The 9 Best Places to Live in Virginia

Virginia appeals to people of all ages and is home to excellent public schools and cultural sites.

You’re already ahead of the curve when you’re looking for a great place to live in Virginia. Virginia has four of the 10 wealthiest counties in the United States and the 11th highest per capita income. It also has one of the nation’s best public school systems and plenty of opportunities for economic growth.

But when you look past the rankings, Virginia is also a state rich with natural landscapes, a mild climate, and ample cultural diversity. Throughout the state, you’ll find benefits that appeal to everyone, from young families to older couples. Explore nine of the best places to live in Virginia:

1. Alexandria

Best city in Virginia for an outdoor lifestyle

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,820 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $2,100 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $2,575 per month

Considered one of the top 100 places to live, Alexandria is a warm and welcoming Virginia suburb just 7 miles south of Washington, D.C. Calmer than its northern neighbor, the suburb offers a variety of housing options, outdoor recreation, and shopping destinations. Those who enjoy spending time in nature have access to many parks, walking trails, and riverfront views of the Potomac.

If you’re a fan of heading out for activity, Alexandria also holds the Old Town district, an area chock-full of independent and diverse restaurants, shops, and theaters. 

As a benefit of Alexandria’s proximity to Washington, the town offers excellent walkability and an abundance of public transportation options, including bike- and car-sharing, the D.C. Metro, the free trolley on King Street, and even water taxis. With all these transportation options at your disposal and only a 10-minute commute to the airport and Amtrak station, you can go completely car-free here.

This access to transportation makes Alexandria one of the most convenient places to live in Virginia. Families also benefit from Alexandria’s great public schools, historic sites, and cultural destinations, such as the Little Theater of Alexandria and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The current population in Alexandria, Virginia, is 154,000 people.

2. Arlington

Best city in Virginia for art and culture

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,894 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $2,333 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $3,029 per month

Neighboring Alexandria on the Potomac River, Arlington also ranks among America’s best places to live, with comforts and conveniences, a robust school system, and an expanding economy. As part of the sixth wealthiest county in the United States, the city offers its residents historic housing options, short commute times, and an admirably low crime rate. 

If you’re seeking the amenities and diversity of a city without the full bustle of Washington, you may find a home in Arlington. The city is home to over 230,000 people, less than half of the residents in nearby Washington, D.C.

So close to the hub of the nation’s capital, Arlington sports an impressive arts community and several historically significant sites. Among its many cultural destinations reside the Arlington National Cemetery, the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, and the National Mall. 

Additionally, residents of this Virginia city can benefit from the area’s vibrant nightlife by catching a show at the Signature Theatre or dining at one of the city’s diverse restaurants. Like much of Virginia, the area also offers several natural attractions and outdoor activities. Escape from the city to places like Upton Hill Regional Park and the Mount Vernon Trail.

3. Chesapeake

Best city in Virginia for families

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $2,100 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,525 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,500 per month

Chesapeake is an eclectic mix of diverse terrain and entertainment options. The northern side of the city tends to have a more urban vibe. The Pleasant Grove neighborhood has more access to parks and outdoor recreation. You’ll also get access to the wetlands and the Great Dismal Swamp.

Chesapeake is home to over 250,000 residents, but it still does an excellent job of maintaining its small city feel. You will need a car to get around Chesapeake, as it’s not very walkable. The city is also comprised of primarily of single-family homes, meaning you can get a rental with more outdoor space and parking.

4. Newport News

Best city in Virginia for military families and outdoor enthusiasts

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,485 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,519 per month

Newport News has a vibe unlike anything else you’ll find in Virginia. Newport News contains unique restaurants and shops in one of the oldest U.S. cities. The city also has a heavy military presence with numerous bases nearby, meaning you’ll find many of its over 184,000 residents are active duty or the family of active-duty military members.

Newport News also boasts an impressive outdoor space with over 8,000 acres of land. Whether you prefer to spend your time hiking, biking, running, or picnicking, Newport News is one of the best places to live in Virginia for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Norfolk

Best city in Virginia for seniors

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,465 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,395 per month

Norfolk is small, especially in comparison to other Virginia cities. Life in Norfolk is slower than its busier counterparts, with more people owning vehicles. For this reason, you’ll find that Norfolk is a popular retirement place. Dozens of outdoor recreation options abound.

