Americans love Virginia! And why wouldn’t you? From a top-rated college town to being the safest place to live, the Old Dominion has got it all.
The median home value for Virginia is $419,700. The State scores 75/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Reston and Centreville are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is the same as the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Virginia.
Best Places to Live in Virginia in 2024
Hereās our ranking of the top areas in Virginia to live in. Weāve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Martinsville | 13,763 | $152,600 | $6,159 | 56/100 |
| 2. | Danville | 41,837 | $189,000 | $5,888 | 53/100 |
| 3. | Bristol | 16,807 | $199,900 | $6,945 | 48/100 |
| 4. | Big Stone Gap | 5,114 | $172,000 | $6,544 | 39/100 |
| 5. | Bluefield | 4,906 | $82,000 | $6,414 | 43/100 |
| 6. | Roanoke | 97,171 | $233,750 | $7,637 | 61/100 |
| 7. | Lynchburg | 79,535 | $278,950 | $7,257 | 50/100 |
| 8. | Charlottesville | 44,983 | $643,300 | $9,452 | 68/100 |
| 9. | Alexandria | 155,230 | $594,000 | $11,996 | 77/100 |
| 10. | Virginia Beach | 453,649 | $380,000 | $8,459 | 63/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Virginia
Hereās our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Old Dominion State:
#1 Martinsville
- Median Home Price: $152,600[2]
- Median Household Income in Martinsville: $39,127[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Martinsville, VA: 24112 | 24114 | 24113
Martinsville’s median home price is 26% below the national average. Also, the cost of living is 10% lower than the state average, which is quite affordable. Moreover, M-Ville has great connectivity. The Blue Ridge Airport is within a 10-40 mile radius of the city center.
Additionally, the city offers excellent job opportunities. Big corporations like Faneuil Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, and Walmart Supercenter have their main offices located in the city.
Ā» Martinsville Homes for Sale: Browse countless properties in the best place to live in Virginia.
#2 Danville
- Median Home Price: $189,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Danville: $41,484[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 53/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Danville, VA: 24540 | 02021
Danville has a rich history as the last capital of the Confederacy. It is known for its evolving economy. Once a hub for tobacco and textiles, it now focuses on healthcare, education, and manufacturing. This has led to a boost in job opportunities.
Danville’s downtown River District offers dining, entertainment, and community events. The city is also home to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History and outdoor activities along the Dan River. Annual events include the Danville Harvest Jubilee.
Ā» Danville Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best areas to live in Virginia.
#3 Bristol
- Median Home Price: $199,900[2]
- Median Household Income in Bristol: $45,250[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 48/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Bristol, VA: 24202 | 24209 | 24203
Bristol is located on the state border, next to its twin city, Bristol, Tennessee. This location makes it a central hub, connected to many states via major highways like Interstate 81. Besides, the city offers cultural and recreational attractions. They include the Mendota Trail and Clear Creek Lake.
With a 4.20% low unemployment rate, Bristol is an ideal place for job seekers. The city is home to big corporations like Strongwell, WCYB, Wellmont, and BDO. Furthermore, Bristol has easy access to job hubs like Knoxville, Roanoke, and Tennessee West.
Ā»Ā Bristol Homes for Sale:Ā Find your ideal home in one of the best places to live in Virginia.
#4 Big Stone Gap
- Median Home Price: $172,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Big Stone Gap: $52,663[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 39/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Big Stone Gap, VA: 24219
Big Stone Gap is a charming town in Wise County, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Surrounded by hills and forests, it boasts natural beauty. Moreover, the town offers hiking, camping, and fishing.
Big Stone Gap is 18% more affordable than the national average. Apart from this, its St. Paul Elementary School is among the best. All this makes the town one of the best places to live in Virginia with a family.
Ā» Big Stone Gap Homes for Sale: Find your perfect residence in one of the best towns to live in Virginia.
#5 Bluefield
- Median Home Price: $82,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Bluefield: $45,854[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 43/100[6]
- Popular Zip Code in Bluefield, VA: 24605
Bluefield, often known as “Nature’s Air-Conditioned City,” is a small town in Mercer County. The town is home to top employers, like Norfolk Southern and Princeton Community Hospital. Moreover, living costs are low at 8.5% lower than the national average.
Bluefield has scenic beauty, recreation, and attractions. They include a historic train depot and the Ridge Runner mini-train. The city also hosts the Bluefield Coal Show and Lemonade Festival, and its I-77 location connects it to larger cities.
Ā» Bluefield Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the best places to live in Virginia.
