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Moving to Virginia: What It’s Like to Live in the Old Dominion
Virginia is a state of contrasts with mid-sized but robust urban metros and small towns that feel centuries away from it. It’s a state where profound history sits next to modern tech businesses. Seriously, you'll see Revolutionary War landmarks next to data centers and defense contractors.
People move here for steady jobs, strong schools, and balanced living. The northern region ties directly to D.C. and offers some of the country’s highest median incomes, while smaller cities and rural areas keep the slower pace many movers are seeking.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Virginia added about 45,000 new residents in 2023, much of it concentrated in Northern Virginia and the Richmond area. Migration continues to come from the Northeast and Midwest, drawn by jobs and mild weather.
Cost of Living in Virginia
Virginia’s cost of living depends almost entirely on where you land. The D.C. suburbs are expensive, while smaller metros and coastal towns stay reasonable.
- Home prices: The statewide median home price is around $410,000, with Northern Virginia averaging $600,000–$700,000, Richmond near $380,000, and Hampton Roads around $350,000.
- Rent: Expect $2,200 for a one-bedroom in Arlington or Alexandria and about $1,300–$1,500 in Richmond, Norfolk, or Roanoke.
- Taxes: Virginia’s state income tax ranges from 2% to 5.75%, and property taxes are relatively low.
- Utilities: Moderate, though air-conditioning costs rise in humid summers.
- Transportation: Transit in Northern Virginia and Richmond is decent, but most areas rely on cars.
Overall, Virginia delivers good value for income — especially for professionals balancing work in D.C. or tech sectors with a suburban or small-city lifestyle.
TL;DR: Virginia Regions at a Glance
Region---------------------------------What Works----------------------Good Fit For
Northern Virginia------------------------Jobs, transit, schools---------------Professionals, families
(Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax)
Richmond & Central Virginia--------------Historic charm, affordability---------Young professionals, families
Hampton Roads-------------------------Beaches, affordability---------------Military, remote workers
(Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake)
Blue Ridge & Shenandoah Valley----------Scenic, peaceful, affordable---------Retirees, remote workers
Southside & Southwest Virginia-----------Low-cost, small-town living---------Families, retirees, self-employed
Where in Virginia Should You Live?
Northern Virginia
This region — often called “NoVA” — includes Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County. It’s one of the most educated and economically robust areas in the country, thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C.
What Works: Job access, top schools, and easy transit connections to D.C.
Watch Out For: High housing costs and heavy traffic.
Richmond & Central Virginia
Richmond has evolved into a creative and affordable mid-sized city with a strong job base in finance, healthcare, and higher education. Surrounding areas like Midlothian and Short Pump combine city access with suburban living.
What Works: Historic neighborhoods, affordability, and cultural growth.
Watch Out For: Humidity and slower pace outside downtown.
Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake form the Hampton Roads metro, anchored by naval bases and a steady economy tied to defense, shipping, and tourism.
What Works: Beach proximity, affordability, and year-round livability.
Watch Out For: Flooding and seasonal traffic.
Blue Ridge & Shenandoah Valley
This region includes towns like Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Staunton — places where mountain views and university culture meet small-town life.
What Works: Scenic living, great schools, and a slower pace.
Watch Out For: Longer commutes and limited big-city amenities.
Southside & Southwest Virginia
From Roanoke to Bristol, this part of the state offers the lowest costs and tight-knit communities. It’s an emerging destination for remote workers and retirees.
What Works: Affordable housing, calm pace, and outdoor access.
Watch Out For: Smaller job markets and slower broadband expansion.
Best Cities in Virginia to Consider
Arlington
Urban and connected, with top schools and Metro access.
Alexandria
Historic charm, walkability, and riverside living.
Richmond
Affordable, creative, and growing steadily.
Virginia Beach
Coastal lifestyle with strong schools.
Charlottesville
University energy and mountain scenery.
Roanoke
Affordable, outdoorsy, and increasingly popular for remote workers.
Norfolk
Waterfront access and a solid arts community.
Harrisonburg
Small-college-town feel and accessible cost of living.
Is Virginia Right for You?
Virginia fits people who want access to opportunity but are also demanding some balance. This means proximity to major jobs, but not sacrificing quality of life. Northern Virginia offers one of the nation’s best combinations of income and stability; Richmond and Hampton Roads provide affordability and community; the Blue Ridge adds peace and space.
You’ll find variety in climate, housing, and lifestyle, all within a few hours’ drive — city to coast to mountain.
FAQs About Living in Virginia
Q: Is Virginia affordable?
A: Outside Northern Virginia, yes. The rest of the state stays near or below the national average for housing.
Q: What are the safest areas in Virginia?
A: Vienna, Leesburg, and Poquoson often rank at the top for safety.
Q: How’s the job market?
A: Strong — driven by federal contracting, healthcare, higher ed, and growing tech sectors.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Mostly. Metro and VRE rail serve Northern Virginia; elsewhere, driving is essential.
Q: What’s the weather like?
A: Four seasons, with mild winters and hot, humid summers near the coast.
Q: Does Virginia tax retirement income?
A: Yes, but modestly. Property taxes and sales taxes remain below national averages.
Ready to Find Your Virginia Fit?
From mountain towns to coastal cities, Virginia offers something for nearly every kind of mover.
- Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your best-fit Virginia cities and save them in your Movebook.