Norfolk also has its fair share of history and culture to explore. The Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus and the Norfolk Botanical Garden are worth a stroll. Norfolk residents of all ages love the Virginia Zoo, and the MacArthur memorial is also worth checking out. The city also sits at the opening of the Chesapeake Bay, making it an excellent spot for waterfront dining and boating. An estimated 235,000 people live in Norfolk today.

6. Richmond

Best city in Virginia for singles and beer enthusiasts

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,353 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,366 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,566 per month

Richmond is full of historic charm but with a nice mix of modern design. You can easily explore the Richmond National Battlefield Park and then check out the downtown art scene. Richmond is also home to the Richmond Beer Trail, a collection of 30 breweries, all with a distinct vibe. More recently, Richmond has earned a reputation as an emerging craft beer scene.

The city also has ample public parks, perfect for younger families or those with dogs. A lot of bars in the area even have dog-friendly patios. The unique architecture and outdoor art will become a favorite part of your new hometown. With just 226,000 residents in Norfolk, you can enjoy a slightly quieter way of life without losing out on access to restaurants and bars.

7. Roanoke

Best city in Virginia for renters on a budget

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $948 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $880 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,000 per month

Roanoke is an excellent option for families who want to be near the busy city life but far enough away to enjoy a suburban way of life. With less than 100,000 residents in Roanoke, the community offers a much smaller town feel. The Mill Mountain Star & Park is one of the most distinguished parks in the area, with the Roanoke Star and Mill Mountain Zoo.

Black Dog Salvage is one of the most popular destinations in Virginia. As you watch the DIY Network show Salvage Dawgs, you may be familiar with Black Dog Salvage. Owning a vehicle in Roanoke is a must since the city’s smaller size doesn’t support public transportation. In return, though, you can enjoy affordable rent.

8. Virginia Beach

Best city in Virginia for beachgoers

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,699 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,454 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,640 per month

With a conveniently low cost of living, Virginia Beach is an excellent area for those who crave weekly access to — you guessed it — the beach. While it’s not the cheapest place to live in Virginia, the area boasts access to over 10 beaches, including Sandbridge, Croatan, and North End, which add to its value. Enjoy the abundant outdoor destinations to relax, exercise, and socialize along the water. Residents bask in a daily celebration of life on the coast with aquatic-inspired attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, and the Boardwalk. 

One of the more populated regions of Virginia, the Virginia Beach area offers daytime amenities like parks and coffee shops and a busy nightlife. In total, approximately 458,000 people reside in Virginia Beach.

Get a unique workout at the Hillier Ignite Fitness Park or encounter nature at the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. In the evenings, residents can share a laugh at the Funny Bone Comedy or see a show at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or Zeider’s American Dream Theater. Along with the area’s large number of museums and educational offerings, families also benefit from some of the best public schools in the country.

In addition to its lively arts culture, Virginia Beach also hosts an impressive food scene. Residents can take delicious advantage of the area’s hyper-local food movement or dine in a different restaurant every day of the year. Care to join in the trend? Pick up your produce and other necessities on Saturdays at the Old Beach Farmers Market. 

9. Williamsburg

Best city in Virginia for young families

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,174 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,635 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $1,610 per month

Founded in 1632, Williamsburg possesses a unique colonial charm. The city serves as another hub of cultural and recreational activities, offering its residents a blend of the modern and traditional. In addition to its impressive 58.90 restaurants per capita and numerous shopping districts, individuals, couples, and families benefit from easy access to Interstate 64, proximity to Norfolk, and relatively high housing affordability.

Residents — especially those with young children — enjoy many fun and educational destinations such as Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Additional attractions include the College of William and Mary, the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, the Busch Gardens theme park, and the nearby Hampton Roads Colosseum. 

The area is home to many young professionals, and an excellent public school system. Currently, only around 15,500 people call Williamsburg home.

With everything from theme parks to theaters, museums to malls, and schools to shopping districts, Virginia has attractions and livability benefits for everyone interested in this East Coast state. Whether you’re looking for a home steeped in history or a cosmopolitan community, you can find it in Virginia.

Frequently asked questions about living in Virginia

Now that you’ve discovered the best places to live in Virginia, check out Virginia houses and apartments for rent on Zumper and find your next home.