#6 Roanoke
- Median Home Price: $233,750[2]
- Median Household Income in Roanoke: $51,523[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100[6]
- 2 Popular Zip Codes in Roanoke, VA: 24012 | 24018
Housing prices in Roanoke are 22% cheaper than the US average. Also, the city has a growing job market with a low 3.4% unemployment rate. Major employers include Wells Fargo and Roanoke County Schools.
Apart from this, Roanoke has a rich culture with the Taubman Museum of Art and historic City Market. In addition, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mill Mountain’s hiking trails. They can also kayak and fish in nearby rivers.
Ā» Roanoke Homes for Sale: View the best properties in one of the great places to live in Virginia.
#7 Lynchburg
- Median Home Price: $278,950[2]
- Median Household Income in Lynchburg: $56,243[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 50/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Lynchburg, VA: 24502 | 24501 | 24503
Lynchburg, “The Hill City,” is in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River. It’s known for its scenery, historic architecture, and culture. The city’s steep hills give it a unique topography and great views. Additionally, it is home to the tech giant Amazon, an ideal company for job seekers.
Lynchburg has a highly rated education system. The college town in the city is home to the prestigious University of Lynchburg. It is ideal for students seeking higher education in biomedical sciences and management.
Ā» Lynchburg Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best places to live in VA.
#8 Charlottesville
- Median Home Price: $643,300[2]
- Median Household Income in Charlottesville: $67,177[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 68/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Charlottesville, VA: 22911 | 22903 | 22901
Charlottesville has a rich history and a vibrant culture. It is home to the University of Virginia, a top public university. Apart from being a major employer, UVA adds youthful energy. Plus, the city’s economy thrives on education, healthcare, and tech.
Also, healthcare costs in Charlottesville are 3% below the national average. The city also offers a lively arts scene, many wineries, and outdoor fun in Shenandoah National Park.
Ā» Charlottesville Homes for Sale: Explore countless properties in one of the top cities in Virginia to live.
#9 Alexandria
- Median Home Price: $594,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Alexandria: $113,179[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 77/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Alexandria, VA: 22314 | 22304 | 22306
Alexandria is a historic city, just minutes from Washington, D.C. It is a hub for government and tech businesses. The cost of living is 30% higher than the national average, reflecting its proximity to the nationās capital. However, the city has a strong job market with a projected growth rate of 26.64%.
Major employers in Alexandria include the U.S. Patent Office, federal agencies, and private firms. Besides this, it offers a high quality of life. It has great public schools, diverse restaurants, and nice parks.
Ā» Alexandria Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best places to live in Virginia for families.
#10 Virginia Beach
- Median Home Price: $380,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Virginia Beach: $87,544[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 63/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Virginia Beach, VA: 23462 | 23451 | 23455
Virginia Beach is famous for its lively blend of beaches, military presence, and nature. It has a 3-mile boardwalk with hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It draws tourists year-round.
The city has a robust job market, particularly in the tourism, military, and healthcare sectors. Moreover, Virginia Beach offers many outdoor activities. You can boat, fish, and explore the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Its highly rated public schools and various parks make it an ideal place for families.
Ā» Virginia Beach Homes for Sale: Find your coastal home in one of the best areas in Virginia to live.
Best Places to Live in Virginia Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Arlington | Falls Church | Vienna |
| Young Professionals | Arlington | Alexandria | Norfolk |
| Retirees | Winchester | Virginia Beach | Williamsburg |
Is Virginia the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Virginia is one of the best places to live in the US due to its low cost of living and great climate. Other things that contribute are its cultural diversity and excellent city life.
The Old Dominion Stateās current population is 8,752,300, which has grown by 0.42% in the past year. Moreover, the state is the 11th safest in the country.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Virginia. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Virginia
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Virginia. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Virginia and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Virginia Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Virginia for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
is Virginia a good place to live?
Yes, the Old Dominion State is a good place to live. It is the 11th safest state in the country and has a flourishing job market. Martinsville, Danville, and Bristol are some of the best places in Virginia.
Which is best city to live in Virginia?
Martinsville is the best city to live in Virginia. Also, the cost of living is 10% lower than the state average, which is quite affordable. Moreover, M-Ville has great connectivity. The Blue Ridge Airport is within a 10-40 mile radius of the city center.
What are the nicest parts of Virginia to live in?
The best parts to live in Virginia are the Northern, Southeastern, and Central regions. They include cities like Alexandria, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and more.
What is the nicest but cheapest place to live in Virginia?
Martinsville is one of the nicest and cheapest places to live in Virginia. It has a cost of living 10% below the national average.
