, it offers a range of tax benefits to its seniors. Social security income is not taxable, and older citizens who live on social security and pension that does not exceed $12,000 do not have to pay anything to the government. Those who have higher income must pay taxes on a portion of their income. Also, Virginia has one of the lowest property tax rates, so even if you pay a bit more than you have planned for a new home, it is good to know that taxes won’t empty your pockets.
Although in terms of costs of living and home prices Virginia does not come near any of these 10 cheapest countries to live like a king, the extra money that retirees might spend can be seen as a smart investment. The state has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Also, seniors can count on receiving proper health care at reasonable costs since the number of doctors per capita is above the national average.
To find out which are the best places to retire in Virginia, we compared a few lists made by different websites searching for cities that appear on two or more rankings. Our primary sources were rankings found at Niche, Home snacks, Only in your state, Livability, Wallet Hub. We ranked these places using as criteria average costs of living, home price, crime rates, and a number of doctors per capita, which we all found at Sperling’s best place.
Let’s finally see our ultimate list of senior-friendly places in Virginia, which are almost ideal for retirees!
10. Newport News
Costs of living: 3.6 percent lower than US average
Median home value: $159,000
Violent crime rates: 60.5
Number of doctors per capita: 215
We start our list with Newport News, which falls into the group of the most affordable places among listed cities. Reasons why Newport News does not occupy a better position are high crime rates and the number of doctors per capita which is below the US average. Still the fact that Newport has fewer physicians compared to other cities on this list does not mean that residents cannot count on receiving proper medical care. The city which has a population of 180,000 is served by two hospitals – Riverside Regional Medical Center and Mary Immaculate Hospital.
The town’s economy heavily relies on Newport News Shipbuilding, which builds and maintains US Navy aircraft carriers and submarines. Given the army presence in the town, it is no wonder that Newport has a few museums which exhibit artifacts related to the America’s military past. The town is also known for its hiking trails and parks, among which Huntington Beach Park offers the greatest number of recreational activities.
9. Charlottesville
Costs of living: 23.2 percent higher than US average
Median home value: $290,000
Violent crime rates: 58.7
Number of doctors per capita: 2.512
Charlottesville, which was a home to two America’s presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, offers an abundance of cultural and sightseeing opportunities. Three miles away from the city lays Monticello, UNESCO world heritage site which attracts tourists during the whole year. Residents who prefer outdoor fun enjoy kayaking, hiking on surrounding hills, walking along vineyards, relaxing in many parks. At the same time, culture lovers find a rich art scene in Charlottesville. Dozens of galleries and museums, John Paul Jones Arena, Paramount Theater, Virginia Film and Book Festival, which all host renowned performers organize events during the whole year. Not surprisingly, given the quality of life that residents enjoy, Charlottesville is the most expensive place on the list in terms of costs of living and real estate prices. However, the city ranks as first by the number of doctors per capita which is as high as 2,512.
8. Norfolk
Costs of living: 1.4 percent lower than US average
Median home value: $173,500
Violent crime rates: 64.8
Number of doctors per capita: 436
Norfolk, the second most populated city in Virginia, is best known as the largest Navy base in the world. It is also home to two NATO’s Strategic Command Headquarters. Despite army presence, Norfolk has one of the highest crime rates among listed places, which is the reason why it didn’t rank higher. In terms of other criteria, Norfolk received high marks – the number of doctors per capita is above the US average, while costs of living and home prices are slightly below the sum that the average American pays.
7. Virginia Beach
Costs of living: 9.8 percent higher than US average
Median home value: $232,400
Violent crime rates: 42.5
Number of doctors per capita: 258
Virginia Beach is the most beautiful place on the list. To buy a home in the city which has a population of 450,000, you need to pay around $230,000 which is higher than America’s median home value, but it is much less compared to real estate prices in Florida’s or California’s coastal cities. The fact that Virginia Beach found a place in the Guinness Book of Record as the city which has the longest pleasurable beach in the world speaks for itself. Besides lying on the sandy beach and looking at the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s residents can relax in some of 210 parks, enjoy sporting events such as surfing and sand soccer championships, attend music festivals or take a look at latest art in the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
6. Richmond
Costs of living: 4.6 percent lower than US average
Median home value: $133,800
Violent crime rates: 68.6
Number of doctors per capita: 643
Richmond, the capital of Virginia and one of the oldest US cities, is the second least expensive place on the list. Besides affordability, the city boasts a high number of doctors per capita. However, it has one major disadvantage – with crime rates well above the national average, it is the most dangerous place on our list. Compared to other places, Richmond has the richest and the most diverse cultural and art scene. Among many museums, Virginia’s capital is a home to the Edgar Alan Po’s museum which is dedicated to the writer’s life and work. Richmond can also be proud of its municipal park system which is the oldest in the country. Besides parks along James River, there are public gardens at two small islands on the river.
5. Alexandria
Costs of living: 55.5 percent higher than US average
Median home value: $444,200
Violent crime rates: 41.8
Number of doctors per capita: 294
Despite being the most expensive city on this list of best places to retire in Virginia, Alexandria occupies the fifth place. One of the best things about living in the city is its proximity to Washington, D.C. Alexandria is only seven miles away from the US capital’s downtown, and it is a good choice for those who are not ready to give up advantages of life in a big city. At the same time, seniors who prefer spending their time in one place will enjoy discovering Alexandria’s arts scene which has been recognized as one of the most diverse in the country. There are also plenty of waterfront and outdoor activities (cruising, biking, hiking, practicing yoga) for retirees who like spending time outside.
4. Blacksburg
Costs of living: 2.1 percent higher than US average
Median home value: $199,000
Violent crime rates: 29.2
Number of doctors per capita: 201
Blacksburg is the safest city on the list with crime rates almost half of the national average. The city is a home to Virginia Tech University, which is the reason why median age is 21.8. Blacksburg has the lowest number of doctors per capita, but that does not mean that residents cannot count on quality health care since renowned Montgomery Regional Hospital is located in the city. The town has the second smallest population among ranked places, and it is an ideal place for seniors who are looking for quiet, friendly environment.
3. Danville
Costs of living: 18.8 percent lower than US average
Median home value: $86,800
Violent crime rates: 54.9
Number of doctors per capita: 293
Danville, which is known as the place with the highest number of churches per residents in Virginia, is the most affordable city on our list. It did not rank as first because compared to other listed places it has a smaller number of doctors and higher crime rates. One of the most beautiful features of the city is its Riverwalk Trail on Dan river where residents relax surrounded by beautiful scenery and historical sites.
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2. Winchester
Costs of living: 5.8 percent higher than US average
Median home value: $187,700
Violent crime rates: 44.7
Number of doctors per capita: 874
Winchester is the smallest place on the list with a population of 26,000. In terms of housing prices and costs of living the city falls into the category of moderately expensive places. Money spent on relocating in Winchester can guarantee two things – proper health care, since the city has the second highest number of doctors per capita, and safe, friendly environment.
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1. Roanoke
Costs of living: 11.1 percent lower than US average
Median home value: $135,500
Violent crime rates: 67.8
Number of doctors per capita: 428
Roanoke ranks as first on our list of 10 best places to retire in Virginia. The city which is nicknamed the Star City of the South because of the abundance of recreational and cultural opportunities is also the second cheapest place on our list. In 2013, the Huffington Post ranked Roanoke as the second Most Affordable City to retire, while Market watch placed it among the best places for seniors in Virginia. The city also found its place on Only in your state and Niche lists. The only downside of living in Roanoke is high crime rates which are well above the US average.
